HANOI, OCTOBER 27
Strolling through bustling streets, dining in local restaurants, cruising scenic waters, or shopping in modern malls, Nepalis have become a common sight across cities in Vietnam, reflecting a surge in outbound tourism during the Dashain holiday season.
Driven by remittances and a steadily evolving travel culture, a growing number of Nepalis are choosing to travel abroad for leisure and holiday experiences.
According to the Nepal Department of Immigration, 549 Nepalis traveled to Vietnam in August, shortly before Dashain, while 816,539 foreign tourists visited Nepal by September of this fiscal year.
Bhuwan Basnet, Business Development Officer at Rupse Holidays in Kathmandu, reported, "We have fixed departures, and 56 Nepalis traveled to Vietnam through our agency alone." He added that around 100 Nepalis, combining fixed and customized travelers, booked through their agency, and he anticipates this number will rise significantly in October.
Though no direct flights currently operate between Nepal and Vietnam, the Southeast Asian nation has become a sought-after destination for Nepalis eager to experience its adventure spots, beaches, cruises, and vibrant nightlife. Basnet noted that during festival seasons, they offer direct flights to Vietnam to meet growing demand. "On average, we send around 800–1,200 people to Vietnam," he added.
In recent months, Vietnam has welcomed over 18 million tourists in the first ten months of the fiscal year-a sharp increase from the previous year. With relaxed visa policies, easy access to e-visas for Nepalis, and affordable tour packages, this destination has become particularly enticing, Basnet observed.
Echoing this sentiment, a working professional who recently visited Vietnam praised the country's warm hospitality, its climate similar to Nepal's, and the extensive range of activities that attract visitors from around the world. "I recently visited Ha Long Bay, one of the wonders of the world, and it was surreal to cruise through its stunning beauty, accompanied by the soothing sounds of whispering waters. The experience was both mesmerizing and healing," he shared on condition of anonymity.
Similarly, Sujeet Kumar Shrestha, married to an Australian-Vietnamese, expressed enthusiasm over the increasing numbers of Nepalis visiting Vietnam. "It's encouraging to see more Nepalis exploring Vietnam's diverse offerings," he said.
Shrestha also recommended that visitors explore the war memorial in Ho Chi Minh City to gain insights into Vietnam's history and its resilient rise as an emerging tourist destination in ASEAN.
Likewise, Radha Krishna Gajurel, an ICT lecturer at the National College of Computer Studies (NCCS) in Paknajol, Kathmandu, praised Vietnam's street food culture. "The street food in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi is truly captivating, with people from all walks of life enjoying the experience, regardless of their status," he shared.
Gajurel found the cities safe for exploring, with locals who were exceptionally supportive and welcoming. "As a tourist, you couldn't ask for a better experience," he remarked.
Meanwhile, Nepalis in Vietnam have launched hospitality services in Ho Chi Minh City, offering Nepali delicacies and North Indian cuisine to travelers seeking familiar flavors.
Despite having established diplomatic ties with Vietnam on May 15, 1975, Nepal has yet to open an embassy in this rapidly emerging Southeast Asian destination.
All the pictures of Ho Cho Min City and Ha Long Bay are captured by Mausam Shah 'Nepali' for The Himalayan Times.
