Free Entry To Huế Monument Complex For Visitors Quarantined In Huế, City Chairman Promises In Letter

Some Huế city visitors quarantined as a COVID-19 health measure

---

The ancient Vietnamese city of Huế, located in the Vietnamese province of Thừa Thiên-Huế, is known for the charming Hương River and its rich cultural heritage. Tourists come here from all over the world to marvel at the magnificent Imperial Citadel and learn about Vietnam’s history.

The charming Hương River in Thừa Thiên-Huế
Image credit: @lanhue

But unfortunately, now that the city of Huế has not been spared from COVID-19 worries, locals and tourists in the city are understandably worried for each other’s health, and aware of the need for quarantine in case they are exposed to the virus.

The city’s authorities has been keeping a close eye on tourists as well, arranging for those who have shown symptoms of the disease or have come in close contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients to go under quarantine. The Chairman of the People’s Committee of Thừa Thiên-Huế, Mr Phan Ngọc Thọ, has expressed his concern for the well-being of these quarantined tourists, and even wrote a letter to apologize to them for the inconvenience.

---

A heartfelt letter to apologize to Huế visitors affected by the COVID-19 situation

---

Mr Phan Ngọc Thọ, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Thừa Thiên-Huế province, taking pictures with tourists
Image credit: UBND tỉnh Thừa Thiên Huế

On 17th March, Mr Thọ wrote an open letter to these visitors in which he explained why such quarantine measures were necessary to prevent the spread of the disease. He also expressed his gratitude to these visitors for choosing Huế as a travel destination, as well as his regret that they did not have the good time they expected.

He conveyed his hope to welcome visitors to the city under better circumstances, when the COVID-19 restrictions are over. Finally, he promised that as long as they keep a physical copy of his letter, they will be given free entry to the Huế Monument Complex, a major attraction of Huế city, any time in the future. 

The Huế Monument Complex is a major attraction of the city, and those with the letter from Mr Thọ can visit it for free in the future
Image credit: @lisatian2

---

The chairman’s letter was officially translated into English

---

Mr Phan Ngoc Tho’s letter was translated to English and French and delivered in hard copy to all foreign visitors in quarantine facilities in Huế. The official English translation of the text reads:

“First of all, I would like to express our best regards and warmest greetings to you! Thank you for choosing Vietnam and our beautiful and charming Hue City for your trip.

Without the outbreak and dangerous developments of the Covid-19 epidemic, perhaps these days you have been having interesting experiences with the scenery, cuisine, heritage, culture, and people in Hue… However, to ensure your health and community safety, we sincerely regret to temporarily keep in quarantine for people who have close contact with Covid-19 patients to monitor and check their health status, as well as control epidemic spread.

So far, you have not been able to enjoy your trip as expected; the limited facilities and services at the quarantine areas may have caused some inconvenience to you. We expect to receive your understanding and sharing with our local government to prevent and reverse the epidemic. We highly appreciate and express our sincere thanks for your kind cooperation over these days.

We hope in the nearest future, Hue will be the first choice in your travel itinerary, so that we would have an opportunity to express our hospitality and unique tourism services of our ancient capital.

We will facilitate your free entrance to Hue Monument Complex if you have chance to come back and explore our Hue ancient and beautiful city in the future. Please keep this letter as a guarantee of your free admission to Hue Monuments on your next trip to Hue City.

Yours sincerely,

Phan Ngoc Tho”

---

83 people are under quarantine in Thừa Thiên-Huế province

---

Quarantined tourists receiving the letter from Mr Thọ
Image credit: Vov.vn

As of the latest update on 17th March, Thừa Thiên-Huế province had 83 people under quarantine, 4 of whom are UK residents who tested positive to COVID-19 and received treatment at Hue Central Hospital.

The Chairman’s gesture is small, but it is also sincere and represents Vietnam’s hospitality to foreign visitors who love the ancient city. While it is heartening to see that the Vietnamese authorities are taking steps to ensure the safety and health of both locals and visitors, we also need to play our part in practicing social distancing and educating our loved ones on keeping healthy and washing our hands regularly. 

For more updates on the COVID-19 situation in Vietnam, check out:

• Vietnam scientists & engineers invent disinfection chambers
• All foreigners are restricted from entering Vietnam

---

Cover image credit: UBND tỉnh Thừa Thiên Huế

Enjoying The Smart Local Vietnam? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more stories like this. If you have a story to share, email us at pressvn@thesmartlocal.com.