Mr. Thai Ba Son (35 years old, Buon Ma Thuot) is on the journey to realize his own dream: walking through 60 countries in 5 years. Starting in mid-February this year, he has traveled through Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, then flew over India for some objective reasons.
He continues to explore Buddhist land in his own way. On April 22, Mr. Son traveled in the Kashmir region, traveling from Srinagar city to Shupiyan town. He plans to travel to Pakistan across the Indian border.
That day, at the famous tourist grassland of Baisaran in the Kashmir region, a serious terrorist attack occurred, killing at least 26 Indian tourists. The India- Pakistan border has been closed, with soldiers strictly guarding the Kashmir area.
When arriving at Shupiyan according to his schedule, Mr. Son was held back by the army for a day to ensure his safety. After checking, the army dispatched a car to take him back to the city.
He said: "I was originally only following my plan, however, when I arrived at the border between India and Pakistan, it was not until I asked about the military that I learned about the terrorist attack. I only stayed in that area for about 1-2 days, and had a place to live.
Currently, the control situation is still tense. I am still in Kashmir, my image has been sent to checkpoints here. However, I have changed direction to go to Nepal, China to continue my journey".
Ms. Cao Thi Thu Hien, representative of a unit specializing in adventure land tours in Ladakh, said that in this area, the security situation is still good. However, according to local authorities, all airports across northern, northwestern and central India will be closed until May 10.
She said: "Famous tourist destinations in Ladakh are still operating normally, except for the central market that has been closed. Ladakh has always been in the military zone because of its location near the border; however, currently, there is no strict border here.
My tour groups have completed their schedules and returned home. However, to ensure the safety of customers, we will not welcome any more groups. And instead, we will monitor the military situation as well as let customers choose solutions for their trips in the coming time".
Some units recorded that after the serious terrorist attack, many tourists asked for tours but were not sure to deposit, many tourists had deposits but canceled their trips.
"Regarding the cancellation of trips, because we have planned in advance, up to now, we have no damage to the point of being uncontrollable and still have a plan to change for passengers. I hope the situation will be more positive, otherwise, there will be a big financial loss because I have to change, cancel or transfer another trip," said a representative of a business unit headquartered in Tan Binh District (HCMC).
In the early morning of May 7, India announced the launch of a military campaign, targeting at least 9 targets in the Kashmir region controlled by Pakistan and in Pakistan.
Flights connecting Asia and Europe usually pass through the airspace of India, Pakistan and Central Asia. In the face of recent escalating tensions, more than 20 international flights have changed their routes to avoid flying over Pakistan.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam recommends that Vietnamese airlines regularly monitor the developments of armed conflicts between India and Pakistan to assess the impact on flights to and from this area.
According to Vietnam Airlines, flights between Vietnam and Europe may continue to be adjusted depending on the development of the regional situation in the coming time. Vietnam National Airline is closely monitoring updates from authorities and will promptly inform passengers if there are changes related to flight routes.
