Foreign arrivals return to Phu Tho via waterway

This marks the first group of river tourists to return to Phu Tho after a break of over two years caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the welcoming ceremony hosted by the Insight Asia Travel Company, Nguyen Dac Thuy, director of the Phu Tho Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, expressed his wish that international tourists have interesting experiences during their stay.

Indeed, the province is notable for being home to two intangible cultural heritages recognised by UNESCO, along with several traditional craft villages.

Australian tourist Wendy Elizabeth said that this is the first time she has been to Phu Tho province, which has hugely impressed her with unique landscapes and the hospitality shown by local residents.

Nguyen Viet Trinh, director of Insight Asia, revealed that during their stay in the locality, the group of 18 foreign tourists visited the Hung Lo ancient communal house, enjoyed performances of Xoan singing, and toured several relic sites and traditional craft villages in the region.

There will be between two and three groups of tourists following this journey to Phu Tho, from now until the end of the river tourism season which lasts from July to April next year.

With over 25 years of  being the leader in Asian River Cruise, Pandaw is one of the first units to organize river cruises in Southeast Asia. At present, the river cruise company has operated itineraries along the Red and Mekong River in Vietnam.

Most notably, the Red River tour usually lasts for 11 days, starting from Ha Long in the northern province of Quang Ninh and heading to localities such as Hai Duong, Hanoi, Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho, and Hoa Binh.

Until recently the river routes had been suspended for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.