As historic flooding devastates central Vietnam, a traveler’s quiet act of generosity goes viral — highlighting how tourism can fuel unexpected cross-cultural solidarity.
A simple envelope left at a hotel reception desk has captured the attention of Vietnam’s online community and international travelers alike. Before boarding his flight home, German tourist Andreas Scholz donated VND 10 million (US$380) to support communities in central Vietnam hit by catastrophic floods — a gesture that reflects how deeply foreign visitors can connect with the country, especially during moments of crisis.
Scholz said he had been following news of the severe flooding — which killed at least 98 people and damaged hundreds of thousands of homes across coastal destinations such as Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, and Phu Yen. Seeing images of residents stranded on rooftops waiting for rescue, he felt compelled to act but didn’t know how to directly reach affected communities. In a handwritten letter to the owner of his hotel in Ha Long’s Tuan Chau Island, he wrote: “I felt like I was part of this country. I hope you can help me do something.”
Hotel owner Thanh Hai was surprised; the guest had never mentioned the floods during his three-day stay. After receiving the donation, she proposed using the money to buy rice for relief efforts, and Scholz agreed. Hai purchased 830 kilograms of rice and delivered it to a volunteer team on the tourist’s behalf — a gesture that quickly circulated on Vietnamese social media.
Many praised Scholz for caring about a crisis far removed from his own life. “It’s touching when visitors feel responsible for our hardships,” one commenter wrote. Others said his compassion reflected why Vietnam continues to hold a special place in the hearts of international travelers. Scholz, who often volunteers in Germany, simply said: “Many people need that money more than me.”
The German tourist first visited Vietnam in 2024, traveling across Sa Pa, Ninh Binh, Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An. On his return trip in November 2025, he canceled plans to visit flood-hit Nha Trang and instead rerouted to Da Nang before ending his journey in Ha Long.
As Vietnam’s south-central coast struggles with one of its worst floods in decades, the story offers a rare moment of hope — a reminder that even small acts of kindness by visitors can strengthen the human connections that define global travel.
Related
Discover more from Vietnam Insider
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Source: Vietnam Insider