Thanks for watching ✌ Vietnam was an amazing adventure full of ups and downs but overall even with making mistakes I still had a blast! I also learnt from the previous video about another mistake I made, if you want to experience the lush green delta systems then don't go to Can Tho like I did, instead go to Ben Tre which is nearer to Saigon. I apologies if people got upset by that video, it was my mistake and I will come back to Southern Vietnam one day to make up for that mistake and do that area justice! LOTS OF LOVE and THANK YOU for 100K ❤
Though most VNmese might hate it when I'm saying this but Can Tho is the southern capital of...s*x, "royal massaging with...", "barbering with...", "garden chill with...", "karaoke with...", "eating out with...(after)" etc. Pretty much all activities degraded into that stuff & meh at almost everything else, "the industry" is even bigger than that of Saigon. Sad reality though since the place used to be good with food & floating market & lush green gardens.
You can see best foods in many provinces, cities in South of Vietnam, especially in Mekong Delta, but you are too rush to discover it. In the north, you only can see good food in some big cities in Hanoi, Hai Phong... Also, food in many cities in central are very tasty, but you only visit Hoi An, Da nang , what a miss too. In general, you spent too less and rush time to discover Central & Sout Vietnam.
Come visit the North of Vietnam in the coming autumn, winter or spring. It will probably be very different from your past experiences. Especially, if given the opportunity, I hope you spend more time in the South and the Mekong Delta region. Wishing you good health, success and good fortune. Vietnam always welcomes you!
@@SunlightMaggot101 As a local, I have to agree, but prosperity comes with sin and vice! Hope one day, the government legalise those stuffs! They could earn so a great heap of underground taxes 😆
I've had some great Vietnamese food and French too. On one occassion I was in Da Nang and I walked into what I thought was a restaurant as it was just off the high street. There was some tables set up facing a TV and people eating. I gestured the sign to eat and they welcomed me in. They bought me food without a menu and asked to take some photos which I thought was odd. When I went to pay they declined. I then realised I'd just eaten dinner with a random Vietnamese family.
I’m astonished you found it hard to find good food. From north to south, I never failed to find really good food, even in the smallest of street stalls.
He also doesn't eat the food properly! I think when he was in Hoi An, he ate cao lau or something and didn't even mix it up as the sauce often falls the bottom of the bowl. You also have to mix it up so you can get the perfect bite with the herbs, meat, noodles, etc. But I hear he's a fussy eater, too.
@@redbloody946 hey, I’ve been to Thailand and couldn’t eat your spicy foods, then I hastily conclude Thailand is not a foodie paradise. What do you think?
@@Windtalkerzz There are tons of Thai food which is not spicy and you have to choose from, that's why Thai food always among the best cuisine in the world in every rankings even number 1 of the world like Massaman curry or Kao soi. What make you think that all of Thai food is spicy?
Not a foodie destination?I cannot disagree more with this, vietnam is litrally famous for it's food. I've had some of the best food from some street vendors out of the city whilst going up with a motorbike across the country. Does it take 5 min of research and asking a few people?Yes but is it difficult to find? NO! The country is litreally famous for having food everywhere, street food, moving street vendors, markets
Came here to say the same thing. Paddy, fair play you create great content but perhaps sometimes not speaking the language or travelling with a local will by default exclude you from some of the best experiences…particularly with something as ‘local knowledge’ as food.
@@guoxiutang7569 not exactly true, Vietnamese (particularly younger people) often have basic English… at least enough to get you to a good restaurant and particularly if google translate is involved.
I had a completely opposite experience with the bike. I left keys on my bike for the whole day in DaNang and it was there in the evening. So don't generalize the theft. It depends on the situation.
