Vietnam Battles Devastating Landslides At Bach Ma National Park Resulting In The Suspension Of Trekking Routes And Forest Protection Operations

Published on December 29, 2025

Vietnam is currently battling the aftermath of devastating landslides at Bach Ma National Park, which have forced the suspension of trekking routes and forest protection operations. Important access roads and forest patrol routes were severely damaged by landslides brought on by record rainfall from severe flooding in October 2025, isolating important parts of the park. In order to assess the damage and plan the necessary repairs before the park can reopen to visitors and resume its environmental protection work, local authorities have halted tourism activities and disrupted conservation efforts.

Tourism operations at Bach Ma National Park, a premier natural destination in central Vietnam, have been suspended indefinitely following devastating landslides triggered by historic flooding. The park, spanning over 37,400 hectares along the boundary between Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Nam provinces, is renowned for its trekking routes, biodiversity, and stunning natural landscapes. However, the recent extreme weather events have left the park’s infrastructure in ruins, halting both tourism access and essential conservation activities.

The flooding, which occurred in late October 2025, was one of the most severe in the region’s history. Record rainfall, in some cases exceeding 1,700 millimeters, caused widespread damage to the park’s infrastructure. The main access road leading to the park’s summit, a crucial route for both tourists and forest protection personnel, was severely affected. Landslides, some of which stretched over 100 meters, destroyed the embankments and road surfaces, creating significant barriers that have made the area inaccessible.

The damage to the park’s infrastructure is extensive. Large cavities have formed beneath the road, some reaching depths of up to one meter. In certain areas, entire sections of the road have been washed away, cutting off both tourists and park rangers. The landslides also affected key forest patrol routes, further complicating conservation efforts. Several ranger stations located along the La Son-Tuy Loan expressway have become isolated, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the park’s biodiversity and prevent illegal activities.

The suspension of tourism activities at Bach Ma National Park has prompted concern over the broader impact on local tourism. Known for its natural beauty, the park attracts thousands of visitors each year, drawn by its diverse ecosystems and opportunities for eco-tourism, including hiking, birdwatching, and exploring its rich flora and fauna. The closure marks a significant blow to the region’s tourism economy, which has become heavily reliant on nature-based attractions in recent years.

While Bach Ma’s management team has implemented a temporary solution to allow rangers to continue their work, it is clear that long-term recovery efforts are required before the park can safely reopen to tourists. A narrow, temporary path has been created alongside the damaged road, enabling forest rangers to conduct essential patrols on foot. However, this temporary route is not suitable for tourism activities, which involve larger numbers of visitors.

Local authorities have committed to repairing the damaged infrastructure, but no official timeline has been given for when the park will reopen to the public. In the meantime, the park’s management has proposed several short-term measures, including the installation of pulley systems to transport supplies across the damaged sections. Additionally, plans for long-term reconstruction are under consideration, which may involve the construction of a bridge and reinforcement of the road’s embankments to prevent further erosion and landslides.

The indefinite suspension of tourism at Bach Ma National Park highlights the growing vulnerability of natural destinations to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. Vietnam’s rapidly changing weather patterns, characterized by increasingly intense storms and flooding, are testing the resilience of the country’s infrastructure, particularly in remote, nature-focused areas. The situation also underscores the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and the development of more robust systems to protect both visitors and ecosystems.

In the broader context of Vietnam’s tourism industry, this incident calls attention to the challenges that nature-based tourism destinations face when dealing with the effects of climate change. Many of the country’s most popular eco-tourism sites, including national parks and nature reserves, are located in areas prone to flooding, landslides, and other extreme weather events. As these phenomena become more frequent, the sustainability of these destinations may be threatened, leading to disruptions in both tourism and conservation efforts.

The Vietnamese government has long been focused on promoting eco-tourism as a key driver of economic growth, particularly in rural and less-developed regions. However, this incident at Bach Ma National Park serves as a reminder that the development of tourism infrastructure must go hand-in-hand with environmental and disaster resilience planning. Strengthening the resilience of national parks and other natural areas will be crucial for ensuring that they can continue to attract visitors while also safeguarding their unique ecosystems.

For now, travelers planning visits to Bach Ma National Park are advised to monitor official updates from local authorities and consider alternative eco-tourism destinations in the region. While the park remains closed, other nearby locations may still offer opportunities for nature exploration, including trekking and wildlife watching.

Vietnam is facing significant disruptions at Bach Ma National Park due to devastating landslides caused by historic flooding, leading to the suspension of trekking routes and forest protection operations. The damage to key access roads and patrol routes has halted both tourism and conservation efforts until repairs are completed.

As Vietnam recovers from the damage caused by the October flooding, the restoration of Bach Ma National Park will be a key focus for local and national authorities. The long-term viability of the park as a tourism destination will depend on effective infrastructure repairs, improved disaster preparedness, and the protection of the natural environment that makes Bach Ma a unique and valuable asset for the country’s tourism sector.