The Future of Vietnam Travel Is Anchored By Deep

The Future of Vietnam Travel Is Anchored By Deep

Vietnam is a name that stirs the senses and emotions. It conjures visions of proud farmers in conical straw hats tending their rice paddies. It conjures smells of lemongrass, ginger and mint, savory spices used in Vietnamese cooking.

It conjures the romance of a bygone colonial era, and the hope of a resilient people who look to a modern future, even as they retain the exotic culture and deep traditions of their ancient past.

As long as I can remember I've had a fascination and an affinity for Vietnam. Growing up, I read everything I could on the country, watched every movie. I took a course in college on the French and American Indochina wars. So when President Clinton lifted America's trade embargo in February of 1994, just as I was planning my graduation adventure, I didn't think twice. In July, 1994, I was among the first Americans to visit Vietnam after the war. Over the past two decades I've watched the country embrace rapid change while still retaining its distinct character, deep-rooted traditions, and the warmth and openness of its people.

I vividly remember the day I arrived in Saigon, the overwhelming wave of excitement. The city looked exactly as I'd pictured it, like it hadn't changed at all since America's departure in 1975. The Vietnamese (particularly the Southerners) are very outgoing, and my red hair was pretty eye-catching, so people immediately approached me on the street. Most people assumed I was French, but when a man asked me in English where I was from I was startled and mumbled "...merica", a bit nervous about his reaction. Unbelievably, I got a big, broad smile, a response which was to be repeated for the rest of my time in Vietnam. Often people would say something like "I fought with Captain Dan from San Diego. You know Captain Dan?" Or, "Bill Clinton, very good." I can't profess to understand how or why the Vietnamese people were able to move on, despite having lost between one and three million people in the war, but in all my time in Vietnam, I have never, not once after that first day, been uncomfortable about being an American. I have always been treated graciously, kindly, and warmly. I was scheduled to stay for two weeks, but the following day I extended my stay to a month. It was not always an easy trip, but it was incredible, and life-changing in so many ways. I was about to start my first job in the travel industry, and I vowed I would one day come back to Vietnam to work.

Fast forward twenty years and now I run Access Trips, a boutique adventure travel company which has just launched a culinary tour in Vietnam. We go deep into the culture as we cook (and eat) our way from Saigon to Hanoi, stopping en route to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An and the former imperial capital of Hue. Our guests connect with villagers, urban hipsters, street food and market vendors, traditional and modern chefs, artists, and descendants of the royal family, allowing them to experience the evolution of the complex and rich Vietnamese culture.

The first time I was there, Vietnam was very much a communist country in name and in practice, and the service levels, or lack thereof, reflected it. I clearly remember thinking that this country had so much to offer visitors, but they needed to get their act together and understand what Westerners expected service-wise, or people would not come. Well, they did just that. Tourism to Vietnam has grown almost six-fold over the past twenty years, and the service we experience now in hotels, in restaurants, and in stores, is excellent. Unlike other developing countries, you are not bombarded by hawkers on the street -- approached, yes, but respectfully. In taxis, if you tell them you want to use the meter, they turn on the meter, no hassle. I'm so inspired by both the individuals I've met in Vietnam, and by the resilience and spirit of the society as a whole. The country is moving forward, but the charm remains: in the beautiful old buildings; the hanging silk lanterns; the women who still wear traditional cone hats, not because they're iconic, but because they're functional; and in the kindness and warmth of the locals. It is truly amazing how Vietnam's tourism has evolved in the last twenty years, without losing its soul or its character.

Source: huffingtonpost.com

Bài viết liên quan

	Vietnam Airlines announces upgrade to 4-star service Vietnam Airlines on July 2 announces its 4-star service upgrade and launches its new corporate identity in a ceremony held in the VIP lounge of Noi Bai International Airport with the presence of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. Detail >>

	First buckwheat flower festival to be held in Ha Giang The northernmost province Ha Giang is organising the first buckwheat flower festival in Dong Van’s Ancient Quarter from November 13-15. Detail >>

	Phong Nha-Ke Bang wins 2nd UNESCO recognition The Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in central Quang Binh province received its second UNESCO recognition on July 3. Detail >>

	Tourism festival to be held at Tram Chim National Park The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Dong Thap will organise a tourism festival at the Tram Chim National Park in Tam Nong District on September 25. Detail >>

	Nine national relic sites recognised An additional nine historical, architectural and archaeological relics nationwide have been listed as national relic sites under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s decision. Detail >>

	Ba Na Hills splendid with European festival A European festival themed “The Colour of Summer” is taking place in Ba Na Hills tourist area in central Da Nang City. Detail >>

	Vietnam Arlines receives Boeing 787 Dreamliner A ceremony to hand over the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to Vietnam Airlines by Boeing company was held at Ronald Reagan Airport on July 7 in the presence of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong who is in the US for an official visit. Detail >>

	Hoi An offers night tours of Cu Lao Cham Island Besides day tours, the Hoi An City People's Committee has opened all-day tours on Cu Lao Cham Island every Saturday, attracting many tourists. Detail >>

	Trade Union: Building and developing Vietnamese culture and people On July 06, in Nghe An, Trade Union of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism organized a seminar “Trade Union – Building and Developing Vietnamese culture and People to meet sustainable demand of the country.” Detail >>

	Ranking more 09 national relics Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism promulgated Decisions to recognize more 09 national relics. Detail >>

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