Central Vietnam Floods Impact Tourism: Latest Travel And Safety Advisory

Central Vietnam is weathering one of its most intense storm seasons in recent memory, with days of torrential rain triggering severe flooding across popular tourist regions. Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang—usually buzzing with cultural tours, lantern-lit evenings, and beachfront stays—have instead found themselves submerged as rivers swelled beyond capacity and streets turned into waterways. For visitors in the region, the past few days have been marked by evacuations, travel disruptions, and the uneasy wait for clearer skies.

The flooding, brought on by sustained heavy rainfall since the weekend, has left widespread damage in its wake. These central provinces, known for their rich heritage and coastal charm, are accustomed to tropical storms—but the volume of rain this season has been significantly higher than usual. Some areas recorded over a metre of rainfall within just 24 hours, overwhelming both infrastructure and local response systems.

Vietnam Floods: Tourist Hubs Under Water

Hue, the former imperial capital with its quiet pagodas and centuries-old tombs, has been among the worst hit. More than half of the city’s communes are reported to have been submerged under deep floodwaters, with thousands of residents shifted to safer ground. Scenes emerging from the city show traditional houses, market streets, and even parts of the historic citadel’s surrounding neighborhoods under muddy water.

Further south in Hoi An—Vietnam’s postcard-perfect Ancient Town—boats have replaced bicycles on the winding alleys along the Thu Bon River. While seasonal flooding in Hoi An is not unusual, this year’s levels have surpassed typical flood markers, prompting emergency evacuations of both locals and tourists. Hotels and guesthouses in low-lying areas have turned into temporary shelters as the city works to ferry stranded travellers to higher ground.

Power outages have compounded the challenges. More than 300,000 households and businesses across Hue, Da Nang, and the neighboring Quang Tri province have experienced blackouts, cutting off electricity to communities already dealing with inundated homes and blocked roads.

Travel Plans Disrupted

For travellers, the situation remains fluid. Airports in Hue and Da Nang continue to operate, and flights are running largely on schedule—though travellers are being cautioned to stay alert to sudden changes in weather conditions. The bigger disruption has come by rail: Vietnam Railways has suspended services on the key north–south line that connects Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, citing track damage and unsafe operating conditions.

Tourists staying in affected districts have been evacuated by boat, especially in Hoi An and rural areas of Thua Thien-Hue province where flooding cut off road access. Hotels in the region have issued advisories urging guests to remain inside, avoid riversides, and wait for official updates from local authorities.

Those planning future travel to central Vietnam are being advised to check conditions frequently and be willing to modify itineraries. The storm season in Vietnam typically runs from May to November, and travellers visiting during this period are encouraged to remain flexible.

Travel Advisory: What You Need To Know

Government weather agencies indicate that intermittent rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue for the next several days, with risks of further flooding and landslides in mountainous and riverside areas. While waters have begun to recede in some regions, renewed rainfall and reservoir discharges may cause fluctuations.

For those considering cancelling or postponing trips, refund eligibility depends on individual travel providers. Since there is currently no nationwide advisory against travel to Vietnam, standard cancellation terms apply. Travel insurance may offer coverage if natural disasters prevent travel, but only if such clauses are included in the policy.

The flooding has sparked wider conversations around changing climate patterns in Southeast Asia, where extreme weather events—including flash floods, heatwaves, and landslides—have grown more frequent and more intense.

For now, central Vietnam remains in recovery mode, balancing immediate rescue efforts with the slow task of rebuilding. But if there is one constant here, it is resilience—seen in volunteers navigating boats to stranded homes, families returning to clean mud-soaked floors, and heritage towns determined to restore their rhythm and welcome travellers back when the water finally retreats.

FAQs | Vietnam Floods

1. Which areas in Vietnam are most affected by the flooding?
The most impacted areas are central Vietnam, particularly Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, and parts of Quang Tri province.

2. Are airports operating normally?
Yes, airports in Hue and Da Nang are currently operating, but travellers should monitor updates as weather conditions can change quickly.

3. Is rail travel affected?
Yes. Vietnam Railways has suspended services on sections of the north–south line due to flooded tracks and safety concerns.

4. Can travellers cancel their trips and get refunds?
Refund eligibility depends on individual booking policies. As there is no advisory against travel, automatic refunds do not apply.

5. What precautions should travellers take if they are in the affected areas?
Follow local authority instructions, avoid riverside and low-lying zones, monitor weather alerts, and keep travel plans flexible.