If it's Thailand You don't need to provide any information on your trip, you just have the money, pack your bags and live slowly in Thailand. Freeze cold beer 7-Eleven on every street corner and street food is available twenty-four hours a day. From the southernmost to the northernmost You will feel amazing with the local food that is ready to serve. You will be amazed by the temples and huge local shopping malls. As long as you have money to pay Thai people welcome
i am vietnamese..and i agree with you that vietnam tourism is not as good as thailand...and vietnam tourism still has many problems to improve...but we always welcome you to visit the land My country
Bro I American friend always go broke before the month end and he would always go for noodles shop asking for free noodle and the thai auntie always took care of him with a hot free noodle ! In Thailand we have a saying that you may not born in Thailand but if your heart is thai than you’re a thai
Unfortunately- his experience in Vietnam is the exact opposite of mine and MOST people. Food is very fresh and everywhere. Chicken, fish,pork , vegetables and seafood. He does not know how to find the right places to eat. Cold beer is everywhere, How he can’t find a cold beer is his own fault.I drank cold beer everyday for 4 months while on the road. NO ONE SERVED ME A WARM BEER. Looks to me that he bit off more then he could chew. And got out of his comfort zone - which is good- learn from his mistakes
@@DaveEPie bình luận này nên nằm ở ngoài,rất chính xác nhé,việt nam là quốc gia tiêu thụ bia hàng đầu thế giới,bia lạnh có ở mọi nơi,trong các tiệm tạp hóa nhỏ ven đường.nhưng đã lái xe không nên uống bia.thank
Nice video with some useful info, but there are a few things I’d like to add as an experienced traveler in Vietnam. Ice, fresh chili peppers, and cold beer can be attained easily in pretty much any part of Vietnam; you just need to know how to ask for these items. A few words in Vietnamese goes a long way! Also, as far as crime goes, yes, you need to be careful about theft and pickpockets, but Vietnam is generally far safer than Thailand and some other Southeast Asian countries. Finally, I disagree completely about the lack of tasty food. Like the things I mentioned above, you just need to be brave and ask locals for their recommendations. Cheers!
As a Vietnam born American, I'm going back in a few months. Currently researching about all the things, I have gone with family a few times, but my interest has never been high due to the fact that it was a forced trip. But this time I'll be exploring the lands with genuine interest. Thanks for the tips Paddy!
In my opinions : 1. Starting from the North : That's right. Begining from South to North. South of VN is more active When your body is full energy. After long trip roads, your energy is gone, and the view of north will bring peaceful in your soul and the food heal your tired body. 2 - Traveling During School Holidays : I alway agree. School holidays is local - tourist season. And many tourist places will fill full people, and to crowded too annoy - it's not good feeling. 3 - Silly Basic Expectations : You're adventurer, you're explorer. Everything is challenge. Open-minded with everything happened around event disasters 4. Worrying Too Much - Don't worry, SMILE, all people will help no-doubt. The keyword is asking to learn some basic vietnamese language. 5 - Sad Truths About Vietnamese Food : In my opinion, the first of your good experience food is thailand food - strong flavor with sour and spicy. There 's so huge defferent between thailand and vietnam food. Vietnam food is balence with 5 main favors sweet - salty - spicy - sour - bitter and frugal. So, with you, certainly, Vietnam food is less favor than thai food. With Europan and American , that's perfect with whole new level, especial with french and italian. Banh mi and ice milk coffee're the same in vietnam. Other hand, you chose weird wild country roads. All most VN people live near rivers, beaches, citys and country sides're field farms with famer family in small village. On AH1 road (nation road), hotels, motels, shop foods, restaurants, gas station,.. 're everywhere. So, preparing food like you're on picnic when you're adventurer, not tourist. 6 - Not packing chili sauce : Peper, chilly slide, chilly sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce 're always on the table. If you don't see them, just asking. Don't shy. VN have 4 kind of chilly, depend on size and color. Short and red is spicy. Long and red is less spicy. Short and green is less spicy and good smell, usually serve with Mi Quang or Quang Nam / Quang Ngai Food. Short and light white / light lime is too spicy and good smell , it calls "Ot Cao San" and perfect for you. 7 - 08:17 - 10:38 - Stolen Goods - Yeah !! This is The worst thing. So, keep an eye on yours or spend money to rent keeper or hold-box. 8 - Trying to see it ALL : A month for each provine is enough to explore culture, cuisine, history and special local views - not exist on youtube or internet
We often compare places when we travel and that was the mistake I made. I learn to accept what that culture and land is offering and take it as it is. Be part of them without expectations and comparison. "Live in the moments " as you said. You are doing great mate. 👍
@@AuntyJack123Indeed it is hard to practice mindfulness. It's the journey that is quite different and hard to conquest from others that I have traveled, my own mind😄 🙏
He's comparing to provide a context, so that people who have been to other places can understand better what he's talking about. I definitely agree with him it's easy to find delicious Thai in the outskirts.
