Measurements of saturated hydraulic conductivity ( K s) and indices of Horton overland flow (HOF) generation are used to assess the influence of landscape fragmentation on near-surface hydrologic response in two upland watersheds in northern Vietnam. The fragmented landscape, which results from timber extraction and swidden agriculture, is a mosaic of surfaces having distinct infiltration characteristics. In general, human activity has reduced infiltration and altered near-surface flow paths on all disturbed land covers. Compacted roads, paths, and dwelling sites, for example, have the propensity to generate HOF for small rainfall depths. Although these surfaces occupy a small fraction of a basin land area (estimated at <1%), they contribute disproportionately to overland flow response during typical rainfall events. Recently abandoned fields have the lowest K s of all non-consolidated, post-cultivation surfaces tested. Beginning 1–2 years following abandonment, diminished K s recovers over time with the succession to more advanced types of secondary regrowth. If a grassland emerges on the abandoned site, rather than a bamboo-dominated cover, K s recovers more rapidly. The decrease in K s with depth below disturbed surfaces is more acute than that found at undisturbed sites. This enhanced anisotropy in near-surface K s increases the likelihood of the development of a lateral subsurface flow component during large storms of the monsoon rain season. Subsequently, the likelihood of return flow generation is increased. Because the recovery time of subsurface K s is greater than that for the surface K s, the impact human activity has on hydrologic response in the fragmented basin may linger long after the surface vegetation has evolved to a mature forested association.