Final Thoughts on Vietnam

Here is a completely subjective, unfair and biased list of things about Vietnam...

1- IT'S LOUD. The Vietnamese must have perfected the art of selective hearing (that or they're all deaf, which is unlikely). Indeed, the streets are alive with the incessant sound of honking cars and motorbikes as early as 5:00am. Even late at night, a lone motorcyclist rolling down a completely deserted street will feel compelled to honk (This has been observed last night). They also like their media LOUD, whatever it is. Be it music, television, P.A. announcements/news/propaganda, or the dreaded Karaoke, it's all just a bit louder than is comfortable. What's worse is that they'll have volume competitions. If buddy down the street has his television blaring, you'd better believe that dude next door is going to crank his music to drown out whatever else isgoing on.

2- IF YOU DON'T NEED SOMETHING, IT'S ALL YOU"LL GET OFFERED (AND VICE VERSA). Vietnam can read your thoughts. It's true. But not in any helpful way. In fact, it seems that the country itself is trying to provide you with everything you can possibly imagine which you don't need, while at the same time doing a damn good job of making sure that whatever it is you need can't be found. If you want to just walk down the street to get to your destination of choice, you'd better believe thatyou'll be offered rides in almost every kind of vehicle imaginable. Cyclo, Taxi, Motorbike... etc. However,If you'rehopingto catch a Taxi by walking down this same street, there won't be any for miles around you. The knack, here is to use reverse psychology and think that you don't want something when in fact you do.

That being said, Vietnam is an awesome place to visit. Sure you have to cope with all this weird and annoying stuff, but it's all part of the adventure and fun.