A Tourist’s Guide To Love is a film about a travel executive who takes on a new mission to investigate the tourism industry in Vietnam undercover. During her journey, she begins a romantic and adventurous relationship with her Vietnamese ex-pat tour guide after an unforeseen breakup.
Directed by Steven Tsuchida and penned by Eirene Tran Donohue, the film aims to urge audiences to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. The film shows a side of Vietnam that is not shown in mainstream Hollywood movies.
“There are almost no American movies that I can think of set in Vietnam that aren’t about the trauma of war,” Donohue, who based the script on her own life-changing trip to Vietnam. “It was really important to me to tell a story about life there now, one that was full of joy and love and celebration.”
The film not only highlights the beauty of Vietnam through various cities and landscapes, but also depicts adventure and romance. It touched on what travel experiences should be about. The main characters stress the importance of living in the moment and embracing travel as an experience and not an itinerary.
Vietnam
This film highlights the beauty of Vietnamese culture. It explores the different cities and experiences that one could have when visiting this beautiful place.
“We filmed in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ha Giang and Hanoi, all of which are wildly different places in look, history and energy,” said Rachael Leigh Cook who plays Amanda to Netflix. “Our goal, that I feel like our director Steven Tsuchida accomplished, is that you feel like you had a seat on the bus with us.”
Here are some of the cities that the movie explored.
Ho Chi Minh City
With a population of over 8 million people, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and was previously known as Saigon. As the cultural and economic center of the country, the city is bustling with activity.
It is a vibrant and dynamic hub of modern skyscrapers and historic landmarks. Ho Chi Minh City has busy street markets, and delicious street food. The Vietnam city attracts tourists from around the world and is a highly sought-after destination.
Hoi An
Hoi An is a small coastal city in central Vietnam. Most people know are aware of it because of Ancient Town. The town is a melting pot of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese cultures.
The old town features well-preserved historic buildings, narrow streets and canals. It also is famous for its lanterns. They are sold throughout the town and lit up at night. It creates a magical atmosphere.
Da Nang
Da Nang is a coastal city in central Vietnam, located between the popular tourist destinations of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It is the fifth largest city in Vietnam and has a population of over a million people. Da Nang is known for its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and rich history. It served as an important trading port during the Cham dynasty. The city also has a modern and cosmopolitan vibe with a variety of shopping and dining options. Popular attractions in Da Nang include the Marble Mountains, the Museum of Cham Sculpture and the Dragon Bridge.
Ha Giang
The Vietnam city of Ha Giang is home to many minority communities. Visitors to Ha Giang can trek through the mountains, visit traditional villages and witness the local culture and way of life. The province has regional specialties, such as thang co and grilled duck.
Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital and second-largest city in Vietnam with a population of over 8 million people. Located in the northern region of the country, Hanoi has rich history, cultural landmarks and delicious cuisine. Hanoi is home to many museums, including the Vietnam National Museum of History and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Visitors can enjoy traditional water puppet shows, explore the famous Hoan Kiem Lake and sample local street food.