Vietnam – Final Thoughts
Hmmm. A tricky one, this. At the end of a month in Vietnam, I seem to have a different overall view of the country to most of my friends who were here at the same time. I don’t know if I’d say it’s been my favourite country in Asia – in fact, I’m sure I wouldn’t – but I still think it’s pretty great. So many people are completely disillusioned with it that I wonder am I missing something but, you know what? This is MY blog, for MY opinions (picture, if you will, me stamping my foot while I say that), so I’m about to offload them all right here.
I still don’t know why the discrepancy is occurring. A couple of people have had things stolen which, admittedly, would put a real downer on a place – I know a few other people who have been here in the recent past and have had things go walkabout, as well. I haven’t, as far as I’m aware, had anything taken, so yes I’m probably lucky in that aspect. A lot of people have issues with the scams, the hassles, and the bad attitude that tends to be around – especially around the tourist industry. And yes, I have seen all these, and been at the wrong end of some of them. But still, I like it here. I don’t think I’m so stupidly optimistic that all I see is good in a place – in fact, cynicism is one of my worst faults – but I think that Vietnam deserves a chance. And I’ve been in Asia for five months solid now, so I don’t think that it’s either naivety about the continent nor a honeymoon period. My eyes are well and truly open, and yet I say – give it a chance.
My biggest gripe with Vietnam is one that’s entirely my own fault. I don’t feel like I’ve got to see enough of the ‘real’ Vietnam as I have of other countries I’ve been to. To be honest, I haven’t made the effort. The tourist buses ply the well-worn route from north to south and vice versa, hitting the popular places, and nowhere in between. This is so easy – and so cheap – that I’ve not tried at all to get off route, with the exception of going up to Sapa. And yes, we were almost stung by an unscrupulous travel agent, but going to the train station proved how easy it is to get about under your own steam here. I’m annoyed with myself, if anything, that I didn’t try to go it alone more often.
On the plus side, this has meant making loads and loads of new friends, and cementing some older friendships. Because of the shape of the country (basically, long and thin), and the relatively standard time frames (here we get a one month visa, and most backpackers stay more or less the whole month), it’s very easy to meet people doing the same route in the same time as you. Even if it doesn’t stay exactly that way, it’s likely that you’ll end up knowing people a couple of days ahead, and a couple of days behind you, and often overlap in lots of places with them – with most people converging at either Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi at either end. I’ve made some legendary friends here, not only because they are sterling people in their own right, but also because the itinerary has allowed us to spend more time together than might have otherwise happened in a different shaped country. God bless geography!
This has, of course, meant that Vietnam’s been a very sociable country, and some of the highlights have been nights out with new-found friends. So, in a way, I guess I traded off a deeper knowledge of the country for friends. And I don’t regret it one little bit (and I’m not just saying that because they’ll be reading this). I couldn’t do it for much longer – after all I’m getting very old now – but thinking back to Vietnam will always bring a smile to my face.
Because it’s one of the more touristy places, and is getting very well set up for organised tours (not my cup of Vietnamese leaf tea at all, but each to their own), it’s one of the places I’ve visited so far that I would, without hesitation, recommend to people at home to visit. It’s very easy to get around here and, as long as you keep your wits about you, is a safe place.
There are scams, of course. Friends of mine experienced horrible bus journeys, we suffered at the hands of unscrupulous travel agents, too many things were stolen. Unfortunately, it seems to be those in the tourist industry who are taking advantage. This is horribly wrong and cynical – I have no objection to spending my money in a country, but targeting visitors is one sure fire way to stop them coming at all. And yet – if I can be allowed to understand it without condoning it in the slightest – these people have, within the last 40 years, suffered utterly at the hands of a Western superpower. They are still, by our standards, exceedingly, hideously poor. So, presumably due to a combination of the two, they see us, no matter what kind of a low budget we are on, still able to afford both a passport and an air ticket to visit another country – beyond the wildest dreams of a lot of the Vietnamese people, for whom life is very much a day to day struggle. Like I say, not condoning, nothing can excuse it, but perhaps understanding could help to change things. Getting mad at someone who hassles you on the street (and I’m pointing the finger more at myself here than anyone else – I shouted at a cyclo driver who physically grabbed me to put me in his cyclo) will not, ever, change a culture. What can be done? I’m not sure, but I’m sure wiser people than me would have some ideas.
As well as meeting so many friends, there have been some memorable highlights in Vietnam that I will treasure. Crossing the road through the insane traffic in HCMC and Hanoi and – miraculously – surviving. The Easy Rider motorbike tour in DaLat. Drinking in the lush scenery in Sapa. Kayaking in the pouring rain in Halong Bay. Best of all, though, was meeting the wonderful, welcoming family of tailors in Hoi An. Not only did they make beautiful clothes (all arrived safely home now, thank goodness), but they welcomed us into their family in a way I’ve never experienced. It was incredible and heart-warming and that shop remains my favourite place in Vietnam. So was I just lucky? I suppose yes, in one way, because I met them. I have no doubt, though, that they would have extended that hospitality to everyone they met. And I think that is the thing that makes me smile most.
Tags: Final Thoughts, Travel, Vietnam
Suzanne
Suzanne, like you I get very frustrated when I go on vacation at being bothered when harrassed by beggars and vendors. Mainly because it puts me on a guilt trip about how much we have and what I am spending. Like an ostrich I want to put my head in the sand and enjoy my vacation. My memories of Jamaica and the Romanian Gypsies in Italy spoil it for me. Then, places like Bermuda I can enjoy as I don’t see the poverty. However, this is not real life and should not be avoided as how can we help to make changes if we are ignorant in our comfy zone! You will be bringing a lot back with you to educate others on the injustice that you have experienced.
Enjoy Perth, it will be a culture shock after Asia. Love, Lin
Hi Suze, once again I’ve enjoyed your summing up and final thoughts. I guess this was a difficult one, not only leaving Vietnam but finally leaving Asia. And yes, you are right, understanding is definitely the first way of bringing about change.
Have a safe journey to Australia and I look forward to talking to you when you arrive in Perth. May I make one suggestion? (well I’m your Ma so I’m going to anyway) I think you should have your foot checked out at a hospital in Perth. Although I have noticed it seems to have bothered you more when you walk than when you dance – but perhaps it’s the presence of alcohol which numbs the pain when you’re dancing!!!
Love & miss you lots.
Mum
Hi there Suzanne,
Just catching up with your travels/blogging. Wonderful and happy memories came flooding back to me of our trips to Lourdes and the singing every day – come rain, shine or thunderstorms!! What really made me smile though was the reference to The Sound of Music – do you remember the clothes we wore on “National Julie Andrews Day”?? Lourdes (and everyone there) wondered what was happening and we definately started a trend!! Looking forward to reading about your next lot of travels in Australia….
Take care – love and prayers
Anne x