Just to add some additional information: - Warm beer: The culture here is to drink with ice (same for a soft drink). Some people don't like it that way as the taste may be different but it is freaking cold with ice at all times. - The bad experience with Mekong delta: Paddy got the wrong tour obviously. It was the tour on the river market which is crowded and noisy at peak hours. - The food: the number of restaurants in Vietnam is huge wherever you go and even for a local looking for a good dish, I have to search in the area. I would not jump into a random restaurant on the go. Being well-prepared will make your experience better for any trip. Peace!
So agree with your assessment. He does not know the culture, language, & commits a culture faux pas. Vietnamese food has spices as well. I don't know what he is talking about. I went to Rome & had shatty Italian food since I did not do the research & was at a tourist trap area! Does that mean all Italian food is bad!
@@quangdu12061988 So, should I avoid asking for ice at local restaurants and just stick to bottled water? Ill be in Saigon in two weeks for first time so curious. Thanks!
Come visit the North of Vietnam in the coming autumn, winter or spring. It will probably be very different from your past experiences. Especially, if given the opportunity, I hope you spend more time in the South and the Mekong Delta region. Wishing you good health, success and good fortune. Vietnam always welcomes you!
I agree with you about the theives in Vietnam, it's a lot, you can not leave your things in cafe or any public places. When I've been to Vietnam, I've forgot my I-phone too. After I've left cafe a few minutes then it's gone. In Thailand, you can get cold beer everywhere even in a small island or on the mountain. Thai people also drink beer with ice but the seller always put them in the fridge or in the ice container.
Pretty sure your iPhone would be gone in Paris, Italy, the US, too. And I highly doubt most Thais will not steal it. Japan is probably the only really safe place for your iPhone.
I'm Vietnamese, I'm also using google translate to comment on your problem, hope everyone understands ohooo: Firstly, I agree with you on most of your experiences. But I will add more for you. Firstly, the way to drink beer in Vietnam is different: hot beer, cold beer and beer with ice. Anywhere, as long as you say the right requirements. Next, if you go to big tourist areas like Ha Long, Da Nang, Mekong Delta. Be ready to spend money for the package services, reputation of the travel agency, it will not let you down, avoid scams like Mekong Delta. And all can be planned from internet information. Then, Central Vietnam is very long, there are many interesting things, unfortunately you do not know & spend too little time to explore. Importantly, prepare yourself a 4g sim card of Viettel for only 5usd, you can look up the Internet wherever you go. Finally, Thank you for taking your precious time to explore our country.
Paddy, your tips are gold! I love how you turned 'mistakes' into must-know advice. Starting in Saigon and working north sounds like a game-changer for anyone new to Vietnam. Thanks for these!
Thanks Paddy. No doubt you will get some flak but I for one, am grateful. Was once tossing up between Thailand and Vietnam. Totally love a lot about Vietnam and 2 of my children have Vietnamese heritage, ( Viet born Aussie mum) but I think Vietnam is a good holiday destination for me. Thailand is likely to be home base.
