A quick guide to Vietnam

Author: Matt Preston Become a contributor

Vietnam surprised us in many ways. From it’s medieval operation in the North to it’s heavily western influenced but clearly communist South.

A tourist in Vietnam, as in most countries, views almost everything they see from within the ‘tourist bubble’. The Vietnamese communist government have gone to great lengths to ensure the country’s people profit from tourism but in doing so have created a warped image of the country. Almost everyone you meet wants to sell you something. Those that appear not to at first when sparking up a friendly conversation in the street, soon inform you they own the shop just over the road or that we should help their sister by buying some clothes from her shop. The moment you politely say ‘no thank you’ they walk off without a goodbye.

Business is business after all and it’s easily excused once or twice. After three weeks it was wearing thin with us. Saigon especially is a place where you soon learn to walk and shake your head at the same time.

It has to be said though that if you can get a glimpse of Vietnam outside the tourist bubble it’s a staggeringly beautiful country. The food is just divine. It seems to taste better the less it costs. The people are friendly and have much to ask you and tell you (when they’re not busy selling you something). It has more than it’s fair share of historical landmarks, natural beauty and action that we just couldn’t cram in to our 3 weeks.

It’s far from a perfect country but that’s what makes it a perfect travel destination. Every town has it’s own personality. While it’s true that 3 weeks in the tourist bubble is enough you could easily stay for months and enjoy Vietnam’s rich offerings.