It is hard to explain the whole variety of emotions Vietnam brings. It depends greatly on where you’re going in this amazing country and on what you expect from the time you spend at any place overall.
I like not to expect anything, apart from the obvious rumors about great food and an enormous amount of motorbikes. Vietnam is definitely a highlight of Asia.
First, we went on a cruise to Ha Long Bay. This is supposed to be a very scenic ride. But the weather decided to make it a bit more challenging. Still, kayaking under a full-blown rainfall will be one of the fun and very Asian memories. Here, if you decide to have fun, people will allow you to have it! Despite the weather.
The famous train street in Hanoi. I read on the internet that it is supposed to be closed. And some people saw guards who were telling them not to go there, as it is closed and dangerous. But the street is actually far from being closed. A lot of sketchy cafes – yes. Maybe a bit overpriced by Hanoi standards. But come on, you go here not for the cheapest drinks or greatest food, right?
Vietnam Streets
There is a widely known way of “crossing the road Asian-style”. If you’re about to go to Vietnam, check it out. Make yourself comfortable with the logic of how it works there.
So many things are happening on these streets. Thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of motorbikes passing you daily, every corner has its own personality, purpose, business, story, owner, product… There is just too much to comprehend, it feels like being in a bazaar with the size of a megapolis. But it is great. This is Asian charm in pure form.
There is nothing like seeing a tropical rain coming towards you, and deciding to continue, and then finding a spot to hide. Every minute in the hotel is a steal of an experience. Every corner seen is a present.
A part of the trip was on Phu Quoc Island. This place made a mixed impression. At least the southern and western part of it. This is like Phuket, but less and more civilized at the same time.
But the most controversial part was a “Sunset city” – a place with many houses built purposely in one style. Presumably by the same owner. It has its own “Sunset brewery” (good on taste, but my gosh, why does even one glass give so many headaches?). Overall, I felt like in a Squid Game series setup where the structures around are more like decorations for an act where you are the main player. And someone is directing it right there, but somewhere you can’t see.
Cafe
The airport of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is surrounded by the city itself. Despite being quite far from the city center (1 hour by taxi – no joke), I would recommend visiting a view-spot cafe in the area. Even if you don’t really like planes.
Seeing 100 tons flying next to you, carrying hundreds of passengers from different corners of the world, is quite an impressive experience. Just imagine, you see a plane which people inside boarded yesterday, casually flew the whole night a range that couple centuries ago would’ve been a trip of the lifetime with a good chance to not even make it because of diseases or wars or who knows why, and then you just see them right here on that stunning A-350 with Vietnam Airlines livery on it. This might be my №1 favorite livery of all time.
The last picture from the hotel in Hanoi. This country and the people of Vietnam impressed me so much. They are brave, incredibly hospitable, and very authentic and honest. I admire how, throughout so many difficult times, they defended their own country, and now Vietnam is an authentic and stunning place with so much future potential. This place enriches you with hope that hard work and believing you can make something better can actually bring results for people, for those who value progress and life improvements, who want to live in peace.
Echo 