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A viral short video shows his adopted son Joey shyly offer a high-five and get waves and hugs from elementary-school students.
The video has amassed over two million views.
For most viewers, it was a heartwarming moment.
A video shared on social media shows Joey is welcomed by Vietnamese children on a street in Ho Chi Minh City.
For 68-year-old Hitzroth, it was an amazing answer to his deepest fear on every trip: Will the world accept his son?
He and Joey just completed an eight-day visit to Ho Chi Minh City in early December.
Based in Bali, Indonesia, the two frequently make short trips abroad for renewing their visas, for which they have to leave the country and reenter.
They used to favor Singapore and Malaysia, but this time Hitzroth chose Vietnam because Joey prefers shorter flights.
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Alan Hitzroth (L) and his son Joey during their trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of Alan Hitzroth |
According to the World Health Organization, travel can be especially challenging for individuals with Down syndrome or autism, as changes in environment and unfamiliar noise can trigger panic attacks.
Destination choices often depend not only on attractions but also on community friendliness and perceived safety.
On Dec. 2, while walking through a residential area in Khanh Hoi Ward (former District 4 area), the duo encountered a group of students eating breakfast on the sidewalk.
Rather than the curious or apprehensive stares they always got elsewhere, the children spontaneously called out "Hello" and waved at them.
That moment dissolved Joey's shyness.
Hitzroth said: "Many people become scared or pull back when they see Joey's different appearance, but these Vietnamese children were an exception. They were completely open and not hesitant at all."
It made him profoundly happy, he said.
Joey has always wanted to interact with people, and so it was no surprise he beamed with joy after a few handshakes, he said.
Hitzroth and his wife adopted Joey after losing their first daughter, Alana, to meningitis and their second, Ariel who had also had Down syndrome, at age five.
Their memories of Ariel, and the love they felt for her, led them to adopt Joey, who had been abandoned by his birth mother.
But their visit to Vietnam did not go entirely without challenges.
Shortly after arriving at their rented apartment, Joey had a 10-minute meltdown due to travel fatigue, a common reaction among individuals with Down syndrome when sensory overload occurs.
Ho Chi Minh City's notorious traffic did not bother him since he was accustomed to it in Bali, but the food demanded caution since he needs it to be without gluten.
Joey loves rice, especially fried rice, which makes most Asian destinations suitable for him.
In Vietnam, he enthusiastically tried several dishes, and became particularly fond of spring rolls.
Hitzroth did say navigating his strict gluten-free diet was difficult. But there was no real difficulty, he said.
Their experience just underlines the fact that Vietnam's tourism appeal goes far beyond landscapes and food. In recent years it has ranked among the world's friendliest destinations in survey after survey by sites like Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.
The warmth and openness of Vietnamese people is increasingly seen as an invaluable asset, especially for travelers with disabilities.
The viral video has not only spread joy but also reshaped how many viewers perceive travel with disabled family members.
Thousands of comments expressed surprise and admiration for the kindness shown by the Vietnamese children.
Many parents of children with Down syndrome said that moment encourages them to consider taking their own children abroad, and that Vietnam is now firmly in their list.
Hitzroth and Joey are already planning a return visit.
Hitzroth said: "Vietnam has shown us empathy without words. We will definitely return."
