As a foreigner, you are allowed to do what a foreigner do. The moment you do other people's culture, it will then becomes an issue of cultural appropriation. Don't try to blend on in. The world is beautiful with her diversity.
Vietnam is by far my favourite country I've ever visited, twice now and I'm itching to go back once the world reopens. I arrived in Ho Chi Minh city and hired a motorcycle with a plan to ride the Ho Chi Minh highway and the coastline to Hanoi, zig zagging and double backing between the two parallel routes. I was on the road for 30 days and either camped near small villages or homestays. The Vietnamese people and their culture changed me in so many ways and I'm forever grateful. When I recall the encounters I had, some bring tears to my eyes. One such story of many, was after riding solo for nearly 4 weeks and within 250kms of Hanoi and perfect weather since arriving, 26 degree C everyday, the temperature dropped to 6 degrees C and rain. To say I was freezing was an understatement. I had plastic bags taped to my legs and arms. The rain got so heavy I had to stop under a tree and was shaking violently from the cold. From across the street coming towards me is a Vietnamese lady in a wheelchair. She says hello with a big smile and raises her hands giving me a cup of warm tea. I take the cup and say thank you and she turns around and rolls back across the street in the downpour, disappearing into her home. The love and generosity I felt from all I encountered made me take a good look at myself and realise I needed to change my ways. My next solo bike adventure there, I rode the entire North Vietnam, crisscrossing and along the borders of Laos and China, for another 30 days. Away from the busy cities there are no places to eat but the Vietnamese people would invite me into their homes and I'd spend the night, eating and drinking rice wine, until late. Despite the language differences at times, I discovered this is no barrier to communication and close friendships can still be made. In the mornings after eating breakfast, often the goodbyes would be followed by a long hug, before setting off on my bike. I would ride away glancing back through the mirror, seeing the entire family looking on. My eyes would tear up for the feelings I felt. The Vietnamese people taught me more about life in 8 short weeks than my entire 50 years on this planet. They are a humble, accommodating, loving and generous culture. Vietnam is number 1!!!
Hello, where do you live? how old are you? I am a Vietnamese. I am very touched by the stories you told when you came to Vietnam. However, I think you've been lucky enough to meet nice people without encountering people stealing or sellers selled espensive for you. There are good people and bad people everywhere! It's just a matter of whether we are lucky or not. It is a pity that modern life has increasingly taken away the good values of our ancestors!
@@bichthuynguyen3142 Yeah I hear what you are saying. Yes good and bad people everywhere but what amazed me are that the good people are better than the good people I've met elsewhere. I didn't stay long in the tourist areas and spent most of my time in the country. I am from Australia. Everywhere I would stop for a drink and rest from riding the Vietnamese kids would come for a chat and to look at the motorbike as it was a dirt bike and not a scooter. After having conversations with the kids I'd often ask them if they wanted a drink or an ice cream? In two visits totalling 8 weeks, I wasn't able to buy any kid anything. All refused. Sometimes when I stopped by the roadside I'd hear someone calling Bia Bia and waving me over their place. I would ride over and sit down, often with 10 young men and women who gave me beer and food. Not once would any ever take money for the beers. These people were poor compared to me. I have many stories like this.
I enjoyed your informative presentation and your perfect English. Well done. I first came to Vietnam as an Australian soldier in 1968. It was a tragic and chaotic time in your country's history. Despite the war, I fell in love with Vietnam and its people. Even today, more than 55 years after I left Vietnam, I still feel a part of me remains there.
I have been to Vietnam 11 times. Love the country and the people. I was in Vietnam last year when Covid-19 broke out and stayed until my friends advised me to return to US. I remember how hard it was to get hand sanitizer at the store but was given a bottle by a kind Vietnamese man. I offered to pay but he would not accept. I was touched by his generosity and still have the bottle. I miss dining with my friends, the food and the country. I will return again when this pandemic is over. Vietnam is a long flight from the US but it is worth the time to enjoy Vietnam and make new friends. Vietnam is my home away from home.
Vẹm cái vân là 1 công cụ đắc lực của cọng đảng nhu các xướng ca của nghị quyết 36, không ngạc nhiên gi khi vẹm cho Mỹ là 1 developing Country, comments của dơ lợn viên quá nhiều để hướng dẫn sai lệch người nước ngoài Translation : She is such a powerful tool of the communist party as the singers of communist, it is not surprise that she talked : USA is a developing country & also many the comments which guide wrong.for foreigners
1 / Don’t underestimate the weather 01:02 2 / Don’t drink tap water 02:30 3 / Don’t disrespect national heros and Vietnamese military 03:30 4 / Don’t wear shoes in the house 05:05 5 / Don’t play with chopsticks 06:10 6 / Don’t stop suddenly while crossing the streets 07:15 7 / Don’t show your purse or phone out in public 08:05 8 / Don’t wear tank tops, shorts, or bare shoulder shirts to temples 08:56 9 / Don’t be offended when people laugh at your Vietnamese 09:30 10 / Don’t have a high expectation 10:50 You’re welcome 🙂
@@kippsguitar6539 yes it's normal like the millions of rats in every major US cities. Human shit and drug needles out in the open like in San Francisco and LA is fine too.
I have travelled to 67 countries since I retired 20 years ago, and Vietnam ranks as one of my favorites with DaNang being my favorite city, in fact I liked it so much I have made it my second home, which I prefer to any country or city in Europe or North America, where I have also lived and worked in the past.
I had a female friend who had gotten her laptop snatched from her motorbike in HCMC. About 5 Vietnamese locals suddenly sprang into action, caught the thief, and returned the laptop. This awesome "I'll protect you" spirit is common.
I was a GI in Vietnam '69-70. Back then I could not have imagined that one day I would be listening to a beautiful Vietnamese lady telling me something like I'm hearing in this video. I must go back to Vietnam before I die - that trip is on my "bucket list."
I just started working for a Vietnamese restaurant and everyone speaks a lot of Vietnamese while I work. I enjoy it and find it challenging to be in that environment. You people are so funny, and fun loving to me. Always with jokes. I feel a very humble and happy kind of culture in what I see. Life is good.
I cant speak the language yet but I look forward to picking it up, such a mysterious and difficult departure from English. Mad respect to those who can speak both languages.
Surprised you didn’t mentioned anything about the honking. 😅I learned during my trip in Vietnam that honking your horn don’t necessarily means “get out of my way”, it’s more like “hey I’m coming up right behind you”. Love your videos!
Sometimes when the honking is too much, you just want to yell at them. People honk even when the light are still red, and they are like 100 feet away from the front of the line.
That is so true about the coffee. I don't drink coffee but when I would go to my favorite breakfast cart for bánh mỳ op la or I a omelet on a bun. where I got my breakfast they didn't serve coffee but they would call across the street and they would deliver great ice coffee. And it's really amazing how they all work to make their businesses share items. Awesome place to see a grateful country and it residents. If I had to move to another country Vietnam would be first on my list. And maybe Vung Tau. To live. Ocean front not to much going on during the week but that leaves five days to explore this nice small city. Weekend get busy a lot of families spend weekends I imagine. And I sure there are other great places too.
It's very interesting to here you talk about the Vietnamese people fighting for their freedom. I was there in 1969 and 1970 and was told we were fighting to keep them free. I learned a lot there and a lot more since then. Much respect to the Vietnamese people!
I would think that South Vietnam would have become just like South Korea. Another thing, viewing videos of Saigon makes me think that the American & French presence brought a lot of American (Western) culture; that is, from what I view TH-cam videos of Saigon. Yes, I said Saigon NOT HCM City.
@@GuonMr an ocean on both coasts of South Korea saved them. Laos and Cambodia and our rules of engagement doomed South Vietnam to communism. Powers that be, got what they wanted. Untold wealth and power. The average citizens on all sides got pillaged and murdered.
The ‘54 Operation Passage to Freedom is widely forgotten. Lots of Northerners knew what the gov was and escaped to the South. Many were imprisoned or killed trying to escape the gov. But because the South lost, they’re seen as traitors and losers. The voices of the diaspora or boat people is invalid to foreigners. Hopefully, one day, VN will be free.
@@feastmode123 lol I'm living in the south of VN now and your comment seems to be silly, the US invaded us in '54 and VNmese won the war against US in 1975, so we have been free since then. The north and south are brothers forever!
I think as Vietnam develops its hospitals and dental clinics, it will gradually become a top "medical/dental tourism" destination because the doctors are great and so are their dentists.
Thank you for this video. I've been in Viet Nam for three years and found it to be a VERY safe place. I've been shopping and returned to my motorbike hours later searching for my keys, only to discover they were hanging in the ignition. It sat for hours outside with the helmet hanging on the mirror, keys in the ignition and nobody took it. I've walked out of coffee shops in rural areas after paying and been chased by employees to return my phone and tip. I can't imagine either of those things happening in "developed nations."
