As of

, Northern Vietnam remains in the grip of Typhoon Yagi’s lingering effects, with continued heavy rains, landslides, and flooding impacting many provinces. The situation has created significant disruptions for travelers, particularly in mountainous and flood-prone regions. For those planning to visit Northern Vietnam, this article offers an updated overview of current conditions, advice on travel safety, and tips for managing trips during Vietnam’s rainy season.

Current Situation: Key Affected Areas

After Typhoon Yagi swept through the region, the Northern provinces are still recovering from widespread flooding and landslides. The storm has caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and electricity grids, making travel dangerous in some areas. Below is a breakdown of the most affected regions:

Sapa and Lao Cai Province

Sapa, a popular destination known for its terraced rice fields, trekking routes, and the Fansipan cable car, remains heavily affected. While the main road to Sapa via Lao Cai is currently open, a

has blocked access to and from . In addition, routes to and from Sapa town are also blocked due to landslides.

Despite ongoing efforts to clear the roads, the continued heavy rains have made it difficult to restore full access. Tourism activities in Sapa, including trekking, the Fansipan cable car, and visits to the region's famous waterfalls, are suspended. According to local authorities,

, and travelers are advised to avoid the area due to hazardous conditions. Even though the rain has lessened in intensity, conditions are still far from ideal, and the area is expected to remain inaccessible to tourists for the foreseeable future.

If you have bookings for the 11th or 12th of September, don't hesitate to cancel them. For travelers determined to visit Sapa in the next few days, be aware that aside from local coffee shops and restaurants, there will be little to do in town. Those who are in Sa Pa and cannot return home should contact the free accommodation units.

Red River Basin Floods

Provinces in the

, including , , , , and , are experiencing high water levels, causing severe flooding in certain areas. Many roads are blocked, and some bridges have collapsed, leaving communities isolated. Several areas have lost electricity and phone signal, further complicating rescue efforts and communication.

Travel to these areas is not advised unless absolutely necessary, as conditions remain unstable. Authorities have issued flood warnings, and the situation is being monitored closely. Tourists should avoid these provinces until the waters recede and roads are cleared.

Hanoi: Flood Warnings on the Red River

In Hanoi, flood warnings are in place for the

, which is expected to reach peak levels by noon today. Some riverside roads, particularly in , , , and the district, are currently flooded. While major tourist attractions in the and remain accessible, floodwaters are affecting areas close to the riverbanks.

Additionally, the

have been closed to both walkers and vehicles due to high water levels, but other key bridges like and remain operational. A dike collapse in has also led to localized flooding. Nevertheless, and most of the city’s main transport routes are functioning normally, allowing tourists to continue visiting the city's central areas. However, travelers are advised to avoid low-lying parts of Hanoi during this period.

Ha Giang Province

The northernmost province of Ha Giang, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and motorcycle loops, has been hit hard by the recent storms. Despite warnings from several embassies advising against travel to Ha Giang, some tour operators continue to market the region to tourists. However,

and make travel extremely challenging.

Reports from locals and recent visitors indicate that misinformation is being spread about the true extent of the damage in Ha Giang. Roads in districts like

and remain closed, and some areas have reported weather-related fatalities. Tourists should heed embassy warnings and avoid travel to Ha Giang until conditions stabilize further.

Cao Bang Province

Cao Bang, another mountainous region known for its natural beauty, is also struggling with the aftermath of the storm. According to local authorities, there are nearly

across the province due to landslides and flooding. It is unlikely that motorbike travel through this region will be possible in the coming days, and tourists should reconsider any plans to visit.

Halong Bay and Quang Ninh

On a more positive note, parts of

in have reopened to tourists. Routes to major attractions such as , , , and have been cleared, and cruises have resumed operations. However, due to the destructive storms, many cruise ships need repairs, resulting in a shortage of available ships during this time. Tourists should anticipate minor disruptions due to ongoing cleanup efforts, including floating debris and partial closures in some areas.

