Vietnam’s vibrant tourism scene faces a moment of caution this August as Storm Kajiki sweeps across central regions, prompting several countries—chief among them the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—to issue urgent travel warnings. The powerful typhoon has sparked widespread evacuations, travel disruptions, and renewed focus on visitor safety across tourism hotspots.
Mass Evacuations and Emergency Response
Vietnamese authorities have undertaken one of the largest evacuations in recent memory. Over half a million residentswere evacuated from coastal provinces including Thanh Hóa, Quảng Trị, Huế, and Đà Nẵng ahead of Kajiki’s landfall on August 25, 2025. The government mobilized more than 16,500 soldiers and 107,000 paramilitary personnel to support the evacuations and emergency operations, ensuring rapid response to protect lives and infrastructure.
Severe Weather, Flooding, and Structural Damage
Kajiki’s arrival unleashed torrential rain and ferocious winds. Wind speeds ranged between 118–166 km/h, with severe gusts reaching 200 km/h in some areas. In central and northern provinces, rainfall totals between 150 mm and 300 mmwere recorded, with localized areas experiencing up to 600 mm in under 24 hours, triggering flash floods and landslides.
Initial reports confirmed at least three fatalities, ten injuries, and widespread destruction, including damage to nearly 7,000 homes, the uprooting of 18,000 trees, and the collapse of 331 power poles, causing power outages in several provinces. In Hanoi, heavy flooding submerged vehicles and disrupted traffic, posing additional challenges as the city prepared for major national celebrations.
Subsequent updates raised the toll, with four confirmed deaths, at least 13 injuries, and thousands of homes damaged. Nearly 600,000 people had been evacuated, while over 120,000 military and paramilitary personnel were deployed to assist rescue efforts. Two airports in Thanh Hóa and Quảng Trị were closed, and flash flood and landslide warnings remain in effect as cleanup and safety measures continue.
Travel Chaos—Flight Cancellations Across the Region
The storm caused major disruptions to air travel across Vietnam and the surrounding region. Airlines including Vietravel, Hainan, and China Eastern canceled at least 85 flights, affecting key airports such as Noi Bai, Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok), and Tan Son Nhat. Earlier, both Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet had preemptively canceled several routes, citing passenger safety concerns and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Travel Advisories and Safety Guidance
Responding swiftly, the United Kingdom, alongside Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, issued stern travel alerts for Vietnam. The UK’s Foreign Office specifically highlighted central locations such as Huế, Thanh Hóa, Hà Nội, Ninh Bình, and Đà Nẵng as zones at risk for flooding, landslides, and transportation delays.
Travelers are urged to stay updated, follow the instructions of local authorities, and reconsider non-essential travel to storm-affected areas. These advisories also emphasize broader safety concerns, including hazardous road conditions during heavy rains and heightened risks of petty theft in busy tourist areas.
Tips for Tourists: Safety and Arrival Preparation
1. Monitor Real-Time Updates
Stay tuned to local weather channels and embassy advisories. Even as Kajiki has been downgraded to a tropical depression, heavy rainfall and flooding continue to affect many regions.
2. Expect Travel Disruptions
Airports and airlines are still managing backlogs from cancellations. Flexible travel plans, insurance coverage, and backup itineraries are strongly recommended.
3. Avoid High-Risk Areas
Stay away from flood-prone zones, unstable slopes, and coastal areas until authorities declare them safe.
4. Prepare Documentation and Emergency Contacts
Keep both digital and physical copies of essential travel documents, including passports, visas, and insurance papers, along with emergency contact numbers for embassies and local authorities.
5. Support Local Recovery
After the storm subsides, consider staying in locally owned accommodations or supporting community-based tourism efforts to aid in the recovery process.
Looking Ahead: Resilience and Responsible Tourism
As Vietnam transitions into the recovery phase, coordinated efforts between the government, humanitarian organizations, and international partners are vital to restoring normalcy. Experts highlight that the frequency and intensity of storms like Kajiki underscore the urgent need for climate resilience and sustainable tourism strategies.
Tourists can play an active role in supporting this recovery by traveling responsibly, staying informed about ongoing weather and safety updates, and contributing to local businesses that are rebuilding after the storm’s impact.
Recap
Vietnam’s tourism sector has been heavily disrupted by Storm Kajiki, with mass evacuations, significant property damage, and major flight cancellations. With vigilance, adaptability, and careful planning, travelers can still explore Vietnam’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes safely. Following official guidance and respecting recovery efforts ensures not only a safer trip but also a positive contribution to the communities most affected by this historic storm.
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