Tôi nghĩ có lẽ bạn rất may mắn khi không mất xe máy, nhưng nhân viên quán cafe trả lại điện thoại thì là việc đương nhiên ở Việt Nam nếu bạn quên điện thoại ở quán cafe. Còn về tiền boa thì chúng tôi đơn giản là ko có văn hoá tiền boa mà thôi. Bạn chỉ phải trả đúng số tiền những gì bạn mua và không cần trả thêm cho sự phục vụ của nhân viên đơn giản bởi vì chúng tôi nghĩ nhân viên đã được nhận lương của chủ và họ phải làm việc mà chủ đã trả lương cho họ vì việc đó.
I have got things stolen from my motorbike. Friends have lost a lot of things in their house. Burglars thieves plus stolen money from friends bank accounts...a long list
@@rolandgustafson9817 That's awful! I'm in Vinh Phuc Province, an area without a lot of foreigners, but I've also lived in Vinh, Nghe An. I've left my doors open, keys in the bike, I've even had staff chase me out of a restaurant to return my tip (they thought I lost it) and cell phone (on another occasion). Rural Vietnamese people are very kind and generous. I will admit to having seen a person borrow a helmet, but that's the extent of the theft I've witnessed in over three years - other than being charged a ridiculous sum of money for rent, food, etc. simply because I'm not Vietnamese.
I’m just back from Vietnam touring 11 days south to North it has to be the best country I’ve been to, the people were the happiest and most friendly I’ve met. I felt totally safe and we had some real giggles when I tried to talk Vietnamese! 😂 crossing the street became easy as time went on , just don’t run and don’t stop when crossing, the bikes will come right up to you but not hit you, just be confident! I can’t wait to go back I have so much more to explore.
The most important thing is that when in Vietnam, you should not talk about democratic rights or freedom of speech. Criticizing communism, or the work of the communist party in Vietnam. Violate this taboo and you will go to a communist traveling prison!
3:29 I clicked on the video especially for this part, not because I’m making fun of the Vietnamese military, I just wanted to know how the Vietnamese people think about their history from their perspective, I studied a lot about The Vietnamese army in the Vietnam war and the leader Ho Chi Minh and his story and life was amazing and he did a lot of achievements and good things for his country. Love from Kuwait to our brothers and sisters in Vietnam 🇰🇼❤️🇻🇳
3 ปีที่แล้ว +16
You should not use the word "Viet Cong" when you come to VN.
@@大日本帝国陸軍-f9y ベトナムの歴史が好きなことは嬉しいです。ありがとうございます。 昔からベトナム軍の名前は ”Quân đội Nhân dân Việt Nam"です（ベトナム人民軍）。これという意味は人民から作られた軍です。人民のためです。 "Viet Cong"という名前は敵に言われた名前です。だから、ベトナム人はこの名前が嫌いです。 私は説明したいだけです。どの意味もありません。私も日本歴史や伝統文化や人間などが好きです。 日本語があまり上手ではないから、失礼があれば、ごめんなさいね。 with love from Vietnam.
Visiting Vietnam was really special to me as it was my first solo travel from Manila to Hanoi I spent a few days in the capital, and then I went to HCMC by train. I had lots of memorable experience.
She is a powerful tool of Vn communist, it is not surprise that she talked : " USA is a developing country " & also many comments ( her fans ) that guide wrong.for foreigners
I am teaching a group of students in Vietnam via Zoom in a few hours. I have been practicing how to introduce myself and to say thank you. I'm glad to know for most my effort will be appreciated. This video brought me comfort.
Vietnam my second home being married to a Vietnamese with our two daughters. Stayed a year from the outbreak of pandemic, got home last March to settle my documents and now its lockdown in HCMC
I’ve only been to Vietnam once for a school trip while I was in year 10, it was the first place I had travel outside of Australia or my home country Zimbabwe, and I fell in love with the country, the culture, the people and I can’t wait to go back.
It's so true about the language thing. I try to speak Vietnamese to some of my patients and speak like a child in Vietnamese. I've gotten a lot of laughs but like they were definitely off the "aww cute" variety. I can't wait to go back to Vietnam. I can't wait to show my daughter. She is half Vietnamese. I've been trying to speak Vietnamese with her too.
About the laugh "aww cute" you mention, I am glad you truely understand our laugh mean so. Sadly there are people who think Vnmese laugh is negative manner (ridicule, sneer). Because, long time ago, my English teacher scornfully said: "Hah, Vnmese laugh outside when other mispronounce, but we (he meant him and other non-Vnmese speaker) laugh at you inside when you mispronounce". Base on what he said, he misunderstood our laugh Hope no foreigner mistaken our laugh in that way 🥺 And thanks for your story too !
@@SleepyTraxy that's so true, he misunderstood the Vietnamese laugh. I've only ever encountered, "aww cute" variety. 😊 I have never felt belittled or ridiculed when I pronounced something funny. I do hope that foreigners will begin to understand the Vietnamese laugh.
Of all the countries I've visited, Vietnam was the most welcoming by far. Many opened their doors and were glad to share what they had. To be honest, I had the great fortune of traveling there with a friend/colleague, who was from Da Nang. We stayed a few weeks in the family home and visited many people there. We also traveled to Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Ho Chi Minh city, and many other places. As mental health professionals, we were asked to do some consulting with a drug rehab program in Ho Chi Minh city run by the church. They ran a small shop selling art created by the clients to help with their expenses. There were so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We did many things that are not on the typical tourist agenda. I've been thinking of compiling a book for stories from that journey. There are a number of photos I could include. When I decided to become an ex-pat, Vietnam was my second choice. However, I left California behind for the Mediterranean. If you haven't been to Vietnam, GO. The most important things to take with you are a ready smile, an open heart, and an open mind. Perhaps, one day, I will return. It is never far from my heart.
From what I heard from doctors, and what our travel guides and even government websites suggest, it isn't safe to use tap water in Vietnam to brush one's teeth, they suggest using bottled water.
Your presentation is beautiful,light-hearted and informative. Knew a Vietnamese family in my younger days and always found them happy ,easy people to talk to. They still had their customs in their home.
This is my first comment on your channel. I just want to say a huge thanks to you, Van. I have watched lots of TH-camrs, but you are something different. I mean positively. I love the way you spread our traditional heritage and lifestyle and so on to the rest of the world. It is meaningful to me, and I hope to meet you in real life to hear more about your experiences. have a nice day, and you had me at hello.
Me and my sister are planning to visit Vietnam next year. So I came here in your channel to learn some ideas before visiting there. And I'm so thankful that the first thing I learned was the THINGS NOT TO DO in vietnam. Thank you for this helpful information.
As someone who has been a bike messenger in the United States I have to say I love how traffic works in Vietnam and SE Asia, it's not about laws, it's about being fearless and paying attention. I took a bike tour and my guide was really worried about me dealing with traffic in Hanoi but everyone pays attention and is going pretty slow, I love the flow of traffic, it feels like the way that traffic should work everywhere.
Hi Vân.. I am Vietnamese and i do practice these "traditions" but had never really thought about them. It is good to be reminded. One more thing that came to my mind when I watched your video is when receiving a gift or someone offers you something, it is always polite to receive it with both hands.. Which shows gratitude and respect.. :) Thanks for sharing
I really love the fact that you appreciate foreigners trying to speak Vietnamese (gives me more confidence and motivation to learn the language) and also that you laugh to make a light out of embarrassment…
The most important thing is that when in Vietnam, you should not talk about democratic rights or freedom of speech. Criticizing communism, or the work of the communist party in Vietnam. Violate this taboo and you will go to a communist traveling prison!
youre great - and even though i know those points it kinda hits home the way you explain it. One thing - vietnam is not perfect, and many will if they plan to stay for a longer time hit a wall after the first honeymoon where it can feel rough and many have a bitter period, but when you snap out of that and accept the difference - because in many ways vietnamese is very different - then you will experience something else, and that is actual love. I never in my life met so many nice people and never had so many lasting impressions on so many levels where i really was touched deep in my heart. Be proud of being Vietnamese, dont loose the curioisty or the kindness and the traditons, you have alot of people behind you that feel vietnamese in their hearts even though we have a different nationality and a different flag.
I will be retiring in a few months and returning to Vietnam to live with my wife and family . I am done with the materialistic lifestyle and “keeping up with the Jones” mentality here in the US . Prices are ridiculous and inflation is setting in already . I’ve been to Vietnam 5 times and I love the country and the people . I’ll be 55 soon and my goal is to study Vietnamese language and history as well as traveling all over Vietnam . I can’t wait ❤️
@Joseph Jacobs just wondering when you retire will you bankroll the house assuming its fully paid already. And also are you getting a pension from the job your retiring from or you did a 401k or Roth IRA acct 30 yrs ago in planning for this retirement?
