21-year-old Sofia Chwe from South Korea, who arrived in Vietnam on 23/8, gained attention on social media after posting a photo of herself having lunch with a jewelry shop owner in Hoi An. The photo, shared on 5/9, was captioned: "Someone explain to me how I was just browsing in a jewelry shop and they invited me for lunch?".

She explained that she entered Ky Vi Souvenir Gift Shop on Tran Hung Dao street in Hoi An, intending to buy some small, lightweight jewelry for her trip. The shop owner, a man, was having lunch with a woman. As the shop was small, the owner asked the other person to move so that Sofia could browse comfortably.

"I told them to continue their meal, but they surprisingly invited me to join them," she said. The owner gave her a bowl and chopsticks, and even served her food. His hospitality reminded her of her grandmother, making the meal feel "as warm as being at home." Afterward, the owner kept refilling her bowl with rice and soup, and even offered her mango for dessert. Sofia said the owner's friendliness and sincerity made her trip to Hoi An even more memorable.

The photo Sofia posted on her personal page of her having lunch with the jewelry shop owner in Hoi An on 5/9. Photo: @sofiaeschwe

According to Sofia, a similar warmth and care, like that of elders towards younger generations, can be found in South Korea, especially in small towns or multi-generational families. However, she noted that this is less common nowadays. Her experience in Vietnam brought back childhood memories, and she described it as one of the most welcoming places she has ever visited.

Mr. Tran Chi Hieu, the shop owner, confirmed that the lunch invitation was genuine. Before Sofia, he had invited many other tourists, both foreign and Vietnamese, to dine with him, and most accepted gladly.

"Every day, there's someone new eating with us," he shared. According to Mr. Hieu, Sofia hadn't purchased anything from his shop before the meal. After lunch, she bought several items. The invitation was a gesture of hospitality. He explained that he simply wanted visitors from afar to enjoy the local cuisine and create positive memories.

Beyond the jewelry shop, Sofia encountered other heartwarming moments during her trip to Vietnam. In a lantern-making class at Lantern Bliss in Hoi An, two teachers patiently guided her and even helped her figure out how to ship her creations internationally. At Cam Spa in Hoi An, an employee gifted her a bottle of homemade coconut oil for sunburn, and they had an enjoyable conversation.

Her Ha Giang Loop motorbike tour in Tuyen Quang left the deepest impression on Sofia, thanks to the breathtaking scenery and the experience of driving through nature. She also enjoyed bonding with fellow travelers and the tour guide. At her homestay, the host family's hospitality extended to letting her play with their child.

If she had to choose a place to live, she would lean towards Hoi An because of its "familiar, home-like feeling," she said. For the remainder of her time in Vietnam, she plans to visit Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City. With such fond memories of Vietnam, the South Korean tourist said she would recommend it to her friends.

Tu Nguyen