Hi Paddy, thank you very much for your trip in Vietnam. It's so great. However, after watching this video, and hearing your lessons, I think I have to say something. The biggest mistake you had was: not preparing your plan more carefully with more concerns, you need to hear more from other Vietnamese and foreign friends (especially the ones who lived in Vietnam for a long time, such as Max McFarlin,...) about the situation in Vietnam for better handling. Firstly, about the drink, Vietnamese usually drink beer in a cup full of ice cubes though several ones may love to drink cold beer from the freezer, which makes you feel hard to get a cold beer (but you can meet some vendors selling cold beer in ice-box along the road or on the boat as Flora vlogger met in NinhBinh). Secondly, you choose the route of Ho Chi Minh road through the remote regions (also called the 1B highway/national way) that runs in parallel with 1A Highway/national way - running beside the coasts for the scenery of mountains while you didn't concern that most of Vietnam's population live in big cities or towns along the coast and near waterfront/river mouth. Very few people live along your route which means fewer towns, and fewer food-shop or cafeterias. Hence, you've got harder to get food along your trip (from NinhBinh to Hue, from HoiAn to DaLat). If you chose the coast-line way, you can meet many food shops along your trip, with the diverse food styles (a special thing in Vietnam, meaning you have many versions of PHỞ, or BÚN BÒ, or BÚN CHẢ CÁ,...at each location). That's your fault to said Vietnam is not a foodie country. For vegetarian food, all of you may get it from shops with the word CHAY in their brand name like Phở CHAY, Bún CHAY (especially, on the dates of 1st, 14th, 15th, and 30th of the lunar month, vegetarian food is the more common in the central region and south region of Vietnam). For stealing action, I am so sorry for the uneducated people who did those ashamed things. But, I think you can encounter it anywhere like the Philippines, India, Africa, even in Paris, Brussels... (full of illegal immigrants) and maybe in Thailand - if he/she is a drug addict who has no money. It's about your strict concern and your luckiness. For the spicy food issue, the central region of Vietnam is well-known for red pepper use which you discarded when didn't go along the coastline while the northern region is focusing on fatty savory taste and the south region tends to like the sweeter taste of their food. However, any food shop usually leaves a small basket of fresh red pepper or red pepper jam ready on table for your taste adjustment by yourself (If it's not on the table (cause the shop owner forgot to re-fulfill), you can ask the waiter/shop owner for it because red pepper, lime, and herb green is free in food shops, no need to pay in Vietnam). All issues I talked about would bring the feeling that you didn't prepare basic knowledge/information enough for the Vietnam trip. You had just focused on sightseeing only. I think you should learn more or even re-do the trip before you said something to avoid saying the untruth about Vietnam.
I agree with you. From his video at Dalat I see he's not preparing his trip carefully, he chased the goal of completing the trip from north to south within 30 days. From the last 2 or 3 videos, he just tried to complete the series. This is not traveling, this is just trying to get more videos from TH-cam.
I hope Paddy and his audience can read your comments. I'm not trying to find any consensus here, but his comments are far-reaching. So while I loved his recent ride, but I feel right that you talked about the flaws in this video.
Most of this vlog is how VN is not like Thailand, lol. I wonder if I left my GoPro out or left my bike with the keys in the ignition in Ireland, would it get nicked?
Just back from 18 days in Laos. Next 20 days in Vietnam going from south to north and back, we start from Thailand. group bike tour. Thanks for your video, very useful. A ban mee croissant looks very tasty, really enjoyed the breakfast croissants in Laos. Well done for doing it on your own. Strange about no cold drinks, not same as Laos.
It is not a mistake not to be able to get cold beer or to get uninteresting food in a country except the doubtful mistake of choosing that country. Besides cold beer can be found in several restaurants and shops medium and even small sized towns in remote areas (nov. 2022). Food quality varies a lot in both Vietnam and Thailand. For saltiness and spicyness in most SE-Asian countries you often have to stand out with bowls of chillie sauce and soy sauce. That expectations are not met when you go to a country do not have to be mistakes.
I was thinking to go to Vietnam next year and found your video to be super useful! Thank you so much for sharing and the cave just look incredible! Can't wait to see your other videos
Hugely helpful review mate! After having watched every one of the Vietnam North to South episodes I was right there with you as you rattled off the list of what you would do differently. I still perked up when you talked about your side "accidental" stay at the lake side guest house with that wonderful family. And can not forget "Sit Down!" LOL. Be well and travel safely Paddy! See you soon.