@@harsep it’s almost paid but I will rent it out and have a income stream for the short term . I’m very fortunate to get a pension , and along with my 401k and IRA Roth accounts
I’m currently in quarantine in Hanoi and it is my first time here. I previously lived in Japan for almost 17 years and though I see there are some culture similarities between both counties, your videos are helping me understand better the Vietnamese culture. I’m looking forward to make good friends and learn more about your culture and language! In the meantime I’ll be binge-watching all your videos lol thank you for making these!
Thanks so Much for your video, my wife and I are planing a 3 week trip to Vietnam - North to South - I’ve learnt so much from you Chanel. Keep positing 😊🙏🏻
I love your understanding and willingness to accept other cultures. Many people in today's world lack that. But we must be understanding of their life so we can help them understand also. Unfortunately the recent pandemic has prevented many from traveling and learning. I can't wait till things get back to normal!! I want to travel and learn more. The restrictions are keeping me away from my wife's family in the Philippines. People I love and they love me like a son. I really miss them ❤️
Thank you for this one. We already have book our visit at Vietnam since last month but we have to cancel it due to Pandemic 😥😥. I hope we can travel now soon to Vietnam.. One of my bucket list in Asia due to almost similar features to us, Filipinos 🤗. Love from 🇵🇭 Great content btw!!
The 13th not to do in Vietnam is that you don't yield roads to car/truck/bus/container drivers approaching you while you're cycling or motorbiking even though your native country's traffic laws allow you not to yield it.
Thank you for the very very important information. Vietnam had high culture, beautiful and fertile nature and its people are innovative, hardworking and never give up. Greetings from Indonesia. I believe, Vietnam will become a developed and prosperous country. And hopefully Van always be healthy.
One extra thing - When you want to buy something and the seller give price! If her face look professional way - You should deal 1/5 (one fifth) of their proposal price! A lot of travel agent think that you just come one time, so they try to get as much money of you as possible. P/S Vietnamese also facing this issue. So best way is always to ask for price and don't hesitate in dealing!
Thank you Miss Pho...haha. I can’t wait to visit Vietnam and have everyone laugh at my bad Vietnamese. And it won’t bother me either. I’ll just keep trying. Thank you for such a welcoming invitation to your country.
First of all, I am so glad to discovered your channel. You are amazing and very informative. I have watched most of your videos today and have many memories of Vietnam. I stayed there from August 2019 to March 2020 as an ESL Teacher first in Saigon/HCM and the Haiphong. Of the 23 countries I have traveled to in the world and I never wanted to visit Asia, but Vietnam was the best experience I ever had. I plan to re-watch your videos and comment on some of the content. I wish I had all the cultural tips before I visited Vietnam, but because I involved myself so much in all levels while living there, I am managed well because of my background (Career as Change Manager) as being culturally aware. I continue till today, in researching many things in Vietnam culture and did also a lot of research in helping the speaking English and even finding "similarities". The shoe-wearing was an eye-opener for me because I always thought it was a religious observance. This is a WINNER CHANNEL!!!
Great video! Thank you. I'm consuming video after video in preparation for our trip to Vietnam in February. Your recommendations are very straight forward and make perfect sense to anyone looking to travel to Vietnam for the first time.
I've seen alot of stories below about foreigners experiencing touching stories in Vietnam but i have this to say for people hoping to visit Vietnam after covid: It's not that the people are always nice, it's that we like to be kind to foreigners (idk it's like a tradition lol). Ofc there's a TON of friendly people here but don't act suprise when you see alot of a holes lol. Still, you should visit here!
Your explanation in each clip is very clear and focused. It is easier for me, a Korean, to understand Vietnamese cultures than other videos in my country native language.
What a wonderful video! I truly appreciate your reasons behind the things not to do. You are very professional, warm and effective. Thank you for sharing your culture with the world and equipping visitors with the tools for the best possible experience in Vietnam.
Yes I really like the way he educate people on this because I also lost a lot of money on this bitcoin stuff but thanks to one Mr scarlet Robert who helped me in trading
I love VIETNAM from INDIA. Vietnamese People is so so good and looking Pretty. It's a very beautiful Country with full of Natural beauty. The famous "Halong Bey " and "Hang Song dung "cave, one of most unexplored and huge Cave of Planet Earth. Love you VIETNAM, hope soon to visit VIETNAM after these pandemic is over. Red salute To all of My Vietnamese friends, brothers and Sisters.
Thank you, love your video. I was there 1969-1970. “Bac si” Song Pha. I now have some friends from there on Facebook. I would love to go back to visit. I don’t know if I will ever be able to. I did a lot of medical work with the people there. They were so kind to me. The people enjoyed when I tried to speak the language and got lots of smiles and coaching. Thank you again
Thank you for making these videos. I have a speaking test about "Manners and etiquette in Vietnam" and your channel is the first thing pop up in my head
In my time in Singapore and Indonesia I also learned most of the things you mentioned. I grew to love taking my shoes off in houses, using traditional Indonesian mandi baths, and even the squat toilets, which I found so much more hygenic than western style ones. I also got a lot of use out of my belt pouch rather than carrying a purse. I liked that even independently of covid, everyone wore masks in public if they were ill. That's just common sense.
Nice advice. You are right! The first time I went to Vietnam in 2018, something unexpected happened the very first hours I was there that made me fall in love with the country. I arrived in Danang at 6 am and it was too early to check in to my hotel. So I dropped off my luggage and started wandering around to find a cafe. It was the beginning of Tet so almost every place was closed. However, I found a place that was open (well, maybe it wasn't) and a man motioned for me to take a seat. He couldn't speak any English but he could understand my order and soon I had my delicious Vietnamese coffee. Then he brought me shots and we drank together - for Tet of course. It was 8;30 am, I was drinking shots with a man I had never met before in a cafe that was probably closed (I was the only customer and no other place was open). Then his wife came and joined us. That was my introduction to Vietnam - put me in such an excellent mood for the rest of my trip.
I also arrived in Vietnam on the first day of Tet and was met with nothing open but a sweet hotel front desk clerk who brought me food made in his home by his wife for 4 days since nothing was open and I spoke ZERO Vietnamese and was definitely a scared little mouse to ask or venture out to look at night. It was very kind of him. I’ll never forget that.
I'm from southern regions and the beliefs you mentioned at 6:10 are utterly right. I've always been told about that specter tale when I was a child. I just think that they want to scare me but since I don't want to bring a hungry ghost to the meal, I end up stopping making sounds with any utensils, and it helps me a lot to fit me into appropriate behaviors
I am an English teacher and currently teaching Vietnamese adult friends! I think they are my friends now:) Hope to get more informations about vietnamese culture so I have something to relate to them in our English lessons! chúc may mắn and cảm ơn bạn Miss What The Pho!
Thank you for your tips. I have visited VN twice since the American War and will return again in January, 2024. I absolutely love your country and your amazing people.
I'm so glad I've found your channel! I'm Brazilian and previous to the pandemia I was thinking on visiting Eastern countries, Vietnam included. Of course the plans were postponed but in a latter future they can come true. Your tips help a lot to behave appropriately. Thanks a lot!
Thanks for providing the details information Van! We are planning to take our 3 kids (who were born and raised in Denver, Colorado) to visit Vietnam in the near future and this video definitely gives us great information. I left VN when I was 15 and have not been back since. I love and miss our country, people, cultures, foods, beaches and the tropical rains...etc. Anyway, keep up the great works and can you do one of the video about Ha Noi city and Son Tay where my dad came from. Your English and pronunciations are excellent. Thanks!
Vietnam is a beautiful country. Go with an open mind, no country is the same. This way, you will really enjoy the warmth of their people and country. 12 days in Vietnam, Hanoi to HCMC. wow!
Hey I’m from Canada and was adopted from southern Vietnam when I was very young as a baby. I’m now 20 and here to learn more about the culture I was from. Glad I found your channel. Been there to visit but still learning about things. Also if I try to learn the language and practice with people if I go again? Since I look like them are they going to be confused if I have broken Vietnamese? 😆
Cool video.I was in Vietnam and I fell in love with the country and its people. Plus I've made some good friends and I'm glad to collaborate with doing some Online teaching! Since now you have a new follower. Best regards from Barcelona!
After watching you and your instructions now i have to come to Vietnam for 20 days to see Vietnam beauty with my own eyes and explore the country on Bike
Hi I am from Thailand and we are having exactly the same advices as yours when staying in my country. Your advices could apply to whole Asia, not just Vietnam.
