Floods affect tourism After two consecutive storms (storm No. 10 and No. 11), prolonged heavy rain caused many roads in Moc Chau area to be deeply flooded, landslides, and locally cut off.
During the peak days in early October, dozens of groups of tourists had to postpone or cancel their trips, especially tourists from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Mr. Trang A Chu, owner of Homestay A Chu in Hua Tat village (Van Ho commune), shared: "Two consecutive storms caused a sharp decrease in the number of customers, sometimes canceling up to 80%. Many groups scheduled from September were forced to postpone tours to ensure safety. But when the weather improved, the roads were clear, about 60% of old customers returned, mainly young people and their families.
According to Mr. Chu, the road to Hua Tat village was slightly eroded but was quickly repaired by the authorities and people. Some homestays had to repair the roofs and replace moldy wooden furniture, but the damage was not large.
Shows are inevitable in the highlands, but visitors still love peace, fresh air and indigenous culture. After the rain, the scenery is even more beautiful, he said.
This year's storm and flood have caused damage to Moc Chau - Van Ho tourism infrastructure, some sections of National Highway 6 and National Highway 279D have landslides, and the bridges have been damaged, making it difficult to travel to Hua Tat village, Ta So or the Ang pine forest. Some homestays along the stream were flooded, and their belongings were slightly damaged.
However, response work has been deployed by localities early, helping to minimize damage. Enterprises proactively inspect facilities, develop plans to evacuate visitors, and update weather conditions for tourists to ensure safety.
Currently, destinations such as trai tim tea hill, Ang pine forest, Dai Yem waterfall, Moc Chau Island tourist area... have opened their doors to visitors. Accommodation establishments recorded a rapid increase in bookings, many travel agencies from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Bac Ninh have resumed tours on weekends.
Focus on tourism recovery
When the weather is stable, destinations such as Trai tim tea hill, Ang pine forest, Dai Yem waterfall, Moc Chau Island tourist area have reopened to visitors. The number of bookings has increased rapidly, many travel companies from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Bac Ninh have resumed tours on weekends.
Mr. Hoang Manh Duy, Deputy Executive Director of Moc Chau Island Tourist Area, said: "Due to the impact of the storm, the number of visitors decreased by about 40 - 50%. After the weather was good, we welcomed the group back. The system has been safety checked, the Bach Long glass bridge is operating normally".
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Truong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Moc Son Ward (center of Moc Chau National Tourist Area), informed: "The locality coordinates with businesses and people to urgently clean up and repair infrastructure, ensuring safety for tourists. Currently, tourist attractions have resumed operations, the number of visitors is gradually increasing, especially on weekends".
In mid-October, when the autumn sunshine returns, Moc Chau plateau is lush green after long rains. trai tim tea hill, the pine forest of Ang village, Hua Tat village, Pa Phach or Moc Chau orange garden are bustling with the laughter of people and tourists.
Ms. Le Thi Thuy Linh, a tourist from Bac Ninh, shared: "Last week I planned to postpone due to floods, but now the weather is so beautiful that I still go to Moc Chau. The road is clear, the scenery after the rain is even brighter, it is worth returning to".
Despite the impact of storms and floods, Moc Chau - Van Ho tourism is gradually recovering. The Hua Tat hot pot homestays, Bach Long glass bridge with bright lights to welcome guests are proof of the enduring vitality of the highlands.
