Vietnam - The wrap up

I thoroughly enjoyed my time abroad in Vietnam. I had a great thirteen days in the country, and I wouldn’t mind going back for round two. But Vietnam isn’t for everyone. It can get frustrating at times (50 things I hate about Vietnam). The air is polluted, the streets are dirty, the traffic is horrible and the people can be rude and greedy but you quickly forget all of that while trekking in the spectacular rice terraces or wandering down an old ally that looks like it hasn’t changed in the past 100 years.

There are also many other things I like about this country. I had such a good time riding the motorbike around the narrow streets (frightening but made the experience all the more fun). I also really enjoyed the street food and coffee, the many interesting and breathtaking sights and learning about the fascinating history and culture. Western culture hasn’t taken over Vietnam yet (The old traditional culture is still thriving but it is increasingly becoming more westernised). And the best part is Vietnam is one hell of a bargain as a travel destination.

My favourite places in Vietnam were Saigon and Sapa. I like Saigon, especially on my first day because it was so crazy and different. The smells, the sights, the sounds – the city is overwhelming that's for sure. Sapa was like a welcome break from the city, an escape into the remote wilderness. The whole experience was incredible even though the weather was so cold and misty.

I don't regret any of the decisions I made in planning where to go as I did have a thirteen day limitation, but next time I would like to visit Hoi An (I heard too many traveller rave on about this World Heritage town), Phu Quoc Island (nice white sandy beaches) and perhaps do Central Vietnam. I would also love to visit Sapa and Halong Bay again, hopefully in better weather.

Researching before going was certainly helpful in determining where to go, what to do and just knowing what to expect. It was also especially helpful in making me be aware of scams and avoid getting ripped off, because it does happen.

And just before wrapping up this blog, I just want to talk a bit about travel in general. Tourists who visit poor countries often say it changed their perspective on life. But does travel really change you? Well for me, of course it does. It may not be a big change but I think it has a subtle effect on who I am and how I think about the world.

It opened my eyes to what else is out there in the world e.g. you see these places and meet these people and realise that no matter how different their culture or language or level of privilege, at the end of the day they're just people like you and me going about their lives. It was just amazing… cruising down the Mekong Delta seeing how people so poor just get on with their daily life and they seem so content. Travel also makes me less afraid of the world at large and more comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone. And for that reason I'm always grateful that I have the opportunity to travel.

I hope someone out there has found this write up enjoyable to read and perhaps helpful in planning a trip to Vietnam.

Thank you for reading and Happy Travels!