Central Vietnam’s flood crisis delivers major tourism flow

Hoi An flooded three times in one month

Hoi An has been flooded three times within a month time. In the UNESCO-listed ancient town, thick layers of mud coated once-bustling walking streets after floodwaters retreated from the Hoai River late on Nov. 21.

Cleanup crews, armed with excavators and water tankers, fanned out across the town to scrape away sludge up to 0.2 meters thick from sidewalks and shopfronts. The middle section of tourists’ favorite Bach Dang Street, however, remained under about 0.4 meters of water.

Authorities have prioritized clearing the stretch from Chau Thuong Van to the iconic Pagoda Bridge to bring visitors back as quickly as possible. Tourist boats continued to operate along the Hoai River even as workers raked mud into piles, removed debris, and pushed it back toward the river channel. Ticket sales to the ancient town are however suspended to allow uninterrupted cleanup.

Nha Trang and Da Lat also severely affected

Elsewhere in central Vietnam, the situation remains severe. In coastal Nha Trang, entire neighborhoods were submerged earlier this week.

Deadly landslides ripped through highland routes near the Da Lat tourist hub. Thousands of tourists fled inland cities such as Da Lat, where landslides have cut off all but a single access road. Hotel operators say bookings evaporated almost overnight as storms intensified.

Meanwhile, Viet Nam Railways Corporation (VNR) on November 21 announced continued suspension of multiple passenger services departing from Ha Noi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, as widespread flooding in the south-central region persists. However, international airports seem to operate normally. Flight delays were however reported.

The environment ministry said 55 people have died, with 13 still missing, noting that Dak Lak province alone accounted for more than two dozen fatalities. More than 300,000 people remained without power on Saturday, days after a blackout that initially left over one million customers in the dark. Late Saturday, multiple highways across the central region are still impassable, hampering travel and relief operations.

More catastrophes to be expected in the future due to climate change

The widespread destruction adds to an already devastating year. Vietnam’s statistics office reports 279 people dead or missing from natural disasters between January and October, with damages exceeding US$2 billion.

Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying extreme rainfall events across Southeast Asia, heightening the risk of flash floods, landslides, and river surges. Vietnam is unfortunately no exception to it.

Authorities warn that the recovery will be long and difficult, especially for tourism-dependent cities like Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Da Lat, where the peak travel season has been abruptly derailed. Travel agents and tour operators should then get regular information to update their customers on the current situation.