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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.

Báo Thanh niênBáo Thanh niên24/07/2025

Returning to a country more than 9 hours away from Australia 19 times in 18 years must be 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:

Dressed in 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 best 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.

18 years of traveling to Vietnam 19 times and these are the heartfelt shares - Photo 1.

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 Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy , overtaking Thailand, and last year saw a 40% jump in tourist arrivals.

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 skills.

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 only gets more appealing.

18 years of traveling to Vietnam 19 times and these are the heartfelt shares - Photo 2.

The beauty of Ha Long Bay on old postcards

PHOTO: ESCAPE

With a special passion for this country, Ronan O'Connell suggests to visitors the must-see destinations and shares the reasons why to 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 an achievable goal 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.

18 years of traveling to Vietnam 19 times and these are the heartfelt shares - Photo 3.

Hon Thom Cable Car

PHOTO: ESCAPE

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 is not over yet, as Hanoi is a treasure trove of history, the embodiment of a glorious past. Hanoi is home to some of Vietnam’s most stunning historical wonders, including the massive Temple of Literature, the Imperial Citadel and the charming labyrinth of the Old Quarter, a network of 36 streets lined with heritage architecture, home to ancient artisans, and teeming with tourist hotels, bars, cafes and souvenir shops.

18 years of traveling to Vietnam 19 times and these are the heartfelt shares - Photo 4.

Hanoi Old Quarter with many memories

PHOTO: ESCAPE

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 will love the theme parks, beaches and children’s resorts, while parents will love 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.

18 years of traveling to Vietnam 19 times and these are the heartfelt shares - Photo 5.

Destination Golden Bridge on top of Ba Na

PHOTO: ESCAPE

Meanwhile, few Asian cities can match the splendor of Hoi An , a tranquil riverside destination on the central coast, anchored by its UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town. Some 1,000 historic half-timbered houses dot the area, a mix of European, Chinese and Japanese architecture, painted in shades of 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


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