Is Traveling to Southeast Asia Safe During Major Floods?

Impact of Severe Flooding on Southeast Asia's Tourism Industry

Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, three of Southeast Asia's most popular tourist destinations, are currently grappling with severe flooding that has caused widespread chaos and disrupted transportation in key tourist areas. The situation has raised concerns about the region's ability to meet its tourism targets for the year.

Vietnam: A Region in Crisis

In Vietnam, heavy rainfall has led to significant flooding across the south central region, which includes well-known tourist spots such as Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, and Phu Yen. These areas are home to some of the country’s most beloved beaches, but they have now become battlegrounds against nature’s fury.

Water levels have started to recede in central Vietnam after a week of flooding and landslides that claimed 91 lives and caused extensive damage to infrastructure. This has left over 1.1 million households and businesses without power. Several sections of national highways remain blocked due to floodwater or landslides, further complicating travel and logistics.

Landslides on Khanh Le Pass, a critical route connecting Nha Trang and Da Lat, have yet to be repaired, according to a November 2025 photo by Minh Bang. Despite these challenges, flights to and from major tourist hubs like Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai in Hanoi, and Da Nang International Airport appear to be operating on schedule. Tuy Hoa Airport in Dak Lak, one of the hardest-hit provinces during the historic floods, resumed operations two days ago after being closed on November 20.

The U.K. Foreign Office has not issued new travel advice regarding the flooding in Vietnam. However, an update from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office highlighted that the tropical storm season runs from May to November and warned travelers to monitor weather updates from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting and Japan Meteorological Agency.

The flooding in south central Vietnam between November 16 and 22 has been described as the worst in the area in 50 years, with at least 91 people losing their lives.

Thailand: Struggling with the Aftermath

Thailand has also been severely affected by the recent flooding. Reuters reported that at least eight people have died due to the intense rain that has hit the southern part of the country. In Hat Yai, a major tourist hub, the heaviest single-day rainfall in over 30 years was recorded, with footage showing people wading through brown floodwater in commercial areas where shops and parked motorcycles were submerged.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has warned that the severe flooding in Hat Yai and Songkhla is already affecting tourism demand, with Malaysian tourists canceling their travel plans to the south this week, according to The Nation Thailand.

People stand in water in a flooded area in Hat Yai district, Songkhla, Thailand, on November 23, 2025. Photo by Reuters.

The Malaysian government has issued a flood alert advising citizens to avoid traveling to southern Thailand, leading to a drop in travel demand and likely short-term suspension of trips. Reports from Malaysian media indicate that Hat Yai and surrounding areas experienced days of continuous heavy rainfall, causing flash floods and rapidly rising water levels.

Thais and foreign visitors, including many Malaysians, have been directly affected, with several stranded in hotels or unable to evacuate safely. According to Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, around 4,000 Malaysians are currently stranded in Hat Yai and nearby areas impacted by the flooding. Authorities confirmed that all remain safe.

Malaysia: Facing Widespread Disruption

In Malaysia, more than 11,000 people across seven states have been affected by flooding caused by torrential rain. The northeastern state of Kelantan, which borders Thailand, has been the worst hit, with 8,228 people affected. No deaths have been reported so far in Malaysia.

Several coastal districts in Selangor, home to numerous tourist attractions such as Batu Caves, Sunway Lagoon, and the Sepang International Circuit, have been hit by floods following heavy downpours since Monday morning, according to The Star.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that civil defense teams are on standby, with over 90 land and water assets mobilized, including trucks, four-wheeled-drive vehicles, and water-rescue equipment.

Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia are working hard to attract more foreign tourists in the final months of the year through flexible visa policies and increased tourism campaigns. However, the deadly floods pose a significant challenge to meeting this year's tourism targets.