The coldest I have ever been was in the South-Central Highlands of Vietnam during Winter Monsoon season 1971 (Nov-May). Thank you for this very informative cultural introduction to Vietnamese social mores.
Thank you so much for these! I’ve been here for almost 2 years and learn a lot from you. Very informative. You have great presentational skills. Cheers from Yen Bai.
Thank you very much for your explanation. When i was in Saigon people actually laughed at me when i tried some vietnamese words. That reaction was indeed a little surprising to me 💁
Been to Saigon and Hanoi. I like Vietnam bcoz the price is affordable for budget traveller. Friendly people and nice food. Wish pandemic is over and I can travel to Vietnam again. Still got many places i haven’t been to
Great video, I want to visit Vietnam someday! Also I’m Hungarian-American and it seems like there are many things Hungarians and Vietnamese have in common, based on what you described in this video. For example Hungarians also take off their shoes inside, and have a language that’s difficult for foreigners
Love your videos! I'm a California native but I take off my shoes before I go into someone's house, it's uncomfortable walking in anyone's house with my dirty shoes on!
Vẹm cái vân là 1 công cụ đắc lực của cọng đảng nhu các xướng ca của nghị quyết 36, không ngạc nhiên gi khi vẹm cho Mỹ là 1 developing Country, comments của dơ lợn viên quá nhiều để hướng dẫn sai lệch người nước ngoài Translation : She is such a powerful tool of the communist party as the singers of communist, it is not surprise that she talked : USA is a developing country & also many the comments which guide wrong.for foreigners
@@yeulakho6574 👍 Traveling to Vietnam is also giving money to VC ( communist ) & also easy loosing the life in a dangerous country. ( check out travel advice on Google )
Good advice especially the traffic. I've not been to Vietnam yet but when I went to Taiwan they also had a lot of motor bikes and I was stopping a little, I think because in UK they'd go straight but in Taiwan they change direction to go around you as if you are walking at a steady speed. Took a day to get used to it but it does seem safer than UK actually especially London. After staying in taiwan for a year and going back to London the traffic just goes so fast around the corner and the one way system also on some streets, I look the wrong way. In Taiwan they are careful because they have to always look due to so much traffic all the time, In london they become complacent.
i completely agree on Taiwan on pedestrian crossing... in every crossing lane, there's a signboard that says "pedestrian always has the right of way" which no wonder even the red light is already on and somebody is still crossing, the bikes or cars let the people simply walk like they take their time so well.... it's also prohibited to honk which i noticed 😊
YES, pls respect the vietnamese national heroes. In school, "sách lịch sử và địa lý" the history and geography book, usually there is a lot of lessons to learn about vietnamese national heroes. And also some subjects at school like Tiếng Việt, we also learn some vietnam soldiers and heroes.
Trying to speak Vietnamese and doing it badly... I figure we do it partly to entertain the locals. I think they tend to appreciate the effort and find some things we say and how we say it hilarious. And that's good! Its a good way to be charming and make friends I think. Kind of like a foreigner to the west with a super cute accent and broken English? It is charming!
Very nice video. Thank you for teaching and pointers about Vietnam and Vietnamese culture. I hope there are many friendly people like you. Best wishes from 🇺🇸
Wonderful video from you, thank you! So many great advices and hands-on tips. Thanks for showing so much attention to viewers/visitors and being extremely detailed. I enjoyed listening and learned new things. Keep up your awesome work, kindness & smile!
Taking shoes off when entering an Asian home makes perfect sense to me. I expect the same in my home. I always found it strange, though, how Filipinos would almost insist that I switch to "slippers" (flipflops) at the doorway rather than just go barefoot.
Oh this is your new video. You don't know but i watch your video everyday. My friend introduced your chanel to me, i like your voice. I downloaded mp3 of video i can listen everwhere. i'm studying English, i hope i can speak very well like you. Just update more new video, Thank you so much ^^
Translation : She is such a powerful tool of the communist party as the singers of communist, it is not surprise that she talked : USA is a developing country & also many the comments which guide wrong.for foreigners
Great video. I'm a westerner who has lived in Taiwan for over 30 years. Most of the 10 things you talked about equally apply to Taiwan, specially not wearing shoes inside and not playing with chopsticks. The only one that doesn't apply here is the one about showing your phone or camera, not wearing jewelry or.wearing your bag those ways etc. Street crime is almost nonexistent in Taiwan fortunately. Bag snatching and pick pocketing do occur, but it's extremely rare.Thanks for your video. I've just discovered your channel and have subscribed. Best wishes from Taiwan. Oh and PS. Many years ago I went back and lived in Europe for a couple of years. I asked visitors to my home to remove their shoes.Many were really offended or , at best thought my request was really bizarre. I tried to explain that the bottoms of shoes are really dirty and that I didn't want all those germs etc in my home.
I never been to Vietnam, but I want to visit. I love Vietnamese food and culture. I dated Vietnamese women as well. I love this channel, because it educates me more on Vietnamese culture.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 88 | คู่เอก "ป้อมเพชร vs อัสลามจอน"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1ZqTVVbMgbo/mqdefault.jpg)
That is one thing I'm glad to have learned in Asia, THE SHOES. I can't believe I wore my shoes inside the house my whole life.....
I would like you
And I guess you remove your shoes when you're back to your home country? I can relate to this haha
Great ! Phúc Mập.
And wearing shoes to sofa, to bed, to water etc. Why tho?
As a foreigner, you are allowed to do what a foreigner do. The moment you do other people's culture, it will then becomes an issue of cultural appropriation. Don't try to blend on in. The world is beautiful with her diversity.
Vietnam is by far my favourite country I've ever visited, twice now and I'm itching to go back once the world reopens. I arrived in Ho Chi Minh city and hired a motorcycle with a plan to ride the Ho Chi Minh highway and the coastline to Hanoi, zig zagging and double backing between the two parallel routes. I was on the road for 30 days and either camped near small villages or homestays. The Vietnamese people and their culture changed me in so many ways and I'm forever grateful. When I recall the encounters I had, some bring tears to my eyes. One such story of many, was after riding solo for nearly 4 weeks and within 250kms of Hanoi and perfect weather since arriving, 26 degree C everyday, the temperature dropped to 6 degrees C and rain. To say I was freezing was an understatement. I had plastic bags taped to my legs and arms. The rain got so heavy I had to stop under a tree and was shaking violently from the cold. From across the street coming towards me is a Vietnamese lady in a wheelchair. She says hello with a big smile and raises her hands giving me a cup of warm tea. I take the cup and say thank you and she turns around and rolls back across the street in the downpour, disappearing into her home. The love and generosity I felt from all I encountered made me take a good look at myself and realise I needed to change my ways. My next solo bike adventure there, I rode the entire North Vietnam, crisscrossing and along the borders of Laos and China, for another 30 days. Away from the busy cities there are no places to eat but the Vietnamese people would invite me into their homes and I'd spend the night, eating and drinking rice wine, until late. Despite the language differences at times, I discovered this is no barrier to communication and close friendships can still be made. In the mornings after eating breakfast, often the goodbyes would be followed by a long hug, before setting off on my bike. I would ride away glancing back through the mirror, seeing the entire family looking on. My eyes would tear up for the feelings I felt. The Vietnamese people taught me more about life in 8 short weeks than my entire 50 years on this planet. They are a humble, accommodating, loving and generous culture. Vietnam is number 1!!!
AW! Thank you so much for sharing the experiences. I love it! And yes, please come back when the border is open, Vietnam always welcomes you
I cried when I heard your story, welcome back.
I hope you comeback lol you almost made cry too :))
Hello, where do you live? how old are you? I am a Vietnamese. I am very touched by the stories you told when you came to Vietnam. However, I think you've been lucky enough to meet nice people without encountering people stealing or sellers selled espensive for you. There are good people and bad people everywhere! It's just a matter of whether we are lucky or not. It is a pity that modern life has increasingly taken away the good values of our ancestors!
@@bichthuynguyen3142 Yeah I hear what you are saying. Yes good and bad people everywhere but what amazed me are that the good people are better than the good people I've met elsewhere. I didn't stay long in the tourist areas and spent most of my time in the country. I am from Australia. Everywhere I would stop for a drink and rest from riding the Vietnamese kids would come for a chat and to look at the motorbike as it was a dirt bike and not a scooter. After having conversations with the kids I'd often ask them if they wanted a drink or an ice cream? In two visits totalling 8 weeks, I wasn't able to buy any kid anything. All refused. Sometimes when I stopped by the roadside I'd hear someone calling Bia Bia and waving me over their place. I would ride over and sit down, often with 10 young men and women who gave me beer and food. Not once would any ever take money for the beers. These people were poor compared to me. I have many stories like this.
