Hội An officially reopens its doors to tourists
The ancient town of Hoi An has officially welcomed tourists back to the Old Quarter, Thanh Ha pottery
Foreign visitors on cycle bikes in Hoi An on Saturday. — VNA/VNS Photo Hữu Trung
QUẢNG NAM — After testing negative for COVID-19, a group of 50 foreign visitors under the pilot “vaccine passport” programme took a tour around Hoi An Ancient Town in the south-central province of Quảng Nam over the weekend.
They are the first international tourists to arrive in the ancient town after two years of border closures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as Viet Nam is gradually reopening on the heels of its rapidly increasing vaccination rates.
The first foreign tourists to Hoi An receive a 'welcome back' ceremony and souvenirs from local authorities on Saturday. — VNA/VNS Photo Hữu TrungAround 8am on Saturday morning, the tourists attended a welcome ceremony by the local authorities and received souvenirs at the Chua Cầu area, the famous Japanese-style Bridge Pagoda, before enjoying the town, which is still rather quiet at the moment due to drop in both domestic and foreign visitors.
John Coles, a tourist from Singapore, said he is happy and feels safe to return to Hoi An which is home to not only beautiful and peaceful landscapes but also friendly people.
The foreign holidaymakers took a xích lo (cyclo) tour around the town and visited several famous sites. They were also enthralled with an art show called “Viet Nam Que Hương Toi (Viet Nam, My Motherland), with performances staged by local artists.
Foreign tourists in Hoi An on Saturday. — VNA/VNS Photo Hữu TrungVice Chairman of the Hoi An People’s Committee Nguyễn Văn Lanh expressed his gratitude to the visitors for choosing Hoi An as the first destination on their trip to Viet Nam.
It has taken great efforts from the local authority and people over the last two years to welcome back international tourists and to make Hoi An a safe and friendly destination, he said, adding that he expects to see Hoi An and Quảng Nam regaining its reputation and stature.
The visitors visit UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary in Duy Xuyen District on Sunday and returned for a night tour in Hoi An on the same day. — VNS