Hoa QuynhYou’ve probably heard of great things about Vietnam — serene environment, breathtaking landscapes, thrilling adventures, yummy food and a lot more! There are endless reasons to hop on a flight to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and travel down or up the country by train, plane, bus or — the preferred method of transport — motorbike.
However, there are still many things you certainly don’t know about Vietnam. I tell you, don’t ever attempt to visit my country — you’ll just waste your time and money! Let me show the REALITY here.
Also read: 12 Experiences Every Traveller Should Have in Vietnam
1. Traffic jams happen all the time
Like seriously. It’s just a bunch of traffic everywhere you go! Well, except it’s not really. It’s only busy during certain times of the day, like most countries and cities are. But don’t tell anyone I told you that!
2. Driving a motorbike is dangerous
…if you don’t have a license! Given how some of the best locations in Vietnam lie at the end of windy roads difficult to access by car, a motorbike is the best way to see the very best of my home.
3. It is full of tourists and too noisy
During peak travel season in the major cities, for sure. But travel beyond the usual tourist hot spots, and you’ll still find plenty of hidden gems and experiences to enjoy.
4. It’s hot, humid and you can’t even breathe fresh air
Except in areas like Fansipan and Ninh Binh, where the climate is generally cooler, and there’s plenty of fresh air around.
5. Pollution is everywhere
But also there are mesmerising natural gems that feel like they are from a different world.
6. It’s like you’re in a war zone
Many many years after the war, because there are locations in Vietnam so peaceful that I can’t even begin to describe the bliss I feel when I visit.
7. The beaches are NOT spectacular enough
They are just right. Not overcrowded, not overrated. Simple perfect.
8. The whole country is totally the same
Everywhere is equally beautiful
9. Just rice fields and markets everywhere
And of course, fields of colourful blooms!
10. You’ll feel like you’re just in China or any other Asian country
Rich in culture, heritage, and tradition -wink-
11. There’s nothing special about its art
It’s just simply Vietnamese art at full display
12. No unique culture — the Americans and the French influenced almost everything
But they never got rid of local customs!
13. There is no interesting food for you to eat here — you’ll starve to death!
Unless you’re a fan of pho, or banh mi, or egg coffee, or any other of the 10s and thousands of local delicacies!
14. And the coffee? Too strong for anyone’s liking
If that person doesn’t like coffee, that is!
15. Everything’s expensive in here
Just 1$ for both !!
16. The cities are boring
Okay now this, I sometimes find to be true. Which is why I often take trips out of the urban sprawls and visit the beautiful countryside!
17. Where nightlife is non-existent
Because the major cities never sleep!
18. I tell you, the people are so rude
They keep smiling at me for no reason!
19. That travellers never feel welcomed
They simply get treated as family
You’d definitely regret coming here…
20. … because you might just want to live here for good!
Don’t believe me? These pictures will change your mind!
