Tourist visited Vietnam 19 times in 18 years and these are his heartfelt shares

From the first time he came to Vietnam, Ronan O'Connell was fascinated and always returned whenever he had the chance.

Returning to a country more than 9 hours away from Australia 19 times in 18 years is certainly a record for a tourist to Vietnam. Ronan O'Connell has written many articles sharing his travel experiences in Vietnam published in foreign newspapers and most recently, on the Escape page , the Australian male tourist wrote:

Wearing elegant ao dai, hundreds of Vietnamese high school students pose for graduation photos as the sunset sets behind Hanoi 's magnificent Hoan Kiem Lake.

Their bright smiles and joy add to the atmosphere of this city filled with positive energy.

Not only do I consider it the most amazing travel destination in Asia, but it has also shaped my life in many ways. Vietnam is where I first traveled solo, where I got engaged, where my wife became pregnant, where I decided to become a travel journalist, and where I have had some cherished personal trips with my mother, brother, and late father.

The beauty of Hoi An in the sunset

PHOTO: ESCAPE

Vietnam has changed a lot in the 18 years since I first arrived. I can’t pretend to have a deep understanding of the pros and cons of this rapid modernization. But the mood is undeniable. Vietnam is emerging as the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia, overtaking Thailand, and recorded a whopping 40% growth in tourist arrivals last year.

This is a country on the rise. A land of exploding opportunities. On recent trips, I could feel this optimism as I wandered through tourist-filled cities, chatting with taxi drivers, hotel staff, restaurant servers and students trying to improve their English.

Of course, positive vibes alone aren’t enough to make a destination appealing. Fortunately, Vietnam also offers incredible value, exquisite hospitality, reliable safety, diverse landscapes, stunning historical sites, and world-class cuisine. Vietnam captivated me from the first moment. And somehow, it just keeps getting more appealing.

The beauty of Ha Long Bay on old postcards

PHOTO: ESCAPE

With a special passion for this country, Ronan O'Connell suggests to visitors must-see destinations and shares the reasons why they should go there:

Let’s start with Ha Long Bay . Hundreds of tree-covered peaks rise from the emerald waters of the South China Sea, 130 kilometers east of Hanoi. These towering limestone islands adorn Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the adjacent Cat Ba archipelago.

Vietnam tourism is synonymous with the beauty of its islands, and Phu Quoc is next. Phu Quoc aims to join Bali and Phuket as Asia’s top island destinations. It’s achievable with affordable luxury resorts, impressive theme parks and stunning tropical beauty. Located at the southern tip of Vietnam, Phu Quoc is a 50km long island with dense inland forests and tranquil coastlines.

Hon Thom Cable Car

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Leaving Phu Quoc, tourists should go to Ho Chi Minh City - a culinary paradise. Even though it is increasingly modern, the streets are still the domain of traditional street vendors, bustling with classic Vietnamese dishes such as banh xeo, goi cuon, banh mi and pho.

The journey across Vietnam cannot end because ahead is Hanoi - a historical treasure trove, the embodiment of a glorious past. Hanoi possesses countless of the most wonderful historical wonders of Vietnam, including the massive Temple of Literature, the Imperial Citadel and the charming labyrinthine Old Quarter with a network of 36 streets with heritage architecture, home to ancient artisans, and also full of tourist hotels, bars, cafes and souvenir shops.

Hanoi Old Quarter with many memories

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And the Central region with two representative destinations: Da Nang - a family-friendly city, Hoi An - a must-see wonder.

Da Nang has become Vietnam’s ultimate family holiday destination. Kids love the theme parks, beaches and children’s resorts, while parents enjoy the luxury spas, shopping and golf courses. This central city of 1.2 million is also family-friendly, thanks to its safety, cleanliness, efficiency, modernity, friendliness and location between stunning coastline and rolling hills.

Destination Golden Bridge on top of Ba Na

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Meanwhile, few Asian cities can match the splendor of Hoi An , a tranquil riverside destination on the central coast, anchored by an ancient town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some 1,000 historic half-timbered houses adorn the area, a mix of European, Chinese and Japanese architecture, painted in pink, yellow, orange, red, green and blue.

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/du-khach-18-nam-tham-viet-nam-19-lan-va-day-la-nhung-chia-se-tu-day-long-185250724111953731.htm