The information was given by Ha Quoc Trung, head of tourism development management at Lao Cai’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Floodwaters resulting from Typhoon Bualoi have sent torrents of muddy debris rushing down the Tien Sa Stream in Cat Cat Village, posing a serious risk.
Floodwaters resulting from Typhoon Bualoi send torrents of muddy debris rushing down the Tien Sa Stream in Cat Cat Village on September 29. (Video by Ngoc Anh)
On the evening of September 29, many residents were stunned as floodwaters surged through like a roaring waterfall.
A quick survey by Dantri/DTiNews reporters showed most Sapa tours are now helping visitors postpone or reschedule their trips. A Hanoi-based travel agency said it had proactively worked with hotels to rearrange bookings as soon as Typhoon Bualoi emerged.
Specifically, travellers wishing to reschedule can shift their trips to October. While refunds are not offered, bookings are being kept on hold, with customers free to choose new dates and hotels once access to Sapa is restored.
The company is currently offering Sapa travel packages, including sleeper bus and hotel stays, at VND 1-2 million (USD 40-80) per person. Its representative said around 60 of their customers remain stranded in Sapa as of now.
Amid the situation of many visitors stranded in Sapa, Pham Cao Vy, chairman of the Lao Cai Tourism Association, called on local businesses to step in with practical support such as discounts on accommodation, meals, and transport tickets, or other forms of assistance to help ease the burden on travellers.
The provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism advised tourist sites, travel firms, and hotels to prepare storm-response plans, closely monitor weather developments, and suspend or adjust tours in areas at risk of landslides, flooding, or flash floods.
