Why not everyone can enter the "happiest country in the world"

Dubbed "the happiest paradise in the world", Bhutan does not promote attracting tourists because of concerns about negative impacts from tourism.

Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia, between India and China. The small country is known as "the happiest country in the world", a wonderland for anyone who has ever set foot there. When coming to Bhutan, visitors can feel the peaceful atmosphere in the mysterious kingdom - where the traditional Buddhist culture in the Himalayas is separate from the rapid development of the world. It can be said that Bhutan is a paradise on earth, but in reality, for many reasons, the number of tourists coming here every year is very small.

Travel restriction policy

Bhutan is a country that places very strict requirements on visitors. Tourist visas are only issued upon request by government-licensed tour operators, and only for specific travel dates where the tour has been arranged and paid for in advance. However, even for approved tours to Bhutan, the government sets a minimum price of $200/person/day (about 4.5 million) for the entire cost.

Therefore, if you are a solo tourist coming here, you will not be granted a visa. This is explained by the Bhutanese government's concern about the negative impacts that tourism can have on the balance and sensitive ecosystem of this small country.

The Bhutanese government focuses more on promoting national culture through tourism than on the economic benefits that the industry brings. Photo: Heavenlybhutan

Nowadays, tourism policies have become more open, but the number of tourists in Bhutan is still limited. Only about 35,000 foreign tourists come here every year because the government focuses more on promoting Bhutanese culture through tourism than on the economic benefits that this industry brings to the country.

Aviation industry

Bhutan has only one international airport, Paro, 65 km from the capital Thimphu. Visitors who want to fly to Bhutan must transit in Bangkok (Thailand), Calcutta, Dhaka, Delhi, Bagdogra (India) or Kathmandu (Nepal). In addition, the only airline with scheduled flights here is Druk Air - the royal airline of Bhutan. The number of tickets for these flights is also limited and cannot be booked in advance. You can only buy tickets directly at the airport if you present all valid documents of the tour that has been paid and licensed by the government of this country.

Currency exchange is difficult and prices are expensive

In Bhutan, it is difficult to find banks or ATMs outside the capital Thimphu. Photo: Thedailystar

Bhutan uses the ngultrum (Nu), which is pegged to the Indian rupee. Visa and master cards are only accepted in some major hotels and restaurants, so when you travel, it is best to bring USD and exchange it for Nu at the airport. If you go outside the capital Thimphu, it will be difficult to find banks or ATMs and transactions here will take a lot of time. This is one of the difficulties that tourists encounter when traveling in Bhutan.

In addition, one of the other reasons why tourists rarely visit Bhutan is that the prices here are very expensive. The Bhutanese government applies a policy of taxing all items for tourists, including taxes on tour guides, drivers, private cars... Even package tours including accommodation, meals, sightseeing, entry fees, visa fees... are also taxed very highly. Normally, a visitor here has to spend up to 300 USD/day (about 6.7 million VND) in the high season and 240 USD/day (about 5.4 million VND) in the low season.

Bhutanese Cuisine

Chillies are used as a main ingredient in dishes rather than as a condiment. One of the traditional Bhutanese dishes is eme daste, which consists of large green chillies served with cheese sauce.

Chilli peppers are an indispensable ingredient in Bhutanese meals. Photo: Asherworldturns

Vajrayana Buddhism is the state religion in Bhutan, practiced by two-thirds of the population. The culture of the small country is therefore strongly Buddhist, which is why vegetables are a common part of the diet. Although tourist hotels may be internationalizing by serving more meat and toning down the spiciness of their food, this is still one of the challenges that makes anyone planning to visit this country think twice before making the decision.

According to vnexpress