Tourist hotspot: The Golden Hand Bridge, which is a popular tourist spot in Ba Na Hills in Vietnam, was one of the places Elaine visited during her trip to Danang.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are increasingly seeing the value of work-life balance, taking the opportunity to travel for a short respite or to spend quality time with their loved ones.
Self-employed Elaine Koh said she grabbed a tour package to visit Danang, Vietnam.
“The offer was good at below RM2,600, which was within my budget, with an early bird discount.
“It was my first trip overseas since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I had a wonderful time with my family, getting to fly, staying at four-star hotels and enjoying decent meals throughout the five-day, four-night trip,” she said.
Khoo posing at one of the popular tourist spots during her recent trip to Vietnam.
Among the places she visited were Ba Na Hills where the iconic Golden Hand Bridge is located, Dragon Bridge, DHC Marina and Son Tra Mountain, which houses the highest Quan Yin statue in Vietnam.
Elaine, 51, said despite having some difficulties in communicating, the entire trip was smooth and fun.
“The only issue was that their immigration officers were very strict, to the extent of removing shoes and checking every inch of my body,” she added.
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management & Technology student Wyann Khoo, 21, also travelled to Vietnam with a few friends during their month-long semester break.
“My parents sponsored the trip as a gift for my birthday.
Still a top priority: Yock Heng says despite the sluggish economy, people are still willing to set aside some money for travelling within the country or overseas with their families.
“We had a whale of a time before going back to Kampar for the new semester.
“We noticed that despite the high number of locals and foreigners at popular tourist sites, very few wore face masks,” she said, adding that the people had adapted to live with the virus worldwide.
Apple Vacations group managing director Datuk Seri Koh Yock Heng said despite the sluggish economy, people are still willing to set aside some money for travelling within the country or overseas with their families.
“Now, with the pandemic no longer a health issue, many people prefer to cherish the moment and live in the present.
“We have also received many enquiries on travel packages and itineraries to visit Japan due to the lower exchange rate at present,” he said, adding that interest in China was also strong due to the visa-free arrangement between both countries.