Despite the challenges, tourism is slowly returning to Halong Bay. On

, departed from , with more than 2,300 tourists enjoying both daytime visits and overnight stays. If you're planning a trip to Halong Bay, expect some interruptions, but most activities are going back to normal operation.

Ninh Binh Province

Ninh Binh, known for its stunning karst landscapes and river tours, has not escaped the impact of Typhoon Yagi. Rising waters in the

and have caused in riverside and low-lying areas. Flood warnings have been issued for , , and , where flash floods and landslides are a significant concern.

Tourists planning to visit Ninh Binh should monitor weather reports closely and be prepared to change their plans if conditions worsen.

Mai Chau

While

wasn't directly impacted by the typhoon, it is experiencing light rain and minor landslides. Roads leading to the area are affected, but travel remains relatively safe. However, the views of the paddy fields, which many tourists come to see, may not be as picturesque as usual. Visitors should exercise caution and check for updates before traveling.

Lao Cai Border Closure

In addition to the disruptions caused by the storm,

has temporarily closed its border crossing with China due to the heavy rains. This includes the suspension of imports, exports, and all passenger traffic.

Other Regions: Hoi An, Da Nang, and Phong Nha

Travelers looking to avoid the affected areas can consider visiting

, , or , all of which remain open and unaffected by the storm. These regions offer a respite from the storms in the north, and normal tourism activities continue.

Outlook for the Next 10 Days

For travelers planning their trips to Northern Vietnam, the next 10 days will likely see improvement in some major cities, while others remain challenging.

, , and , Ninh Binh are expected to fully reopen to tourists within this period. Cleanup efforts are already well underway, and conditions should stabilize as floodwaters recede.

However,

such as , , , and are likely to remain affected by landslides and flooding. Roads in these regions are still blocked, and recovery may take longer due to the difficult terrain. Tourists planning to visit these areas should be prepared for ongoing closures and disruptions.

If you're planning a trip to Vietnam during this period, it’s advisable to keep your itinerary flexible. Rearranging your trip from south to north could allow time for conditions in the north to improve, giving you a better chance of enjoying your visit. This strategy would enable you to explore the southern and central parts of Vietnam while waiting for the weather in the north to stabilize.

Travel Tips for Visiting Vietnam During the Rainy Season

Traveling in Vietnam during the rainy season can be tricky, but with careful planning, you can still enjoy a memorable trip. Here are some tips to help you navigate the challenges:

: Check weather updates regularly, especially if you're visiting flood-prone areas. Local news outlets and travel advisories can provide the latest information on road closures, floods, and landslides.

: Allow for last-minute changes to your travel plans. Roads may be closed, and certain attractions may be inaccessible due to weather conditions.

: Bring waterproof clothing, sturdy shoes, and rain gear. It’s also helpful to carry a portable charger and a waterproof cover for your electronics.

: Make sure your travel insurance covers natural disasters and trip disruptions caused by weather. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

: If you're visiting during the rainy season, avoid high-risk areas prone to landslides and flooding, such as Sapa and Ha Giang. Stick to safer destinations like Hoi An or Da Nang.

: While it may be tempting to cancel your trip entirely, visiting safer areas and supporting local businesses can help communities recover faster. However, ensure that your presence doesn’t hinder rescue or recovery efforts.

Need help planning and organizing your trip to Vietnam?

Traveling during severe weather can be challenging, but Tubudd is here to ensure your journey remains as smooth and enjoyable as possible. As a digital platform connecting travelers with local buddies in Vietnam,Tubudd is well-versed in navigating the current conditions and can provide real-time updates on weather, road closures, and safety recommendations. Loca buddies can assist in adjusting your itinerary, recommending alternative destinations, and ensuring you have a memorable experience even in unpredictable weather.

If you're traveling to Vietnam during this period or need assistance with navigating the evolving conditions, consider reaching out to Tubudd. Our locals offer personalized support to help you adapt to any changes and make the most of your trip.

Stay informed, travel safely, and let Tubudd enhance your travel experience in Vietnam!

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