Bring your own bottle of hot sauce in Vietnam??? I find this particular suggestion rather strange. Everywhere I've been to in Vietnam, wherever I eat, there's always some sort of hot chili condiments on the table for you to add to the food.
I am am an American living in Vietnam about 30 years where I happily remain. Your series was overall really good. Interestingly I had a sense in the beginning that you would be disappointed as you went south since the really dramatic and majestic stuff is in the extreme north. That said ... you missed out skipping the extreme south as things really get much better as you go to the extreme south having to pass canals and villages on the water that are really interesting ... much more so than what you experienced in Can Tho. One little gripe with your program was the segment where you labeled "stuck in the middle of nowhere" or something like that. You pressed the starter button without success than immediately freed yourself by way of the kick starter. That to me is not stuck in the middle of nowhere and I just can't figure why you would have said that. Anyway... overall good series. Ps... people really need to be careful renting motorbikes and be sure that they have proper license to drive. Do not listen to what the bike renter says but what the official information is. No one will ask you questions if no accident but if accident is caused then be prepared for a rough time be it injury to one's self or having to take care of someone who was injured by the driver. And those not familiar with riding at all really should consider carefully about riding in Vietnam at all as it is not the easiest place to start off.
People say that they have gone to Vietnam Don't want to go back again because Vietnamese people do not teach manners no queuing even table manners and respect for others Theft is common in Vietnam.
As a Vietnamese, I have no problem if Paddy said he prefers Thai food or made any comparison between the two countries. Different people prefer different things and that's totally OK. However, calling Vietnam not a foodie country does not sit well with Vietnamese since unfortunately, he has experienced very little of it at this point. He traveled the Ho Chi Minh road for safety and mountain views so food choice is limited unless you are accompanied by knowledgeable locals. He also skipped the entire southern region which is a big food bowl of the country. No hard feelings though. I think he did exceptionally well in the North and got some of the best-looking and most interesting footage I've seen for that region. Limited time and deteriorating health got the better of him in the end hence the underwhelming experience. Traveling alone by motorbike in Vietnam can be brutal and hat off to him for carrying that far while filming, editing, and managing the channel.
@@TienNguyen-dg4fe I agree with everything you've said, I think it's a perspective thing, as a traveller who doesn't speak the language, it's definitely, objectively more challenging to find street food in Vietnam than Thailand, but that can be said about every other country as well, Thailand is the street food capital of the world. I don't think it's really apt to compare the two countries that way. Vietnam is a good powerhouse, it's a foodie paradise, the difference is the access to that food is far more difficult. I've personally had amazing food in Vietnam, but it was on food tours, I more often than not wasn't able to find what I was looking for, and that's not a knock on the country, it's just the way it is.
@@atticablack There's no doubt that Thailand is years ahead of Vietnam in terms of tourism. Westerners have visited and explored Thailand thoroughly and the country served them really well. On the other hand, Vietnam still has many hidden things to explore, which also means it can be a little bit tricky sometimes. Hey, but if you dig deep and discover something great, wouldn't it be nice? I guess each country is different and that's part of the fun of traveling. When travelers like Paddy cruise along the Ho Chi Minh road on the motorbike it is easy to forget that just over 50 years ago that area was one of the most heavily bombed transport routes in the whole country. For that, I chuckled a little when he complained about not having cold beers, good food, and all the comfort. In short, I wouldn't rate his opinion about Vietnamese food scene since it's too early for him to make that conclusion. All is good!
We have the fantastic 4 mountain passes in the north. The Hải Vân Pass is lame as hell tbh 😂😂 i’ve done Ô Quy Hồ Pass Sapa, Mã Pí Lèng Pass Hà Giang, Khau Phạ pass Mu Cang Chai valley and Pha Bin pass in Dien Bien Phu already. I felt nothing when i did the Hải Vân pass. It’s just a normal pass to me except for the beach coast
Definitely you were right about rushing through ....bypass everything else, Hanoi alone sounds very off key, like the experiences only took place in the Vietnamese old quarter , if you have given Hanoi maybe 4 days, you could've seen the quiet tree line boulevards French quarter and see its French building , villas,, along with the modern metropolis surrounding the city ....if you don't have to search, just take the double deck tour bus and you can see most of the French quarter, and take the new metro line it will take you through the modern city of Hanoi. And had you given each city a little more time, you will see 24hrs convenient stores are everywhere under so many names not just 24/11 ....
