Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: 2.17 million tourists visit Vietnam this year-a drop

Sunday, August 2, 2009

2.17 million tourists visit Vietnam this year-a drop

10:29' 02/08/2009 (GMT+7)

- The number of foreign visitors to Vietnam in the first seven months of this year reached 2.17 million, a fall of 18.7 percent year on year, according to data from the Vietnam Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

The number of visitors to the country for business dropped by 22.3 percent, for vacation by 21.4 percent, and for other reasons by 20.5 percent, while the number of visitors to visit relatives rose by 0.6 percent, it said.

There were only 149,000 foreign visitors to Vietnam in July, 12.9 percent lower than the same period last year.

A spokesman for VNAT said the main reason for the decline of visitors was the global financial crisis, adding that the global swine flu outbreak has also driven visitors away.

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.