Russian tourists share their experiences in Nghe An during the 'epidemic days'

Nghe An Newspaper had a quick interview with Russian tourists Iakov Sergeivich Shusharin and Anastasiia Shusharina about their experiences in Cua Lo during the Covid-19 pandemic.

PV: It is known that you spent 3 days in the coastal town of Cua Lo. Can you share your schedule before arriving in Cua Lo?

Mr. Iakov Sergeivich Shusharin:We are tourists from the Russian Federation. Before arriving in Cua Lo, we had 3 days to explore Hanoi. According to the plan, we continued to Sa Pa by bus and stayed there for 3 days even though this town was almost “closed”. All activities became stagnant, people were advised not to leave their homes.

Plans have to be constantly changed due to tourists' lack of information about the epidemic. Photo: Thanh Cuong

After 3 days in Sa Pa, we headed to Ninh Binh. Although we had booked a room in advance, when we arrived at our accommodation, we were informed that there was a suspected case of Covid-19 infection in the area because we were on the same flight returning from the UK with a patient who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The hotel was closed, forcing us to book accommodation elsewhere. However, all hotels there were not accepting bookings from foreign guests. We immediately had to change our plans and went online to search for information on where we could go at this time. When we searched, we planned to go to Ha Long Bay, but Ha Long was also closed to tourism.

Honestly, at that time we felt confused, because we did not know where to go to visit and relax while we were in Vietnam. Finally, we decided to go to Cua Lo. However, the weather was not favorable. It was cloudy and rainy.

PV: Did you have any difficulty finding accommodation or communicating in Cua Lo?

Mr. Iakov Sergeivich Shusharin: We had no difficulty in searching, everything went easily on websites that support searching for accommodation information such as Booking, Agoda. During the booking process, we clearly stated our nationality and asked if the locality had any restrictions on accepting foreign tourists. At the chosen accommodation, we were welcomed attentively, politely, and assisted with transportation.

"The local people interacted with us in a pleasant manner, all communication was smooth." Photo: Thanh Cuong

When we arrived in Cua Lo, we felt safer and more comfortable than in Hanoi. The local people were very friendly to us and all communication was smooth. In addition to Cua Lo, we had a picnic trip to Huong Tich Pagoda. The trip made us very satisfied. We were lucky to meet a group of students studying in Hanoi who are now returning home to Vinh city to avoid the epidemic and also went to the pagoda. The young people were very friendly and helped us a lot.

In Nghe An - Ha Tinh, there are no “sad” looks towards foreigners like us. In fact, the young people use English very well and help us a lot. However, the most regrettable thing is that Cua Lo beach at this moment is not as beautiful as we expected.

PV: How do you see the COVID-19 prevention work in Vietnam? Is there anything different compared to Russia?

Mr. Iakov Sergeivich Shusharin: When we landed at Noi Bai airport, Hanoi, we were required to complete a health declaration. At that time, we were allowed to enter the country because we had an epidemiological history of not traveling from a country with an outbreak.

When coming to Vinh city, in the complicated context of the epidemic, we always consciously protect ourselves and the community by wearing masks, using disinfectant spray, and strictly following all local regulations on epidemic hygiene.

International visitors proactively protect themselves during the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Before we arrived in Vietnam, Russia had not yet announced a global epidemic. However, according to information obtained through the media, the government has now built a field hospital and Russians returning from Asian regions such as Vietnam will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine. Right after our short vacation in Cua Lo ends, we will return to Hanoi to return to Russia. I will undergo a 14-day quarantine at home according to our Government's regulations.

PV: As a foreign tourist, what support do you expect to receive in the complicated context of the Covid-19 pandemic?

Mr. Iakov Sergeivich Shusharin: Honestly, we really want to travel and experience Vietnam, visit the famous sights. However, wearing masks all day, always having to disinfect our hands, we cannot move around comfortably....

Tourists are confused by the lack of information about the epidemic and destination information in English. Photo: Thanh Cuong

As tourists, we wish Vietnam would provide more information about the epidemic and information about destinations during the epidemic season. Information in Vietnamese may be very complete for the people, but for foreign tourists, information in English is very limited, so it is difficult for us to access.

In particular, information such as: where is safe to go, where is "closed" to fight the epidemic, where is accepting, where is restricting receiving tourists... Complete information will help tourists proactively cancel flight tickets and change schedules.