(TITC) - After 2 years of hiatus due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam has reopened fully to international tourists from 15th March 2022, the government also suspended medical declaration requirements as well as COVID-19 test requirements are no longer needed.
Chris Ashton, editor of Australian tourism magazine - Executive Traveller, amazed by the bustling streets and positive things beaming in every corner of the country, during his trip back to Vietnam in May.
Ha Noi Old Quarters (Photo: internet)
In an article on Australian tourism magazine, Chris Ashton expressed that he has fallen in love with cuisine and people of Vietnam since previous visit. He has been curious that “Would the relentless hum of scooters and packed markets that engulfed your senses remain, or would it be a shadow of itself, forever changed?”.
After a long flight from Sydney, Ashton landed in Ho Chi Minh City. Welcoming him were the thick and tropical heat, along with the sound of car horns and motorbikes.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: internet)
Ashton highly recommended visitors to explore the country on foot to feel the life in the new normal. In his paper, Ashton said face masks are the new norm in Vietnam, they are currently mandated to be worn whenever out in public and people firmly follow the rule.
Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, Ha Noi, Ashton was happy to witness again the crowd and street dancers on the street, performing with all their wills, “It’s been far too long since I’ve been part of a scene like this. The energy is infectious”, said Ashton.
According to Ashton, , there’s also a call to share the love in an effort to limit the effects of over tourism, visiting destinations beyond the classic meccas such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City; Visitors are recently paying attention to other destinations such as Quy Nhon in Binh Dinh Province, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Ninh Binh - home to soaring limestone mountains (much like those found in Ha Long Bay) , Da Lat – home to a myriad of stunning waterfalls and lakes.
Ha Long Bay (Photo: TITC)
The Temple of Literature in Ha Noi (Photo: TITC)
Hoi An Ancient Town (Photo: TITC)
Besides having attractive destinations, Vietnam is a home of exotic cuisine, especially street food. Ashton said, after 2 years of social distancing, all street activities that were suspended are now revived with shopping and food stalls in streets. Banh mi (Vietnamese baguettes), Pho bo (beef Pho), goi cuon (spring rolls) and many other dishes that visitors should try at least once.
Spring rolls (Photo: nhandan.vn)
Pho (Photo: TITC)
Banh mi (Photo: TITC)
Last but not least, Ashton affirmed that Vietnamese people are “the greatest treasure” of Vietnam. People are friendly, attentive and willing to share their beautiful culture to visitors. And, they’re ready to welcome foreign visitors back – right now.
TITC