First foreign visitors under vaccine passport scheme enjoy Hội An tour after two years

After testing negative for COVID-19, a group of 50 foreign visitors under the scheme “vaccine passport” programme took a tour around Hoi An Ancient Town in the south-central of Quang 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 Vietnam is gradually reopening on the heels of its rapidly increasing vaccination rates.

Around 8am on Saturday morning, the tourists attended a welcome ceremony by the local authorities and received souvenirs at the Chua Cau 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 lô (cyclo) tour around the town and visited several famous sites. They were also enthralled with an art show called “Việt Nam Quê Hương Tôi (Việt Nam, My Motherland), with performances staged by local artists.

Vice 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 Vietnam.

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 Quang Nam regaining its reputation and stature.

The visitors visit UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage My Son Sanctuary on Sunday and returned for a night tour in Hoi An on the same day.