Vietnam among world's most welcoming countries: survey

Vietnam ranks ninth among the world's 10 most welcoming countries in an annual survey by Expat Insider of the international organization InterNations.

"With Vietnam coming in ninth place, it is obvious that expats feel welcome there. The friendliness towards foreign residents, rated positively by 83 percent, might have a positive impact on expats’ general well-being," an InterNations report says.

It quotes a Belgian expat as saying Vietnam is “less stressful than many other places, as people smile naturally.”

However, only four out of 10 expats (43%) would describe the local population as outgoing, and almost six in 10 respondents (58%) are thinking of moving back to their country of origin in the future, the survey finds.

Portugal, Taiwan and Mexico top the table in friendliness of the local population towards foreign residents. They are followed, in order, by Cambodia, Bahrain, Costa Rica, Oman, Colombia and Canada.

Vietnam has scored several notches this year as a top travel destination in the world in different aspects.

In early June, the country was named among the seven best countries to visit in Southeast Asia by British newspaper The Independent.

"A similarly popular choice for Brits travelling around Asia, Vietnam’s various areas of natural beauty are among the most coveted in the region.

"Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Danang are the best destinations for those who want to experience Vietnamese cities (Danang also has beach areas), while Hoi An is sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of Vietnam’ due to its canals, alongside its well-preserved Ancient Town comprised of wooden Chinese shophouses and French colonial buildings," it wrote.

In May, leading Australian travel site Traveller named Vietnam among the world's eight budget-busting destinations perfect for family holidays. "Explore hawker markets, slurp pho, ride a buffalo or take a fun cooking class," it advised its readers.

"Vietnam’s not only a fun, adventurous family destination - it also offers terrific value thanks to the strong Aussie dollar and cheap flights with airlines including Bamboo Airways, Jetstar and newly launched VietJet Air."

In March, New York-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure listed the country among 21 "life-changing trips everyone should experience at least once" .

"A trip through Southeast Asia is a must for any traveler, especially foodies who love street eats. While you could spend weeks in each of these countries, Thailand and Vietnam can easily be paired for an exciting trip packed with lush scenery, cultural experiences, and delicious food," it wrote.

The magazine suggested: "Have a little extra time to spare? Add Cambodia to the mix and include a visit to expansive Angkor Wat."

In mid-February, the Traveller ranked Vietnam among 20 of the world's best-value destinations.

"For food alone Vietnam is a favourite. Add the transformations and heady vibe of an emerging economy, incense-laden temples, lakeside old towns, lush highlands and mushrooming beach resorts and you have every reason to visit," it wrote.

"Vietnam remains one of the cheapest travel destinations in Asia, with direct budget flights from Australia an added saver.

"Expect to pay under two dollars for a beer or coffee, not much more for a bowl of pho, $50 for a decent hotel, and $170 for an upmarket one. Nothing to complain about, except the traffic."