Planned relocation of communities at risk, which provides support and infrastructure for communities to relocate, has the potential to contribute to increase resilience to environmental change and reduce disaster risk. Well-planned relocation can also support improvements in quality of life in rural areas and further rural development goals. As such, planned relocation forms part of the policy response to natural disaster risks in Viet Nam, with a focus on advancing rural development and quality of life for relocated communities.

This study assesses the implementation and outcomes of planned relocation in the Hoa Binh Relocation Project, which aims to relocate 1200 households from two remote communes in the Northwest region that face high natural disaster risks. The study explored project implementation, household decision-making processes and relocation outcomes with 406 households, including those who have relocated, those who wish to move, and those who have chosen to remain or are undecided. The research identified key themes in household decisions, along with enabling practices which support successful relocation, key challenges, and potential responses to enhance relocation policies in Viet Nam.