Storms and Floods Halt Tourism in Central Vietnam

Impact of Flooding on Tourism in Central Vietnam

A series of storms and severe flooding in central Vietnam have significantly affected the tourism sector, leading to a sharp decline in visitor numbers and widespread cancellations of hotel bookings and travel plans. This has left many local businesses struggling to recover from the disruptions.

German Sae, a tourist, decided to cut her trip short and left Hoi An two days early. She explained, "Although I sympathize with local residents, I did not want my trip disrupted." After leaving Hoi An, she continued her journey to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

In recent weeks, the tourism industry in areas like Hue and Hoi An has been severely impacted by heavy rains and relentless flooding. The situation has become particularly dire, with many attractions and businesses forced to shut down temporarily.

The Hue Imperial Citadel, located on the northern bank of the Huong River, was surrounded by water, making it inaccessible for visitors. In Hoi An, many shops were submerged under two to three meters of water, and tourism activities in the old town came to a near standstill for four to five days starting from October 27.

According to the Hue Department of Tourism, tourism services establishments suffered significant damage from the flooding between October 27 and November 3. High-end hotels such as Vinpearl Hue, Silk Path, and La Vela Hue were also affected, resulting in an estimated 5,000 canceled room bookings by around 10,000 guests and losses amounting to VND20 billion (US$760,000).

Hoang An, a representative of a hotel near Truong Tien Bridge in Hue, stated that the preliminary estimate of the losses is more than one billion dong. Authorities have issued warnings about the possibility of more storms and flooding in the coming days.

Typhoon Kalmaegi, which strengthened to 183 kph after entering the East Sea early on Wednesday, is expected to make landfall between Quang Ngai and Dak Lak provinces on Thursday evening with winds of 118–133 kph. An, a local resident, warned that with floodwaters still not fully receding, the new storm could worsen the situation.

Over the past two weeks, more than 50% of her hotel's guests have canceled their rooms. In November, two MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) groups also canceled their year-end conference bookings.

Pham Anh Vu of Du Lich Viet Company reported that 30–40% of customers canceled or postponed tours due to the continuous rains. The most affected areas include Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam—particularly Hoi An—and Quang Binh, where Phong Nha–Ke Bang cave tours were disrupted by floods.

Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh of Vietravel mentioned that 15–20% of customers have postponed or canceled their trips. Groups already en route have changed their schedules and sightseeing spots or shortened itineraries.

Travel operators are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating response plans. Vu emphasized that years with strong or overlapping storms are the most difficult periods for the tourism industry.

Foreign tourists are evacuated by boat amid rising floodwaters in Hue on Oct. 28, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Vo Thanh