Several Chinese tour groups arrived in Vietnam Wednesday, the day China resumed outbound tours to the country, including a large one of 124 people.

The large group came through the Huu Nghi border gate in Lang Son Province. Earlier that day the first group with 38 people arrived through the Mong Cai border gate in Quang Ninh Province. Four other groups also came through Quang Ninh during the day.

Vuong Trinh Quoc, head of the Lao Cai Economic Zones management, said a group of 79 people arrived at the Lao Cai border gate, and would visit Hanoi and Ha Long.

After completing visa procedures, Liu Hui, a teacher in her 40s expressed excitement at being able to return to Vietnam after more than three years because of the Covid pandemic.

Vietnam is the first country she is visiting though China allowed outbound travel from Jan. 8, she said.

“We chose Vietnam because this country has many beautiful attractions, unique cuisine and especially convenient transportation. As soon as tours resumed, we booked a tour to come here.”

She plans to visit Vietnam repeatedly in future, she said.

Liu’s friend Chen Wen Jie visits Vietnam whenever she has free time, and said when she could finally travel again she immediately thought of Vietnam.

They will be in the country for three days and visit Ha Long and Hanoi.

This year Vietnam hopes to receive eight million foreign visitors after failing to reach five million last year.

Ha Van Sieu, deputy general director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, is hopeful since 1.8 million have come in just the first two months.

“With China resuming outbound tours to Vietnam, we are confident of exceeding the target of eight million.”