Chinese tourists taking photos in front of the Temple of Literature, a leading tourist attraction in Hanoi which is featured on the VND100,000 note.
The tourists entered Vietnam via Huu Nghi international border gate in Lang Son Province, around 160 kilometers from Hanoi, on Wednesday. the day China officially allowed its citizens to travel to Vietnam again after a three-year hiatus due to Covid.
A tour guide (R) wearing sunglasses introduces the history of the temple to the tourists.
The Temple of Literature was built in 1070 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thanh Tong in honor of Confucius, whose deep influence on Vietnamese society holds to this day.
Liu Yulian (C), 66, from China’s Pingxiang City in Guangxi Province, said she had visited Vietnam several times before the pandemic.
She added that she was impressed by Vietnam’s delicious food, friendly people and beautiful scenery.
Some Chinese tourists take photos in front of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Chinese visitors said, however, they felt afraid to cross the streets in Hanoi as some vehicles failed to give way to pedestrians.
Deng Gui Lin, 68, from Guangxi Province, said he was touched by the warm welcome of the Vietnamese people. Deng said that this is his first visit to Vietnam.
After leaving the Temple of Literature, the group of tourists visited Huong Lien Restaurant, famous for its signature bun cha (Vietnamese grilled pork with rice noodles).
The dish shot to global fame after former U.S. President Barack Obama enjoyed it with late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain during his 2016 trip to Vietnam. The dish was then featured on Bourdain's show "Parts Unknown."
The tourists enjoy com (green rice flakes), a specialty of Hanoi.
After visiting the capital, the group traveled to Ha Long Bay, around two hours to the east of Hanoi.
Chinese tourists in Vietnamese traditional dress ao dai are greeted by a travel agent outside the Saigon Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City.
They are among a group of 16 Chinese tourists who flew to Tan Son Nhat Airport on Friday. They have booked eight-day tour to visit Da Lat, Nha Trang and Mui Ne in central Vietnam as well.