I enjoyed your informative presentation and your perfect English. Well done. I first came to Vietnam as an Australian soldier in 1968. It was a tragic and chaotic time in your country's history. Despite the war, I fell in love with Vietnam and its people. Even today, more than 55 years after I left Vietnam, I still feel a part of me remains there.
I have been to Vietnam 11 times. Love the country and the people. I was in Vietnam last year when Covid-19 broke out and stayed until my friends advised me to return to US. I remember how hard it was to get hand sanitizer at the store but was given a bottle by a kind Vietnamese man. I offered to pay but he would not accept. I was touched by his generosity and still have the bottle. I miss dining with my friends, the food and the country. I will return again when this pandemic is over. Vietnam is a long flight from the US but it is worth the time to enjoy Vietnam and make new friends. Vietnam is my home away from home.
Oh thank you for sharing! I love your stories and you make me proud to be Vietnamese :))
You’re welcome .
If have time, just come back our country. There are many things that u can discover
Vẹm cái vân là 1 công cụ đắc lực của cọng đảng nhu các xướng ca của nghị quyết 36, không ngạc nhiên gi khi vẹm cho Mỹ là 1 developing Country, comments của dơ lợn viên quá nhiều để hướng dẫn sai lệch người nước ngoài
Translation :
She is such a powerful tool of the communist party as the singers of communist, it is not surprise that she talked : USA is a developing country & also many the comments which guide wrong.for foreigners
isn't it wonderful to learn that often the poor people are more generous than some wealthy folks
1 / Don’t underestimate the weather 01:02
2 / Don’t drink tap water 02:30
3 / Don’t disrespect national heros and Vietnamese military 03:30
4 / Don’t wear shoes in the house 05:05
5 / Don’t play with chopsticks 06:10
6 / Don’t stop suddenly while crossing the streets 07:15
7 / Don’t show your purse or phone out in public 08:05
8 / Don’t wear tank tops, shorts, or bare shoulder shirts to temples 08:56
9 / Don’t be offended when people laugh at your Vietnamese 09:30
10 / Don’t have a high expectation 10:50
You’re welcome 🙂
Don't look at the rats , it's normal in restaurants and gardens
@@kippsguitar6539 yes it's normal like the millions of rats in every major US cities. Human shit and drug needles out in the open like in San Francisco and LA is fine too.
Cuong Le he is not from US. Dumbas
kipps guitar it’s not the fault of Vietnamese people, it’s the Communist. :(
@@cuongle7990 it's called job creation, lol.
I have travelled to 67 countries since I retired 20 years ago, and Vietnam ranks as one of my favorites with DaNang being my favorite city, in fact I liked it so much I have made it my second home, which I prefer to any country or city in Europe or North America, where I have also lived and worked in the past.
@travelwithtony5767 it’s the only other place in the world I’d live! Besides good old Massachusetts! 😊
I had a female friend who had gotten her laptop snatched from her motorbike in HCMC. About 5 Vietnamese locals suddenly sprang into action, caught the thief, and returned the laptop. This awesome "I'll protect you" spirit is common.
Nice!!!!
I was a GI in Vietnam '69-70. Back then I could not have imagined that one day I would be listening to a beautiful Vietnamese
lady telling me something like I'm hearing in this video. I must go back to Vietnam before I die - that trip is on my "bucket list."
I just started working for a Vietnamese restaurant and everyone speaks a lot of Vietnamese while I work. I enjoy it and find it challenging to be in that environment.
You people are so funny, and fun loving to me. Always with jokes. I feel a very humble and happy kind of culture in what I see.
Life is good.
I cant speak the language yet but I look forward to picking it up, such a mysterious and difficult departure from English. Mad respect to those who can speak both languages.
Surprised you didn’t mentioned anything about the honking. 😅I learned during my trip in Vietnam that honking your horn don’t necessarily means “get out of my way”, it’s more like “hey I’m coming up right behind you”. Love your videos!
True, it's also what I felt when s.o was honking behind me
Sometimes when the honking is too much, you just want to yell at them.
People honk even when the light are still red, and they are like 100 feet away from the front of the line.
And also this is what not to do/cannot do. she doesn’t mention it because you can do it in Vietnam.
Will mention that in another video haha
@@vinhmai198 😂😅 chaos, but I really miss it right now!
Vietnam has the best coffee in the world. Love to go there. My luggage always full of coffee bags when I leave Vietnam.
That is so true about the coffee. I don't drink coffee but when I would go to my favorite breakfast cart for bánh mỳ op la or I a omelet on a bun. where I got my breakfast they didn't serve coffee but they would call across the street and they would deliver great ice coffee. And it's really amazing how they all work to make their businesses share items. Awesome place to see a grateful country and it residents. If I had to move to another country Vietnam would be first on my list. And maybe Vung Tau. To live. Ocean front not to much going on during the week but that leaves five days to explore this nice small city. Weekend get busy a lot of families spend weekends I imagine. And I sure there are other great places too.
thank u
Ok
Am like coffee in VietNam too but am will not go to VietNam because am live in VietNam
It's very interesting to here you talk about the Vietnamese people fighting for their freedom. I was there in 1969 and 1970 and was told we were fighting to keep them free. I learned a lot there and a lot more since then. Much respect to the Vietnamese people!
I would think that South Vietnam would have become just like South Korea. Another thing, viewing videos of Saigon makes me think that the American & French presence brought a lot of American (Western) culture; that is, from what I view TH-cam videos of Saigon. Yes, I said Saigon NOT HCM City.
@@GuonMr an ocean on both coasts of South Korea saved them. Laos and Cambodia and our rules of engagement doomed South Vietnam to communism. Powers that be, got what they wanted. Untold wealth and power. The average citizens on all sides got pillaged and murdered.
The ‘54 Operation Passage to Freedom is widely forgotten. Lots of Northerners knew what the gov was and escaped to the South. Many were imprisoned or killed trying to escape the gov. But because the South lost, they’re seen as traitors and losers. The voices of the diaspora or boat people is invalid to foreigners. Hopefully, one day, VN will be free.
@@feastmode123 lol I'm living in the south of VN now and your comment seems to be silly, the US invaded us in '54 and VNmese won the war against US in 1975, so we have been free since then. The north and south are brothers forever!
so you must have been lied by the government about the war
I think as Vietnam develops its hospitals and dental clinics, it will gradually become a top "medical/dental tourism" destination because the doctors are great and so are their dentists.
Right now Thailand is the place to go for that.
I agree!
Thank you for this video. I've been in Viet Nam for three years and found it to be a VERY safe place. I've been shopping and returned to my motorbike hours later searching for my keys, only to discover they were hanging in the ignition. It sat for hours outside with the helmet hanging on the mirror, keys in the ignition and nobody took it. I've walked out of coffee shops in rural areas after paying and been chased by employees to return my phone and tip. I can't imagine either of those things happening in "developed nations."
Tôi nghĩ có lẽ bạn rất may mắn khi không mất xe máy, nhưng nhân viên quán cafe trả lại điện thoại thì là việc đương nhiên ở Việt Nam nếu bạn quên điện thoại ở quán cafe. Còn về tiền boa thì chúng tôi đơn giản là ko có văn hoá tiền boa mà thôi. Bạn chỉ phải trả đúng số tiền những gì bạn mua và không cần trả thêm cho sự phục vụ của nhân viên đơn giản bởi vì chúng tôi nghĩ nhân viên đã được nhận lương của chủ và họ phải làm việc mà chủ đã trả lương cho họ vì việc đó.
I have got things stolen from my motorbike. Friends have lost a lot of things in their house. Burglars thieves plus stolen money from friends bank accounts...a long list
@@rolandgustafson9817 That's awful! I'm in Vinh Phuc Province, an area without a lot of foreigners, but I've also lived in Vinh, Nghe An. I've left my doors open, keys in the bike, I've even had staff chase me out of a restaurant to return my tip (they thought I lost it) and cell phone (on another occasion).
Rural Vietnamese people are very kind and generous. I will admit to having seen a person borrow a helmet, but that's the extent of the theft I've witnessed in over three years - other than being charged a ridiculous sum of money for rent, food, etc. simply because I'm not Vietnamese.
@@rolandgustafson9817 Are you talking about United State?
I agree with you. Overstating the purse and phone comments safety issues. And saying the south is not safe like the north.
I’m just back from Vietnam touring 11 days south to North it has to be the best country I’ve been to, the people were the happiest and most friendly I’ve met.
I felt totally safe and we had some real giggles when I tried to talk Vietnamese! 😂 crossing the street became easy as time went on , just don’t run and don’t stop when crossing, the bikes will come right up to you but not hit you, just be confident!
I can’t wait to go back I have so much more to explore.
