"Vietnamese Travelers Find Tranquility and Paradise-Like Peace in Kashmir Despite Alarmed Safety Perceptions"
Pahalgam's Persistent Allure: Despite the unsettling aftermath of the 2025 Pahalgam tragedy that claimed 28 lives, the enchanting landscape of Pahalgam continues to draw tourists.
On a recent visit, a group of Vietnamese tourists shared their experiences, echoing the sentiment that Kashmir is a "heaven on earth." Despite the closure of popular tourist spots, they found joy in discovering the valley's natural beauty and warm hospitality. However, they expressed their longing for the reopening of these spots to fully enjoy the region's attractions.
Speaking candidly, a first-time visitor gushed about her memorable trip, "This is my first time in Kashmir, and it has been an incredible, fantastic experience. I've seen breathtaking landscapes and experienced an unparalleled warmth from the locals. I feel I've had a wonderful time here."
The group also acknowledged the tragic attack and expressed their resolve to support the region. expressing, "We've heard about the incident from various sources, and it may intimidate some. But since we wanted to experience Kashmir firsthand, it didn't deter us. Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed, and we felt safe and well-protected. So I believe Kashmir is indeed a safe and beautiful place, just like they say, 'A paradise on earth.'"
Samita, another member of the group, added, "Indeed, our group is from Vietnam, and Kashmir feels like a paradise on earth. The snow-capped mountains and the cool climate are completely different from Vietnam. We've been buying traditional handicrafts and shawls as gifts for friends and family back home because Kashmir is renowned for these treasures. We appreciate the local artisans' skills and want to support them because fewer tourists have been visiting following the attack."
The incident led to calls for greater support and resilience among local artisans and communities who are increasingly dependent on tourism. Although concrete initiatives to aid these communities are sparse, the tragedy underscores the need for solidarity and measures to protect local livelihoods and preserve cultural engagement with tourists.
.(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by our website staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
(It's worth noting that the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack targeted a popular tourist spot in the Baisaran Valley, resulting in the death of 28 civilians, including 26 tourists and one local Muslim pony operator. The attack deeply shocked the tourism industry and significantly impacted local artisans, pony operators, and service providers in Pahalgam, who are primarily dependent on tourism for their livelihoods. The incident triggered heightened concerns about safety, attitudinal shifts among potential visitors, and geopolitical tensions with Pakistan, complicating regional stability. The harsh attack did not deter everyone, though, as some tourists like these visited Pahalgam and shared their positive experiences, offering a glimmer of hope for the future of the region's tourist industry.)
- The Vietnamese tourists, during their recent visit to Kashmir, admitted that they found the climate of the region drastically different from their homeland, Vietnam.
- The first-time visitor from the Vietnamese group stated that she was particularly fascinated by the Kashmiri handicrafts and shawls, purchasing them as gifts for her friends and family.
- Despite the absence of their pets due to travel restrictions, the tourists expressed their appreciation for the warmth and hospitality shown by the locals, which added to their overall positive experience.
- The tragic Pahalgam incident of 2025, though causing great loss and impacting the local livelihood, has highlighted the lifestyle and traditions of Kashmir, as seen through the eyes of these visiting tourists.
