Severe Flooding Strikes Vietnam’s Hue and Hoi An, Impacting Local Tourism and Infrastructure, Here’s All You Need to Know

Written By: Moulina Dhara

Moulina Dhara

An ardent writer with a Master's degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University, where I developed a deep appreciation for storytelling, cultural narratives, and the power of language. My academic background has shaped the way I approach content—with curiosity, attention to detail, and an understanding that every story has the potential to connect, inform, and inspire.Writing has always been more than a skill for me; it is a way of observing and making sense of the world. From journaling to exploring literature, cinema, and visual arts, I am drawn to the rawness of everyday life and the stories hidden within ordinary moments. This perspective allows me to create content that feels authentic, relatable, and emotionally resonant rather than formulaic.I enjoy crafting articles, blogs, web copy, and thought-driven content that balances creativity with clarity. My approach combines thorough research, compelling storytelling, and a reader-first mindset to produce pieces that are both engaging and meaningful. Whether the goal is to build a brand voice, communicate ideas, or foster genuine audience engagement, I strive to create content that leaves a lasting impact.I believe the strongest content doesn't just capture attention—it builds trust by speaking with honesty, purpose, and authenticity.

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October 28, 2025 6:12 PM

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Central Vietnam has suffered its worst floods in history due to the greatest rainfall ever recorded in the country. Homes, farmland, and tourist destinations alike have been submerged. The historic and highly touristic cities of Hue and Hoi An have been some of the worst affected. The Vietnamese meteorological department reported the 1,085 millimeters (42 inches) rainfall in Hue to be the highest in the country for a 24 hour period. The floods have affected many of the country’s tourist gems, and brought misery to and displaced thousands of local, regional, and international tourists alike.

By October 28, 2025, the flood waters in Hue and Hoi An reached waist deep levels. The historic region suffered especially as the imperial capital of Hue and its UNESCO heritage listed sites were submerged. The 15 feet flood waters of the Perfume River were a disaster for an already heavily affected tourism industry ‘ deep waters have ever been recorded in this city. The floods have affected not just local households, but the entire economic tourism ecosystem in the historic region.

Tourists Evacuated from Hoi An Amid Rising Waters

One of the most immediate concerns has been the safety of tourists. Hoi An, known for its ancient streets, lantern-lit alleys, and rich cultural heritage, saw floodwaters rise rapidly, forcing the evacuation of around 40,000 tourists. As persistent rains and the release of water from nearby hydroelectric dams caused water levels in the Hoai River to rise nearly 2 meters (6.5 feet), hotel operators had to swiftly relocate guests.

Nguyen Ngoc Anh, a hotel owner near the Thu Bon River, described the urgency of the situation. “The flood was rising so fast, and we had to quickly relocate our guests to other hotels outside the flooding area for their safety,” he said. Hotels in the flooded areas had to secure doors and evacuate guests as swiftly as possible to avoid further danger. The swift action helped ensure the safety of visitors but left behind a situation of great disruption for the local tourism infrastructure.

The Broader Impact on Travel and Infrastructure

The floods in Hue have similarly had a profound impact on local infrastructure. Key streets have been submerged, and much of the city is now inaccessible by car, forcing residents to use boats for transport. This has severely hindered daily life in the city, and, in particular, tourism activities that are critical for the local economy. For a city as reliant on international and domestic tourism as Hue, these disruptions are devastating.

In addition to the flooding in Hue and Hoi An, Vietnam’s national rail services have also been severely impacted. The train route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most important transportation corridors in the country, was temporarily suspended due to flood damage. Thousands of passengers were stranded as floodwaters washed over parts of the railway, disrupting travel across the country.

In an attempt to safeguard critical infrastructure, Vietnam’s rail authorities positioned 19 train carriages laden with heavy stones to prevent a vital railway bridge from being swept away by the floodwaters. This emergency measure underscores the severity of the flooding and its potential to cause long-term disruptions to travel and commerce.

Widespread Isolation in Rural Areas Due to Flooding and Landslides

Beyond the urban centers, rural areas in the Thua Thien Hue province have also been heavily impacted. The Australian nonprofit Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation reported that approximately 1,000 people in rural pockets of the province have been isolated by the flooding and accompanying landslides. Among these people are 200 children under the care of the foundation. With roads cut off and floodwaters blocking access to aid, these vulnerable communities are facing significant challenges in receiving necessary support.

The floodwaters have left families stranded in their homes, with little access to food, water, and medical supplies. Emergency relief efforts are underway, but the situation remains dire in many remote areas where landslides and floodwaters have made travel nearly impossible.

The Role of Climate Change in Intensifying Storms

Experts have noted that climate change is playing a significant role in the increasing frequency and intensity of tropical storms in Southeast Asia. The warming of ocean temperatures provides storms with more fuel, leading to heavier rainfall and stronger winds. These changing weather patterns are expected to continue to exacerbate the severity of storms and flooding events in the region, with countries like Vietnam particularly vulnerable due to their geographic location.

Vietnam has long been one of the most flood-prone countries in the world, with nearly half of its population living in areas at risk of flooding. As climate change continues to accelerate, the nation faces increasing challenges in protecting its people, infrastructure, and industries, particularly tourism, from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Tourism Challenges Amidst a Growing Global Crisis

The flooding crisis in central Vietnam is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of tourism to extreme weather events. For a country like Vietnam, where tourism plays an essential role in the economy, the ongoing disruptions to travel are alarming. In addition to the immediate challenges of evacuating tourists and ensuring their safety, the long-term impact of the floods on the tourism industry is significant.

With major tourist destinations like Hue and Hoi An submerged under floodwaters, international and domestic tourists may reconsider their plans to visit the country in the coming months. The damage to local infrastructure, combined with the ongoing recovery efforts, means that these destinations will likely face a slower recovery in the short term.

The Path to Recovery and the Future of Tourism in Vietnam

While the immediate priority is to assist those affected by the floods and ensure the safety of both residents and tourists, Vietnam’s tourism sector must also look ahead to rebuilding and recovery. The floods highlight the importance of developing resilient tourism infrastructure that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change.

Tourism authorities and operators in Vietnam will likely need to reassess strategies for promoting tourism in the face of increasing natural disasters. As the global tourism market becomes more aware of the environmental challenges facing countries like Vietnam, there will be a growing emphasis on sustainability and disaster preparedness in the tourism industry.

In the longer term, Vietnam’s tourism sector can recover by investing in flood-resistant infrastructure, improving disaster response systems, and ensuring that its beautiful destinations remain accessible to travelers while protecting the natural environment.

The Future of Vietnam’s Tourism Industry Amidst Climate Challenges

As Vietnam’s tourism industry enters a trying period coming from the back of destructive flooding, travel and tourism stakeholders ought to prioritize “sustainable, resilient, and climate-change-adaptive Vietnam tourism” in their planning, as “Vietnam tourism sector 2025” should be a target for these stakeholders. Currently, the focus should be on helping those impacted by flooding, but the future planning of the tourism economic sector in Vietnam’s tourism industry should incorporate insights gained from these challenges. These lessons and insights will greatly help the tourism sector overcome and manage challenges that it will likely face in the future.