When Australian traveler Alan Hitzroth arrived in Ho Chi Minh City with his 26 year old son Joey, who has Down syndrome, he carried a familiar fear: Would people accept his son — or recoil from him?
Within minutes of a chance encounter on a quiet Saigon street, that fear dissolved.
A now viral one minute video shows Joey shyly exchanging high fives with a group of Vietnamese primary school children who greet him with waves, smiles and spontaneous hugs. The clip has been viewed more than two million times, capturing global attention for its pure display of joy and acceptance.
For most viewers, it is a heartwarming moment.
For Alan, it was something deeper — proof that his son could feel truly welcome in the world.
A Trip Chosen for Care, Not Convenience
Alan and Joey live in Bali and frequently take short overseas trips to renew their visas. Singapore and Malaysia had been their usual choices, but this time Alan chose Vietnam because the flight duration was manageable for Joey, whose sensory sensitivity can make travel overwhelming.
People living with Down syndrome or autism often struggle with unfamiliar environments, noise and unpredictability. According to the World Health Organisation, travel can trigger panic episodes and emotional shutdowns.
And indeed, minutes after arriving at their rented Saigon apartment, Joey experienced a ten minute meltdown — a common response for those with sensory overload.
But outside, the city’s famously chaotic traffic and bustling sidewalks didn’t unsettle him. In some ways, Alan said, it reminded Joey of Bali.
A Greeting That Changed Everything
Instead of the hesitation, staring or avoidance Alan had grown used to in many countries, the children shouted “Hello!” in unison, waved eagerly and then reached out to hug Joey.
“Most people freeze or back away when they see Joey’s differences,” Alan said. “These children didn’t hesitate for a second. They were open, warm, fearless.”
That simple moment — a high five, an unplanned hug — broke through Joey’s shyness and lit up his face.
A Complex Family Story Behind a Simple Smile
Joey’s journey with Alan is intertwined with the deepest loss. Alan and his wife adopted Joey after losing two daughters — one to meningitis and another, Ariel, who also had Down syndrome, at the age of five. Caring for Joey, Alan says, has filled a space that grief once consumed.
Daily life revolves around Joey’s routines: bathing, eating, emotional regulation and constant supervision. He sometimes experiences psychological episodes that cause self harm or sudden aggression, requiring Alan to calm and protect him.
“He wants so much to connect with people,” Alan said. “That’s why these small interactions matter.”
Traveling With a Gluten Free Diet in Vietnam
Food is one of Joey’s comforts. He loves rice — especially fried rice — which makes most Asian countries more accessible. But keeping him gluten free is challenging, as soy sauce, oyster sauce and soup powders used in Vietnamese cooking often contain wheat.
Still, Alan said most restaurants were accommodating and adaptable when he explained their needs. Joey fell in love with Vietnamese spring rolls.
“Give us rice, and we can survive anywhere,” Alan joked.
A Viral Moment Changing Perceptions of Inclusive Travel
Vietnam has earned repeated recognition from Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler as one of the friendliest countries in the world. The reaction to Joey has reinforced that image and sparked conversation globally.
Parents of children with Down syndrome from Europe, the United States and Asia responded under the viral video, saying the moment inspired them to consider traveling internationally again — and to put Vietnam on their shortlist.
For disability advocates, the video is a reminder that inclusivity is not only about accessibility infrastructure but also about human attitude.
“These children showed empathy without needing a single word,” one social media user wrote.
They Plan to Return — With a Mission
Alan and Joey’s visas are valid until June next year, but they already intend to return sooner.
Most of all, Alan hopes to revisit the school where the children greeted Joey. He wants them to understand just how much their small act meant:
“It wasn’t just a hug. It was a message — that my son belongs. Vietnam showed us compassion without language. We will absolutely come back.”
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Source: Vietnam Insider