Central Vietnam Floods: Train Cancellations & How to Claim Your 100% Online Refund

The historic rainfall and flooding across Central Vietnam, specifically targeting the Nam Trung Bo region from Binh Dinh and Phu Yen to Khanh Hoa, has entered its fourth week with increasingly complex developments. This natural disaster has not only caused widespread flooding in residential areas but also triggered severe landslides along the railway embankment, disrupting the North-South artery at a level rarely seen in decades. While railway technical units have made heroic efforts to restore several sections temporarily, the risk of soil subsidence and structural damage remains high, forcing continuous schedule adjustments.

As thousands of travelers face sudden cancellations or find themselves stranded mid-journey, Vexere, acting as a strategic official partner of Vietnam Railways (VNR), is committed to standing by you. We are monitoring live updates from the field to provide real-time information and support for fast refund procedures, helping you stay proactive in finding safe and optimal alternative travel solutions.

1. Step-by-Step: How to Claim Your 100% Online Refund

If your train has been cancelled or your journey interrupted by force majeure weather events, you no longer need to brave the storm to queue at the station. Under the new VNR policy, you are entitled to the “3-NOs” Benefit:

1. NO Cancellation Fee: You get a 100% refund of your ticket’s face value.
2. NO Station Visit: The entire process is handled digitally for all electronic payments.
3. NO Waiting: The system uses automated verification for near-instant processing.

The Digital Refund Process

Upon cancellation, Vietnam Railways will send an official SMS notification to your registered phone number. Once received, proceed as follows:

• If you booked via Vexere: Simply open the Vexere App or check your confirmation email for the “Cancel/Refund” link specifically enabled for these flood events.
• If you booked via the DSVN portal: Visit the official website and enter:
  • Booking Code (Reservation Code).
  • Phone Number (Must match the one used during booking).
  • Email Address.

⚠️ THE CRITICAL CASH EXCEPTION:

The online automated system cannot reverse transactions made via cash. If you paid by CASH at a physical station counter or a local ticket agency, you must visit a station counter physically to claim your refund. Please bring your ID and physical ticket (if issued).

2. Impact Report: Record Support Efforts

The unprecedented severity of this flood event has necessitated an extensive coordination effort involving Vietnam Railways, local disaster relief committees, and strategic technology partners. This mobilization now stands as one of the largest humanitarian and financial support operations in VNR’s history, designed to mitigate the crisis through aggressive refund policies and hands-on passenger care at every affected station.

• Massive Refunds: Approximately 39,000 tickets (estimated at 24 billion VND) have been successfully processed for refunds since the crisis began in mid-November.
• On-board Assistance: For those caught on halted trains, railway staff have provided over 35,000 free meals and drinks, ensuring passenger comfort while awaiting rescue or transfer.
• Priority Restoration: Over 800 specialized workers remain on-site 24/7 in the South-Central zones to stabilize the foundation, aiming to restore full-speed operations before the Lunar New Year peak.

3. Train Cancelled? Use Vexere as Your Travel Safety Net

Don’t let a “freeze” on the tracks leave you stranded. As Vietnam’s largest travel platform, Vexere provides the only all-in-one backup plan that allows you to switch modes and continue your journey without missing a beat.

• Bypass the Flood via Bus: While some railway sections are underwater, many inland highways (such as QL14 or QL19) remain open and safe. With access to over 2,000 verified bus operators, Vexere helps you find sleeper bus availability that can navigate around flooded coastal zones.
• Jump Over the Disruption with Flights: For long-distance travelers on the Hanoi to HCMC or Da Nang to HCMC routes, a flight is often the most reliable way to entirely bypass the impacted region. Vexere compares all domestic airlines in real-time to find you the next available seat.
• One-Tap Mode Switching: You don’t have to waste time searching dozens of different websites. Our integrated platform lets you compare Bus, Flight, and Train schedules side-by-side on a single screen. This transparency ensures you make the fastest, most cost-effective decision during a crisis.
• Smart Booking Assurance: When you book an alternative through Vexere, you benefit from our 24/7 customer support and instant e-ticket delivery, ensuring your transition from a cancelled train to a new bus or flight is seamless and stress-free.

Travel Safety Tip

Always check the “Real-time Alerts” on the Vexere App before leaving for the station. If you have any first-hand accounts or photos of the current situation at the stations in Central Vietnam, please share them in the comments below to help our community stay informed.

Stay safe and travel smart with Vexere.