The most important thing is that when in Vietnam, you should not talk about democratic rights or freedom of speech. Criticizing communism, or the work of the communist party in Vietnam. Violate this taboo and you will go to a communist traveling prison!
3:29 I clicked on the video especially for this part, not because I’m making fun of the Vietnamese military, I just wanted to know how the Vietnamese people think about their history from their perspective, I studied a lot about The Vietnamese army in the Vietnam war and the leader Ho Chi Minh and his story and life was amazing and he did a lot of achievements and good things for his country. Love from Kuwait to our brothers and sisters in Vietnam
🇰🇼❤️🇻🇳
You should not use the word "Viet Cong" when you come to VN.
@ thanks for informing me, I replaced it with the Vietnamese army😊
Ey why a Chinese name for a Kuwait guy?
@@vananhbui9336 it’s Japanese not Chinese and it’s a name of Japanese samurai in the Sengoku period 1500s
@@大日本帝国陸軍-f9y ベトナムの歴史が好きなことは嬉しいです。ありがとうございます。
昔からベトナム軍の名前は ”Quân đội Nhân dân Việt Nam"です（ベトナム人民軍）。これという意味は人民から作られた軍です。人民のためです。
"Viet Cong"という名前は敵に言われた名前です。だから、ベトナム人はこの名前が嫌いです。
私は説明したいだけです。どの意味もありません。私も日本歴史や伝統文化や人間などが好きです。
日本語があまり上手ではないから、失礼があれば、ごめんなさいね。
with love from Vietnam.
Visiting Vietnam was really special to me as it was my first solo travel from Manila to Hanoi I spent a few days in the capital, and then I went to HCMC by train. I had lots of memorable experience.
Amazing! Thanks for sharing!
nkarami ka ba? 😂
Hello 👋
I am in Vietnam now and really enjoying my holiday here.
Particularly, the beaches held me spellbound 😊
In Vietnam almost everyplaces have WiFi, and its work properly, which is veeeeeery good!!!!
FREE WIFI everywhere😊
I think the US has it too in every MCdonald places right ?
She is a powerful tool of Vn communist, it is not surprise that she talked : " USA is a developing country " & also many comments ( her fans ) that guide wrong.for foreigners
@@tranlong4449 yep, Starbucks too. Most grocery stores, lots of restaurants like AZ phở in Gilbert AZ does too.
@@tranlong4449 yes, most public places have free Wi-Fi.
I am teaching a group of students in Vietnam via Zoom in a few hours. I have been practicing how to introduce myself and to say thank you. I'm glad to know for most my effort will be appreciated. This video brought me comfort.
That's great! Thank you!
Love how you added the language barrier misunderstanding and expectations of Vietnam. That was thoughtful 😊.
Vietnam my second home being married to a Vietnamese with our two daughters. Stayed a year from the outbreak of pandemic, got home last March to settle my documents and now its lockdown in HCMC
I’ve only been to Vietnam once for a school trip while I was in year 10, it was the first place I had travel outside of Australia or my home country Zimbabwe, and I fell in love with the country, the culture, the people and I can’t wait to go back.
Have you been to Zambia too?
@@lonewolfman2312 no
I work with vietnamese students and must admit that your country really surprises me. Happy Tet!
It's so true about the language thing. I try to speak Vietnamese to some of my patients and speak like a child in Vietnamese. I've gotten a lot of laughs but like they were definitely off the "aww cute" variety. I can't wait to go back to Vietnam. I can't wait to show my daughter. She is half Vietnamese. I've been trying to speak Vietnamese with her too.
I would love to meet your daughter! ^^ I am part Vietnamese too, haha.
About the laugh "aww cute" you mention, I am glad you truely understand our laugh mean so. Sadly there are people who think Vnmese laugh is negative manner (ridicule, sneer). Because, long time ago, my English teacher scornfully said: "Hah, Vnmese laugh outside when other mispronounce, but we (he meant him and other non-Vnmese speaker) laugh at you inside when you mispronounce". Base on what he said, he misunderstood our laugh
Hope no foreigner mistaken our laugh in that way 🥺
And thanks for your story too !
@@stxrryarionthewayto20subs12 that's awesome! Love it! She's a very strong-willed 3 year old. 😄
@@SleepyTraxy that's so true, he misunderstood the Vietnamese laugh. I've only ever encountered, "aww cute" variety. 😊 I have never felt belittled or ridiculed when I pronounced something funny. I do hope that foreigners will begin to understand the Vietnamese laugh.
Some Vietnamese students of mine once tried to teach me how to say a few things correctly and we had a blast with lots of laughter.
Of all the countries I've visited, Vietnam was the most welcoming by far. Many opened their doors and were glad to share what they had. To be honest, I had the great fortune of traveling there with a friend/colleague, who was from Da Nang. We stayed a few weeks in the family home and visited many people there. We also traveled to Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Ho Chi Minh city, and many other places. As mental health professionals, we were asked to do some consulting with a drug rehab program in Ho Chi Minh city run by the church. They ran a small shop selling art created by the clients to help with their expenses. There were so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We did many things that are not on the typical tourist agenda. I've been thinking of compiling a book for stories from that journey. There are a number of photos I could include. When I decided to become an ex-pat, Vietnam was my second choice. However, I left California behind for the Mediterranean. If you haven't been to Vietnam, GO. The most important things to take with you are a ready smile, an open heart, and an open mind. Perhaps, one day, I will return. It is never far from my heart.
From what I heard from doctors, and what our travel guides and even government websites suggest, it isn't safe to use tap water in Vietnam to brush one's teeth, they suggest using bottled water.
Your presentation is beautiful,light-hearted and informative. Knew a Vietnamese family in my younger days and always found them happy ,easy people to talk to. They still had their customs in their home.
This is my first comment on your channel. I just want to say a huge thanks to you, Van. I have watched lots of TH-camrs, but you are something different. I mean positively. I love the way you spread our traditional heritage and lifestyle and so on to the rest of the world. It is meaningful to me, and I hope to meet you in real life to hear more about your experiences. have a nice day, and you had me at hello.
Thank you so much!!
Me and my sister are planning to visit Vietnam next year. So I came here in your channel to learn some ideas before visiting there. And I'm so thankful that the first thing I learned was the THINGS NOT TO DO in vietnam. Thank you for this helpful information.
As someone who has been a bike messenger in the United States I have to say I love how traffic works in Vietnam and SE Asia, it's not about laws, it's about being fearless and paying attention. I took a bike tour and my guide was really worried about me dealing with traffic in Hanoi but everyone pays attention and is going pretty slow, I love the flow of traffic, it feels like the way that traffic should work everywhere.
Lmaooo
Hi Vân.. I am Vietnamese and i do practice these "traditions" but had never really thought about them. It is good to be reminded. One more thing that came to my mind when I watched your video is when receiving a gift or someone offers you something, it is always polite to receive it with both hands.. Which shows gratitude and respect.. :) Thanks for sharing
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing!
I really love the fact that you appreciate foreigners trying to speak Vietnamese (gives me more confidence and motivation to learn the language) and also that you laugh to make a light out of embarrassment…
The most important thing is that when in Vietnam, you should not talk about democratic rights or freedom of speech. Criticizing communism, or the work of the communist party in Vietnam. Violate this taboo and you will go to a communist traveling prison!
Your English is so good I thought you were an American of Vietnamese descent.
Your English is absolutely perfect.
“Travel with an open mind and a warm heart”…Great advice wherever you go, and even if you stay put! Thank you!
I love your style of presentation. It’s very natural and feels so personal. Thanks!❤️
Thank you so much!
@@WhatThePho I second the comment above; great job!
youre great - and even though i know those points it kinda hits home the way you explain it. One thing - vietnam is not perfect, and many will if they plan to stay for a longer time hit a wall after the first honeymoon where it can feel rough and many have a bitter period, but when you snap out of that and accept the difference - because in many ways vietnamese is very different - then you will experience something else, and that is actual love. I never in my life met so many nice people and never had so many lasting impressions on so many levels where i really was touched deep in my heart. Be proud of being Vietnamese, dont loose the curioisty or the kindness and the traditons, you have alot of people behind you that feel vietnamese in their hearts even though we have a different nationality and a different flag.
Aww! Thank you for sharing, it's very touching. I like it when you said "don't lose the curiosity, kindness and our tradition"
I will be retiring in a few months and returning to Vietnam to live with my wife and family . I am done with the materialistic lifestyle and “keeping up with the Jones” mentality here in the US . Prices are ridiculous and inflation is setting in already . I’ve been to Vietnam 5 times and I love the country and the people . I’ll be 55 soon and my goal is to study Vietnamese language and history as well as traveling all over Vietnam . I can’t wait ❤️
Awesome!! Good luck!
