Tourists are being turned away from Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed former royal capital after days of torrential rain caused widespread flooding across Hue and the central region.
HUE, Vietnam (October 27, 2025) — Authorities in Hue, Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have temporarily closed all major historical attractions after days of relentless rain left much of the city under water.
The Hue Monuments Conservation Center announced on Monday morning that all heritage sites within the Complex of Hue Monuments — including the Imperial Citadel, Tu Duc Tomb, and Minh Mang Tomb — would be closed to visitors from 11:30 a.m. to ensure public safety and protect the monuments from flood damage.
The Perfume River (Sông Hương), which flows through the heart of the city, rose to nearly alarm level 3, submerging streets around the Imperial City. The Nghênh Lương Pavilion, located just outside the Citadel’s walls, was reported to be half a meter deep in floodwater.
Elsewhere, popular tourist sites such as Bao Vinh Ancient Town, the wooden pedestrian bridge on the Perfume River, and Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge have also been submerged, cutting off access to several areas.
Officials said the closures are temporary and the sites will reopen once the weather stabilizes and safety checks are completed. In the meantime, teams have been deployed to reinforce vulnerable structures and monitor areas at risk of landslides or water damage.
Hue’s imperial complex, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, is one of Vietnam’s most treasured cultural landmarks, featuring hundreds of royal palaces, temples, and gates dating back to the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945).
Over the past three days, central Vietnam has been hit by torrential rains triggered by a combination of a cold front, tropical convergence zone, and strong easterly winds. Rainfall in Hue alone has reached 200–500 millimeters, with some nearby mountainous areas such as Bach Ma Peak recording nearly 900 millimeters — among the heaviest in years.
Meteorologists warn that heavy downpours are expected to continue through October 28, with rainfall in some areas exceeding 700 millimeters, raising concerns about further flooding and reservoir discharges in the coming days.
Hue, located about 700 km south of Hanoi, is a must-visit destination for its imperial heritage, poetic river views, and royal cuisine. Visitors currently in central Vietnam are advised to monitor local weather updates, avoid flooded areas, and check with tour operators for the latest reopening schedules of historical sites.
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