Central Vietnam Floods Leave Tourist Cities Devastated—Everything You Need to Know About the Crisis

Published on November 23, 2025

The central region of Vietnam is grappling with an unprecedented flood disaster that has submerged historic cities, ravaged key tourist destinations, and claimed 55 lives. With weeks of relentless rainfall triggering massive flooding, cities like Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Da Lat have been hit particularly hard. The devastation includes landslides, power outages, and severed transport links, leaving both local residents and the travel industry in crisis. In the wake of the floodwaters slowly receding, Vietnam’s tourism sector—especially in beloved hotspots like Hoi An—faces a long road to recovery. As experts warn of a worsening climate crisis, this disaster is a grim reminder of the ongoing environmental threats the region faces.

Severe Flooding and Destruction in Historic Hoi An

The UNESCO-listed Hoi An—one of Vietnam’s most treasured cities—has been flooded three times in just one month. The Hoai River overflowed, inundating the once-bustling streets, with thick mud coating the ancient walkways and buildings. Clean-up operations have begun, with excavators and water tankers working around the clock to clear away debris. However, parts of the city remain submerged, including Bach Dang Street, which is still under nearly half a meter of water. While tourist boats continue to operate along the river, the popular tourist town is far from returning to normalcy. For the time being, ticket sales to Hoi An are suspended to facilitate uninterrupted clean-up efforts.

Nha Trang and Da Lat: Coastal and Highland Cities Hit Hard

Elsewhere in central Vietnam, the devastation continues. Nha Trang, a beloved coastal destination, saw entire neighbourhoods completely submerged by the deluge. The famous beach town, known for its stunning coastal views and resorts, now faces severe damage to infrastructure and housing.

Meanwhile, Da Lat, a highland retreat popular among tourists for its cool climate and scenic views, is also grappling with the aftermath of devastating landslides. Key routes to the city have been blocked, and with the main roads severely damaged, thousands of tourists have fled. Hotel bookings have dried up almost overnight, leaving many businesses on the brink of collapse. The impact on tourism is profound as landslides continue to disrupt the flow of visitors to the Da Lat tourist hub.

Tragic Toll on Human Life and Property

The deadly effects of this flood disaster have claimed 55 lives, with 13 still missing. The worst-hit province, Dak Lak, accounted for over half of the fatalities. In addition to the loss of life, more than 300,000 people are still without power, following a massive blackout that initially affected over a million people. Efforts to restore essential services remain ongoing, while highways across central Vietnam continue to be impassable, complicating relief efforts. For both residents and tourists, this remains a time of immense uncertainty.

Tourism Devastation: The Impact on Vietnam’s Economy

The flood disaster has not only led to human and infrastructural losses but has also severely disrupted Vietnam’s tourism industry. Cities like Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Da Lat, which rely heavily on tourism, are facing a crisis as peak season bookings vanish in the wake of the storm. With roads, airports, and public transport in disarray, the entire sector has been thrown into turmoil. The Vietnam Railways Corporation announced suspension of several key train services, further complicating travel throughout the region.

For travel agents and tour operators, it’s essential to stay informed and relay updated information to clients regarding the situation. Tourists who had planned to visit these regions in the coming weeks are advised to either postpone or cancel their trips until the situation improves.

Vietnam’s Climate Crisis and Future Risks

As the floodwaters slowly subside, scientists are warning that such extreme weather events may become more frequent and severe due to climate change. Southeast Asia is particularly vulnerable to the growing threat of flash floods, landslides, and rising river levels. Experts predict that regions like Vietnam, which already experience heavy seasonal rains, will face more severe weather patterns in the future, putting further strain on the country’s infrastructure, economy, and human safety.

The Vietnamese government has made strides to mitigate the effects of such natural disasters, but climate change is outpacing efforts to adapt. With natural disasters becoming more deadly, the country faces an uncertain future, and the full scale of recovery in flood-affected areas could take months.

What Should Travelers Do? Tips for Visiting Vietnam Post-Flooding

For travelers planning to visit central Vietnam, caution is advised. While international airports remain operational, flight delays are common, and train services have been disrupted in affected areas. Here are some essential tips for tourists:

• Stay Informed: Regularly check the latest updates from travel agencies or local news outlets for changes to train schedules, road conditions, and flight statuses.
• Choose Safe Destinations: While Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Da Lat remain heavily impacted, consider visiting other regions of Vietnam that have not been affected by the flooding.
• Support Local Businesses: Tourism is one of the key industries affected by the disaster, so visitors can consider helping by supporting local shops, restaurants, and hotels in less affected areas.
• Be Prepared: Pack appropriate clothing for wet conditions, as some regions are still experiencing heavy rainfall.

A Long Road to Recovery for Central Vietnam

The recovery process in central Vietnam will undoubtedly take time. While the floodwaters are beginning to recede, the rebuilding of infrastructure, homes, and businesses is just beginning. For residents, the devastation left in the wake of the floods is deeply challenging, but efforts to rebuild are already underway.

For the tourism sector, the disaster serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the increasing risks associated with climate change. Central Vietnam’s travel industry may take months, if not years, to fully recover from this disaster, and in the meantime, residents and businesses will need all the support they can get.

Conclusion: Resilience in the Face of Adversity

While the flood disaster in Vietnam has caused widespread destruction, the resilience of the affected communities shines through. The recovery efforts, both by authorities and local citizens, will be key to rebuilding the nation’s historic cities and restoring the thriving tourism industry. With climate change threatening more extreme weather in the future, it is imperative that Vietnam—and other nations facing similar risks—invest in sustainable infrastructure to protect against the growing threat of natural disasters.