@Joseph Jacobs just wondering when you retire will you bankroll the house assuming its fully paid already. And also are you getting a pension from the job your retiring from or you did a 401k or Roth IRA acct 30 yrs ago in planning for this retirement?
@@harsep it’s almost paid but I will rent it out and have a income stream for the short term . I’m very fortunate to get a pension , and along with my 401k and IRA Roth accounts
Vietnam always welcomes you
I’m currently in quarantine in Hanoi and it is my first time here. I previously lived in Japan for almost 17 years and though I see there are some culture similarities between both counties, your videos are helping me understand better the Vietnamese culture. I’m looking forward to make good friends and learn more about your culture and language! In the meantime I’ll be binge-watching all your videos lol thank you for making these!
I'm so glad it's helpful for you! Welcome to Vietnam :)
Thanks so
Much for your video, my wife and I are planing a 3 week trip to Vietnam - North to South - I’ve learnt so much from you Chanel.
Keep positing 😊🙏🏻
I love your understanding and willingness to accept other cultures. Many people in today's world lack that. But we must be understanding of their life so we can help them understand also. Unfortunately the recent pandemic has prevented many from traveling and learning. I can't wait till things get back to normal!! I want to travel and learn more. The restrictions are keeping me away from my wife's family in the Philippines. People I love and they love me like a son. I really miss them ❤️
Oh no, I hope you can reunite soon with your fam. Hope you're safe and well!
This is awesome! The people of Vietnam have warmed my hear, they are so simple, kind and happy. Its almost unbelievable to me!
Thanks for your video and your warm heart to make these video, Much respect to you, you are very articulate.
These 10 things are also applied in Indonesia, because Indonesia also has a culture like that, I love Southeast Asia
Thank you for this one. We already have book our visit at Vietnam since last month but we have to cancel it due to Pandemic 😥😥. I hope we can travel now soon to Vietnam.. One of my bucket list in Asia due to almost similar features to us, Filipinos 🤗. Love from 🇵🇭 Great content btw!!
The 13th not to do in Vietnam is that you don't yield roads to car/truck/bus/container drivers approaching you while you're cycling or motorbiking even though your native country's traffic laws allow you not to yield it.
Thank you for the very very important information. Vietnam had high culture, beautiful and fertile nature and its people are innovative, hardworking and never give up. Greetings from Indonesia. I believe, Vietnam will become a developed and prosperous country. And hopefully Van always be healthy.
This was one of the most simple and greay in the same time, video description about a country. I love it and love the way you narrate! Keep it up ❤️
One extra thing - When you want to buy something and the seller give price! If her face look professional way - You should deal 1/5 (one fifth) of their proposal price! A lot of travel agent think that you just come one time, so they try to get as much money of you as possible. P/S Vietnamese also facing this issue. So best way is always to ask for price and don't hesitate in dealing!
Thank you Miss Pho...haha. I can’t wait to visit Vietnam and have everyone laugh at my bad Vietnamese. And it won’t bother me either. I’ll just keep trying. Thank you for such a welcoming invitation to your country.
Hello, I’m Vietnamese
First of all, I am so glad to discovered your channel. You are amazing and very informative. I have watched most of your videos today and have many memories of Vietnam. I stayed there from August 2019 to March 2020 as an ESL Teacher first in Saigon/HCM and the Haiphong. Of the 23 countries I have traveled to in the world and I never wanted to visit Asia, but Vietnam was the best experience I ever had. I plan to re-watch your videos and comment on some of the content. I wish I had all the cultural tips before I visited Vietnam, but because I involved myself so much in all levels while living there, I am managed well because of my background (Career as Change Manager) as being culturally aware. I continue till today, in researching many things in Vietnam culture and did also a lot of research in helping the speaking English and even finding "similarities". The shoe-wearing was an eye-opener for me because I always thought it was a religious observance. This is a WINNER CHANNEL!!!
Great video! Thank you. I'm consuming video after video in preparation for our trip to Vietnam in February. Your recommendations are very straight forward and make perfect sense to anyone looking to travel to Vietnam for the first time.
I've seen alot of stories below about foreigners experiencing touching stories in Vietnam but i have this to say for people hoping to visit Vietnam after covid: It's not that the people are always nice, it's that we like to be kind to foreigners (idk it's like a tradition lol). Ofc there's a TON of friendly people here but don't act suprise when you see alot of a holes lol. Still, you should visit here!
Your explanation in each clip is very clear and focused. It is easier for me, a Korean, to understand Vietnamese cultures than other videos in my country native language.
Happy to hear that! Thank you!
What a wonderful video! I truly appreciate your reasons behind the things not to do. You are very professional, warm and effective. Thank you for sharing your culture with the world and equipping visitors with the tools for the best possible experience in Vietnam.
As a Vietnamese , i just can say this is 100% accurated
Great video!! Thank you so much! Especially during this hard time. I love Vietnam even if its a developing country, people are just so friendly.
I am living in Saigon. I love Vietnam. Thank you for your beautiful culture especially the people. Cam on nhieu nha.
I really love visiting Vietnam is a great place where you can trade and learn a lot of things you need to know in life
Yes I really like the way he educate people on this because I also lost a lot of money on this bitcoin stuff but thanks to one Mr scarlet Robert who helped me in trading
How does this bitcoin stuff really works,i have been searching for a good broker to trade with!
Is real broker that hard to find?
Yes you're right real brokers are hard to find but I have one which I'm trading with his name is Mr scarlet Robert is he familiar with anyone?
Wow 😲 I'm surprised you called that name here.
Yes I have been working with him and he is super fabulous.
wow I'm just shock someone mentioned and recommended expert Mr scarlet i thought I'm the only one trading with him.
I love VIETNAM from INDIA. Vietnamese People is so so good and looking Pretty. It's a very beautiful Country with full of Natural beauty. The famous "Halong Bey " and "Hang Song dung "cave, one of most unexplored and huge Cave of Planet Earth. Love you VIETNAM, hope soon to visit VIETNAM after these pandemic is over. Red salute To all of My Vietnamese friends, brothers and Sisters.
Thank you, love your video. I was there 1969-1970. “Bac si” Song Pha. I now have some friends from there on Facebook.
I would love to go back to visit. I don’t know if I will ever be able to. I did a lot of medical work with the people there. They were so kind to me. The people enjoyed when I tried to speak the language and got lots of smiles and coaching. Thank you again
Thank you for making these videos. I have a speaking test about "Manners and etiquette in Vietnam" and your channel is the first thing pop up in my head
In my time in Singapore and Indonesia I also learned most of the things you mentioned. I grew to love taking my shoes off in houses, using traditional Indonesian mandi baths, and even the squat toilets, which I found so much more hygenic than western style ones. I also got a lot of use out of my belt pouch rather than carrying a purse. I liked that even independently of covid, everyone wore masks in public if they were ill. That's just common sense.
Nice advice. You are right! The first time I went to Vietnam in 2018, something unexpected happened the very first hours I was there that made me fall in love with the country. I arrived in Danang at 6 am and it was too early to check in to my hotel. So I dropped off my luggage and started wandering around to find a cafe. It was the beginning of Tet so almost every place was closed. However, I found a place that was open (well, maybe it wasn't) and a man motioned for me to take a seat. He couldn't speak any English but he could understand my order and soon I had my delicious Vietnamese coffee. Then he brought me shots and we drank together - for Tet of course. It was 8;30 am, I was drinking shots with a man I had never met before in a cafe that was probably closed (I was the only customer and no other place was open). Then his wife came and joined us. That was my introduction to Vietnam - put me in such an excellent mood for the rest of my trip.
I also arrived in Vietnam on the first day of Tet and was met with nothing open but a sweet hotel front desk clerk who brought me food made in his home by his wife for 4 days since nothing was open and I spoke ZERO Vietnamese and was definitely a scared little mouse to ask or venture out to look at night. It was very kind of him. I’ll never forget that.
@@IjeneYourTravelBae That's awesome - those are the moments you travel for.
I'm from southern regions and the beliefs you mentioned at 6:10 are utterly right. I've always been told about that specter tale when I was a child. I just think that they want to scare me but since I don't want to bring a hungry ghost to the meal, I end up stopping making sounds with any utensils, and it helps me a lot to fit me into appropriate behaviors
Hello
I am an English teacher and currently teaching Vietnamese adult friends! I think they are my friends now:) Hope to get more informations about vietnamese culture so I have something to relate to them in our English lessons! chúc may mắn and cảm ơn bạn Miss What The Pho!
Thank you for your tips. I have visited VN twice since the American War and will return again in January, 2024. I absolutely love your country and your amazing people.
