A Heartwarming Encounter in Vietnam

A young Thai content creator, known as Foam, recently embarked on a five-day adventure to Da Nang and Hoi An with his friends, celebrating their university graduation.

Foam fondly recalled that what made their trip truly special was not just the breathtaking scenery or the delicious local cuisine, but the genuine warmth and kindness of the Vietnamese people they met.

The group had meticulously planned their trip, drawn by the cultural similarities between Thailand and Vietnam, as well as the ease of traveling in the country. During their stay in Da Nang, they explored the local food scene and visited popular attractions, while in Hoi An, they wandered through the charming Old Town and took a scenic boat ride through the Bay Mau coconut forest.

One of Foam's friends, Arisa, documented their journey on social media, garnering an impressive 1.3 million interactions. The group's presence in Vietnam was warmly welcomed by the online community, with many viewers sharing their own experiences and stories about the country. One enthusiastic commenter even revealed plans to relocate to Vietnam after visiting.

Hoang Vu, a local resident of Da Nang, applauded Foam's decision to visit the city, citing its exceptional hospitality, pleasant climate, and affordable cost of living as major draws.

Hoang Vu shared his own experience of visiting Da Nang ten years ago and being so captivated by the city's charm that he decided to stay. He highlighted the city's unique blend of hospitality, climate, and affordability, which sets it apart from other major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Two poignant moments from Foam's trip garnered significant attention online: the emotional farewell with a local eatery owner and his subsequent decision to get a tattoo that reads 'I love Vietnam' in Vietnamese.

The touching farewell took place on the group's second evening in Da Nang. After facing difficulties in renting motorbikes, they strolled along Vo Nguyen Giap Street in search of food and stumbled upon a quaint eatery, where they were warmly received by the owner, despite only ordering takeaway.

The owner's exceptional hospitality extended to speaking a little Thai, introducing them to local dishes, and ensuring their comfort, making the group feel like they were part of the family.

Before departing, Foam utilized a translation app to express his gratitude and apologize for not staying longer. The owner's heartfelt response was to hug him, offer words of caution about safe driving and taxi scams, and recommend must-visit destinations.

Foam was deeply moved by the owner's kindness, which brought him to tears. A video capturing this moment later went viral, resonating with millions of viewers.

The image of Foam breaking down in tears as the eatery owner bid them farewell has become an enduring symbol of the trip, courtesy of Foam's video.

Prior to returning home, Foam decided to commemorate his journey with a tattoo. At a studio on Le Hong Phong Street, artist Nguyen Van Thuan presented him with several design options, ultimately settling on a simple yet profound phrase: 'Toi yeu Viet Nam' (I love Vietnam).

As Foam shared stories from his trip and expressed his appreciation for the people he encountered, Thuan was touched by his sincerity. In a gesture of kindness, the artist waived the fee for the tattoo.

Thuan revealed that this was the first time he had tattooed a stranger, underscoring the unique bond that had formed between him and Foam.

Thuan's studio caters to a diverse clientele of foreign visitors, with three to four clients per day, most of whom book sessions in advance, which can last for several hours depending on the design's complexity.

Foam's story coincides with the growing popularity of Da Nang among Thai tourists. In 2025, the city welcomed 313,000 visitors from Thailand, accounting for 4.1% of all international arrivals.

In the first two months of 2026, Da Nang received over 62,000 Thai tourists, indicating a steady increase in interest.

Following his trip, Foam expressed surprise at the overwhelming response from Vietnamese netizens. Now back in Thailand, he and his friends are already planning their return, eager to share more stories and experiences about Vietnam.

The tattoo and the heartfelt hug from the eatery owner are etched in Foam's memory as the most poignant reminders of his time in Vietnam.

As Foam reflects on his journey, it is clear that the people he met and the experiences he had have left an indelible mark on his heart, inspiring a deep affection for Vietnam.

The story of Foam and his friends serves as a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the lasting impressions that can be formed through meaningful interactions with people from different backgrounds.

In the end, Foam's decision to get a tattoo symbolizing his love for Vietnam has become a beacon of hope and friendship, bridging the gap between two nations and fostering a sense of community that transcends borders.

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