The Vietnam Guides

Typhoon Wipha: Travel Warning for Northern Vietnam

· 2 min read Travel News
Ha Long Bay with limestone karsts under dark storm clouds, northern Vietnam

Contents

  1. Which Areas Are Affected
  2. Flight Cancellations
  3. What to Do Now

Multiple governments have issued travel warnings for northern Vietnam as Typhoon Wipha makes landfall on 22 July 2026. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the US State Department, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Global Affairs Canada all updated their Vietnam advisories on 21 July, urging travellers to monitor conditions closely and avoid coastal and low-lying areas in the north.

Which Areas Are Affected

The typhoon is tracking across northern Vietnam with the areas of greatest concern being:

  • Ha Long Bay - cruises and boat tours have been suspended across the bay; check with your operator before departure. See our Ha Long Bay guide for details on what conditions are normally like.
  • Hanoi - the capital is forecast to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds. Visitors in or travelling to Hanoi should expect transport disruption.
  • Ninh Binh - river tours and outdoor sites in Ninh Binh are likely to be suspended during peak storm conditions.

Flight Cancellations

Vietnam Airlines has cancelled flights on the Ho Chi Minh City–Hai Phong route and several additional northbound services. VietJet Air, Pacific Airlines, and VASCO have also pulled flights. Cancellations are ongoing and further services are expected to be affected on 22–23 July.

If you have flights in or out of Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) or Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong), contact your airline directly to check the status of your service.

What to Do Now

  • Check your airline: Rebook through your airline’s app or contact centre - do not go to the airport without confirming your flight is operating.
  • Monitor FCDO / State Department updates: Both advisories are being updated regularly.
  • Travel insurance: Typhoon disruption is typically covered under cancellation or curtailment policies. Keep all documentation of cancellations and additional costs. For flights cancelled on technical or operational grounds separately from the weather event, FlightRights can check if you’re entitled to statutory compensation.
  • Ha Long Bay cruises: If your cruise has been cancelled, contact your operator for rebooking options. Most reputable operators will reschedule at no charge.

The storm is expected to weaken as it moves inland, but flooding and landslides may persist in highland areas for several days after landfall. Allow extra time for road journeys in the north.