I'm so glad I've found your channel! I'm Brazilian and previous to the pandemia I was thinking on visiting Eastern countries, Vietnam included. Of course the plans were postponed but in a latter future they can come true. Your tips help a lot to behave appropriately. Thanks a lot!
Thanks for providing the details information Van! We are planning to take our 3 kids (who were born and raised in Denver, Colorado) to visit Vietnam in the near future and this video definitely gives us great information. I left VN when I was 15 and have not been back since. I love and miss our country, people, cultures, foods, beaches and the tropical rains...etc. Anyway, keep up the great works and can you do one of the video about Ha Noi city and Son Tay where my dad came from. Your English and pronunciations are excellent. Thanks!
Thank you so much! Please visit Vietnam when you can. It has changed a lot :)
Hula, It is so excited when see Son Tay town on your comment. :D It is my hometown too!
Vietnam is a beautiful country. Go with an open mind, no country is the same. This way, you will really enjoy the warmth of their people and country. 12 days in Vietnam, Hanoi to HCMC. wow!
I’m planning to take the similar route this Sept 2023 🙏🏽🤓
Hey I’m from Canada and was adopted from southern Vietnam when I was very young as a baby. I’m now 20 and here to learn more about the culture I was from. Glad I found your channel. Been there to visit but still learning about things. Also if I try to learn the language and practice with people if I go again? Since I look like them are they going to be confused if I have broken Vietnamese? 😆
Cool video.I was in Vietnam and I fell in love with the country and its people. Plus I've made some good friends and I'm glad to collaborate with doing some Online teaching! Since now you have a new follower. Best regards from Barcelona!
Thank you! Please share as well :))
@@WhatThePho I'll do my best because many people still has old ideas about VN and they don't know what they're missing
After watching you and your instructions now i have to come to Vietnam for 20 days to see Vietnam beauty with my own eyes and explore the country on Bike
I love VN!! Amazing people, culture , food, and scenery.
Been to Vietnam two major cities, I was enjoying every minute of it while during my stay.😍🤩
Hi I am from Thailand and we are having exactly the same advices as yours when staying in my country. Your advices could apply to whole Asia, not just Vietnam.
No you can talk shit about the Japanese government or take pictures of military in japan
Playing with chopsticks is like making noise while you eating with knife and fork in front of Queen Elizabeth 😉
It needs common sense. Imagine an adult playing with his fork, hitting his plate with it etc. It's just childish and rude xD
The coldest I have ever been was in the South-Central Highlands of Vietnam during Winter Monsoon season 1971 (Nov-May). Thank you for this very informative cultural introduction to Vietnamese social mores.
Thank you so much for these! I’ve been here for almost 2 years and learn a lot from you. Very informative. You have great presentational skills. Cheers from Yen Bai.
Thank you!! :)
Thank you very much for your explanation. When i was in Saigon people actually laughed at me when i tried some vietnamese words. That reaction was indeed a little surprising to me 💁
Been to Saigon and Hanoi. I like Vietnam bcoz the price is affordable for budget traveller. Friendly people and nice food. Wish pandemic is over and I can travel to Vietnam again. Still got many places i haven’t been to
Totally agree!
Great video, I want to visit Vietnam someday! Also I’m Hungarian-American and it seems like there are many things Hungarians and Vietnamese have in common, based on what you described in this video. For example Hungarians also take off their shoes inside, and have a language that’s difficult for foreigners
Oh nice! Thank you for sharing, I've learned new things today
Love your videos! I'm a California native but I take off my shoes before I go into someone's house, it's uncomfortable walking in anyone's house with my dirty shoes on!
I always love your clear voice. You should be a journalist or news anchor.
SIMP
Vẹm cái vân là 1 công cụ đắc lực của cọng đảng nhu các xướng ca của nghị quyết 36, không ngạc nhiên gi khi vẹm cho Mỹ là 1 developing Country, comments của dơ lợn viên quá nhiều để hướng dẫn sai lệch người nước ngoài
Translation :
She is such a powerful tool of the communist party as the singers of communist, it is not surprise that she talked : USA is a developing country & also many the comments which guide wrong.for foreigners
@@yeulakho6574 👍 Traveling to Vietnam is also giving money to VC ( communist ) & also easy loosing the life in a dangerous country. ( check out travel advice on Google )
@@yeulakho6574 You don' have to go to Vietnam, just stay home and be safe, let's the other go if they choose to
@@kpng4487 You could lose your life in any country not just Vietnam, what so dangerous about Vietnam? Do you feel safe in your own country?
Good advice especially the traffic. I've not been to Vietnam yet but when I went to Taiwan they also had a lot of motor bikes and I was stopping a little, I think because in UK they'd go straight but in Taiwan they change direction to go around you as if you are walking at a steady speed. Took a day to get used to it but it does seem safer than UK actually especially London. After staying in taiwan for a year and going back to London the traffic just goes so fast around the corner and the one way system also on some streets, I look the wrong way. In Taiwan they are careful because they have to always look due to so much traffic all the time, In london they become complacent.
Thank for letting us know. You guys are always welcome in Vietnam.
Hi, I am your fan from Vietnam, I love your aviation videos a lot ❤
i completely agree on Taiwan on pedestrian crossing... in every crossing lane, there's a signboard that says "pedestrian always has the right of way" which no wonder even the red light is already on and somebody is still crossing, the bikes or cars let the people simply walk like they take their time so well.... it's also prohibited to honk which i noticed 😊
@@Rin-red yes 🙂 I'm back in Taiwan now too, although I'm on a quick trip to Bhutan via India which has the rudest immigration
@@worldaviation4k oh I'm sorry to hear that
I love how respectful Vietnamese are. ❤️❤️
YES, pls respect the vietnamese national heroes. In school, "sách lịch sử và địa lý" the history and geography book, usually there is a lot of lessons to learn about vietnamese national heroes. And also some
subjects at school like Tiếng Việt, we also learn some vietnam soldiers and heroes.
Trying to speak Vietnamese and doing it badly... I figure we do it partly to entertain the locals. I think they tend to appreciate the effort and find some things we say and how we say it hilarious. And that's good! Its a good way to be charming and make friends I think. Kind of like a foreigner to the west with a super cute accent and broken English? It is charming!
Exactly! Well said!
Very nice video. Thank you for teaching and pointers about Vietnam and Vietnamese culture.
I hope there are many friendly people like you.
Best wishes from 🇺🇸
Thank you again for more great information. Currently living in northeaster Thailand and as soon as covid is safe, I'm looking to relocate to Hanoi.
Glad it was helpful! Best of luck to you!
Wonderful video from you, thank you! So many great advices and hands-on tips. Thanks for showing so much attention to viewers/visitors and being extremely detailed. I enjoyed listening and learned new things. Keep up your awesome work, kindness & smile!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much!!
Hello 👋
Thanks for the tips!! We are traveling to Vietnam in November and we are super excited 😊
They hate black peoples
Such a helpful video.
I love your voice and energy which motivates me to learn English right now lol
Stay safe ! Wish you luck and health ! 💪💪💪
Taking shoes off when entering an Asian home makes perfect sense to me. I expect the same in my home. I always found it strange, though, how Filipinos would almost insist that I switch to "slippers" (flipflops) at the doorway rather than just go barefoot.
Love your voice!!! Very interesting and helpful things that i can share with my foreign friends in VN. Thank you :D
Thank you! 😃
🙌🙌🙌
Oh this is your new video. You don't know but i watch your video everyday. My friend introduced your chanel to me, i like your voice. I downloaded mp3 of video i can listen everwhere. i'm studying English, i hope i can speak very well like you. Just update more new video, Thank you so much ^^
Thank you :))
Translation :
She is such a powerful tool of the communist party as the singers of communist, it is not surprise that she talked : USA is a developing country & also many the comments which guide wrong.for foreigners
Great video. I'm a westerner who has lived in Taiwan for over 30 years. Most of the 10 things you talked about equally apply to Taiwan, specially not wearing shoes inside and not playing with chopsticks. The only one that doesn't apply here is the one about showing your phone or camera, not wearing jewelry or.wearing your bag those ways etc. Street crime is almost nonexistent in Taiwan fortunately. Bag snatching and pick pocketing do occur, but it's extremely rare.Thanks for your video. I've just discovered your channel and have subscribed. Best wishes from Taiwan. Oh and PS. Many years ago I went back and lived in Europe for a couple of years. I asked visitors to my home to remove their shoes.Many were really offended or , at best thought my request was really bizarre. I tried to explain that the bottoms of shoes are really dirty and that I didn't want all those germs etc in my home.
I never been to Vietnam, but I want to visit. I love Vietnamese food and culture. I dated Vietnamese women as well. I love this channel, because it educates me more on Vietnamese culture.
Welcome to vietnam
Thank you
Thank you for supporting! :))