Vietnam police recover Lao tourist’s lost cash, papers in an hour

Police in Cam Lo Commune confirmed on Monday that they had received a thank-you letter from Bounna Phanthavilay, a 39-year-old tourist from Vientiane, Laos, after helping him retrieve the property he had accidentally lost while traveling in Vietnam during the New Year holiday spanning from January 1 to 4.

According to the authorities, the incident occurred while Phanthavilay was sightseeing and dining along National Highway 9, a key route running through Quang Tri.

He later realized that he had misplaced a bag containing cash, personal belongings, and important identification papers.

At about 6:00 pm last Friday, Phanthavilay reported the loss to Cam Lo Commune police.

Officers immediately began reviewing locations the tourist had visited and cross-checking information to trace the missing items.

Thanks to the rapid response, police were able to locate and recover the full amount of cash, personal belongings, and documents by around 7:00 pm the same evening.

The total value of the recovered property was estimated at approximately VND86 million.

All items were promptly returned to the tourist.

In his letter to local police, Phanthavilay expressed deep gratitude for the officers’ professionalism and dedication.

He also shared his admiration for Vietnam, highlighting the country’s welcoming atmosphere, tourism services, cuisine, and accommodations.

“Vietnam is a very lovely country,” he wrote.

“The tourism is good, the food and places to stay are wonderful. 

"I have visited many times and I will definitely come back again. I love Vietnam.”