Foreign visitors on cycle bikes in Hội An on Saturday. — VNA/VNS Photo Hữu Trung

QUẢNG NAM — After testing negative for COVID-19, a group of 50 foreign visitors under the pilot “vaccine passport” programme took a tour around Hội An Ancient Town in the south-central province of Quảng 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 Việt Nam is gradually reopening on the heels of its rapidly increasing vaccination rates.

The first foreign tourists to Hội An receive a 'welcome back' ceremony and souvenirs from local authorities on Saturday. — VNA/VNS Photo Hữu Trung

Around 8am on Saturday morning, the tourists attended a welcome ceremony by the local authorities and received souvenirs at the Chùa Cầu 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 Hội 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.

Foreign tourists in Hội An on Saturday. — VNA/VNS Photo Hữu Trung

Vice Chairman of the Hội An People’s Committee Nguyễn Văn Lanh expressed his gratitude to the visitors for choosing Hội An as the first destination on their trip to Việt Nam.

It has taken great efforts from the local authority and people over the last two years to welcome back international tourists and to make Hội An a safe and friendly destination, he said, adding that he expects to see Hội An and Quảng Nam regaining its reputation and stature.

The visitors visit UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary in Duy Xuyên District on Sunday and returned for a night tour in Hội An on the same day. — VNS