Vietnam Faces Travel Nightmares and Infrastructure Damage as Torrential Floods Continue to Batter the Central Region, Leaving Tourists in Limbo

Published on November 24, 2025

Vietnam is currently grappling with widespread flooding and travel chaos as intense rainfall continues to batter the central and southern regions of the country. Popular destinations such as Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang have been severely impacted, with streets, hotels, and entire neighborhoods submerged under rising floodwaters. The devastation follows the arrival of two powerful typhoons, which have intensified the already hazardous conditions caused by the annual tropical storm season.

Central Vietnam Submerged: Flooding Strikes Tourist Hotspots

The central provinces of Vietnam are facing some of the worst flooding in recent memory, with cities like Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang among the hardest-hit areas. These cities, famous for their cultural landmarks, historical sites, and tourism-driven economies, have seen their streets and buildings inundated, making daily life and travel nearly impossible for both locals and tourists.

Rivers in regions such as Dak Lak, Gia Lai, and Khanh Hoa have swollen to dangerous levels, submerging farmlands and forcing thousands to evacuate their homes. In some areas, floodwaters have reached record heights, cutting off access to essential services and leaving communities isolated from emergency responders. Local officials have scrambled to provide shelter and resources to those affected, but the situation remains dire.

The flooding has also wreaked havoc on Vietnam’s vital coffee-growing regions, which are located in the central highlands. These areas, known for producing some of the world’s finest coffee, have experienced significant crop damage, adding to the economic toll caused by the storm.

Travel Disruptions: Airport Closures and Flight Delays

For travelers, the ongoing flooding has led to significant disruptions in transportation, especially for those flying into or out of major cities. While major international airports like Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai in Hanoi remain open, the floodwaters have caused delays and cancellations, particularly at regional airports such as Da Nang and Tuy Hoa.

Da Nang International Airport, a key hub for both domestic and international flights, has faced delays due to heavy rainfall and airport flooding. Smaller regional airports have been forced to shut down temporarily, including Tuy Hoa Airport, which was closed for more than 14 hours due to the rising waters. Passengers with flights scheduled to these airports should expect further delays or cancellations, as the weather is expected to remain unstable for the foreseeable future.

Ground transportation has also been severely impacted, with many national highways and railway routes blocked by landslides and floods. Trains, buses, and other forms of transport have been disrupted, and travelers are advised to check with transportation providers for the latest updates on services and routes.

Warnings from Authorities: Storm Season Expected to Continue

Authorities in Vietnam, along with international weather agencies, have issued alerts about the ongoing storm activity and the risks of further severe weather in the coming days. The tropical storm season, which typically runs from May to November, has brought particularly high rainfall levels this year, with storms causing widespread damage and disruption across the country.

As of now, no official travel bans or restrictions have been imposed, but travelers are urged to stay informed and prepared for potential changes to their travel plans. Meteorologists have warned of the continued risk of tornadoes, lightning, and powerful winds, particularly in the central and northern regions. Those planning to visit these areas should closely monitor the weather and local advisories to ensure their safety.

How to Manage Travel Plans During Flooding

Travelers who have planned or are currently in Vietnam during the flooding are encouraged to be flexible with their travel arrangements. While many international flights are still operating, delays and cancellations remain a possibility due to the ongoing storm conditions. Those with existing bookings should check with their airline or travel provider for the latest updates and any possible changes to their flights.

If you’re thinking about postponing or canceling your trip due to the flooding, be sure to review the terms of your booking. Many travel providers will offer some flexibility in cases of severe weather, but policies can vary. As the Vietnamese government has not issued a travel warning, there are no automatic provisions for full refunds unless the situation worsens significantly.

Travel insurance may cover cancellations or delays due to natural disasters, but this will depend on your policy. Travelers should contact their insurance provider to confirm whether they’re eligible for compensation if their trip is affected by the floods.

Conclusion: Prepare for Ongoing Disruptions

As Vietnam continues to battle extreme flooding, the situation remains fluid, with more heavy rain expected in the coming days. For those planning to travel to or within Vietnam, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with local weather reports and official travel advisories. With roads and airports affected, travelers should anticipate delays and potential disruptions to their itineraries.

In this challenging time, flexibility and caution are key. For those already in Vietnam, staying in touch with local authorities and service providers will be essential for making informed decisions about travel plans. While the country works to recover from the devastating floods, those traveling to the region should take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and minimize the impact on their travel.