As Canadians are considering their international travel plans, they are being urged to ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ if visiting Vietnam. This comes in light of recent updates made by the Canadian government to its travel advisory for Vietnam, particularly in relation to the flooding and landslide risks present in certain regions of the country.
Canada’s Updated Travel Advisory for Vietnam
The Government of Canada issued an updated travel advisory on December 19th, alerting tourists to the dangers of flooding and landslides in certain regions of Vietnam. This cautionary statement is a result of recent typhoons and heavy rainfalls which have led to severe flooding, particularly in the central and northern provinces of Vietnam. The impact of these weather disturbances has been widespread, leading to unfortunate loss of lives and significant damage to local infrastructure.
Flooding Risks and Travel Safety
Despite the reopening of mountain passes in Da Lat City, located east of Ho Chi Minh City, local authorities continue to advise against night-time driving, recommending reduced speeds and obedience to all traffic signs. “Heavy rains continue to pose a flooding risk in areas that are low-lying and close to rivers,” the advisory warns. Travellers in affected areas are urged to monitor local news and weather reports, confirm flights before heading to the airport, and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure their safety.
Typhoon Season and Travel Advisories in Southeast Asia
The typhoon season in Southeast Asia typically extends from June to December. During this time, storms can quickly escalate into major typhoons, posing serious safety risks. In November, Canada issued travel advisories for multiple destinations in the region, including Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam in response to Typhoon Kalmaegi, which led to widespread flooding. Other Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia also have Canadian travel advisories in place.
Registration of Canadians Abroad
Canadian citizens travelling internationally are encouraged to sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA), a free and confidential service. The ROCA serves as a critical link between Canadians abroad and their home country, providing timely notifications in the event of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.

