Unable to return home due to canceled flights and closed borders as a result of measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), foreign tourists in the central Vietnamese city of Hoi An find themselves unexpectedly enjoying the locality in its everyday charm.

While France has seen its number of diagnosed COVID-19 cases topping 40,000, Anne, a French national, is thoroughly enjoying an extended stay with her family at a resort in Hoi An, located in the central province of Quang Nam.

Anne told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper she considered herself lucky to have a place to stay in such a tranquil city as Hoi An, planning to only leave for home when the pandemic subsides.

Vietnam issued a series of administrative orders this month in response to drastic developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel restrictions that resulted in disruptions to a large number of outbound international flights.

The situation has left hundreds of foreign tourists stranded in Hoi An with no flights home.

Though being away from home, they are certainly not lonely: Hoi An government officials, accommodation owners, and local residents have shown no hesitation in making sure the visitors are provided with room, board, and every support they need for a comfortable stay.

Many tourists saw this as an opportunity to discover Hoi An in all its intimacy and austerity by immersing themselves into the local lifestyle, from grocery shopping, cooking to gardening as the locals do.

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