We actually really enjoyed visiting during tet in hanoi. The flowers were beautiful a lot of things were closed but they were still things open. It was fun being in the markets with the people shopping for the holidays
Lived in Vietnam for 6 months and from the very start I did think you maybe hadn't done enough research - from the 'sit down' misunderstanding onwards I thought oh oh. The warm beer though, like you've been to Cambodia before - like outside of Thailand, south East Asians all drink their beer with ice in, that's why they don't refrigerate their beer. Even in Singapore, you order a beer and you're often given a glass with ice with it! And disagree with Saigon being easier than Hanoi - Saigon is like the bag snatching capital of South East Asia! If you buy a bag, like a shoulder bag, at a market in Saigon, they know that strap will snap and that bag goes the first time you cross the road wearing it!
@@Sherryn_neahh ok, maybe that's the difference. I don't drink beer at all. My husband is Cambodian and we've only ever been in tourist areas when in Thailand, but he's always had his beer served cold and needed to ask for a glass of ice with it.
@@karenfaywalker yes, if you drink beer with ice like Thai beers, the flavor of the beer and the cold of the ice would blend together and made the perfect flavor of Thai beer. But your beer have to be already cold otherwise it just like you drink beer with water because the ice melt too quickly. All of my foreigner friends always laugh when they first saw people drink beer with ice because they just guessed those ice would ruin all the beer flavor, now all of them felt a little angry when they ordered Thai beers but didn't get ice. Lol
Paddy! I really enjoyed your entire Vietnam Series! I am currently doing two months on a motorbike in Vietnam and your experience has been very helpful. Thanks for the effort that you put into all of your videos.
As someone who has lived in VN for over 5 years, the food is the mountainous regions can be hit and miss. It certainly takes a bit of time patience and knowledge to know where to look. However in the main centre's the food is excellent and everywhere... a foodies dream. I hope you come back to experience it again and for longer, happy to show you around.
@@mayorofnow Don't know why but your comments caught my attention in this thread loaded with hundreds of feedback. All I want is to provide another perspective on the matter. Hopefully, you do not find it annoying by any means. So please feel free to reach out if you need tips and advice on planning your trip to Vietnam. Cheers!
@@mayorofnow In the major cities food is on every street, it's usually the small street stalls which serve the best and tastiest food. I see too often travelers and foreigners only looking for restaurants that look like they'd expect in the western world. street, it's usually the small street stalls which serve the best and tastiest food. I see too often travelers and foreigners only looking for restaurants that look like they'd expect in the western world and with an English menu. Usually the best spots sell just 1 or 2 dishes and do not have a menu.
Travelling to a new country means going out of comfort zone and accepting cultural differences. You can’t expect a new country to be similar to your home, your favourite Thailand country. Each country is unique and has its character. If your adaptability is low, unwilling to welcome and learn new things and cultural differences, you shouldn’t travel, just at home.
I really enjoyed this video. You make amazing videos, Paddy. Please keep up the good work I spent two months in Southeast Asia January, February 2023 and I found Vietnamese food to be amazing. However, I was not back in the inner part of the country. Most of my time is spent in Saigon, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hanoi, Hoi An , and Hue. I also spent a lot of time in Thailand, which I enjoyed thoroughly. I’m planning to return for 90 days beginning of January 24. I’ll be watching out for more of your excellent videos. You provide really good advice. Thanks for all you do.
Great video Paddy. Reminded me of a lot of the same things from my own ride across Vietnam. Have to absolutely agree on the last part though, don't try to see it all/ride it all.....you'll just end up skating across the surface and have no depth to any of it!
I know. You'll be happy to watch the sunset with a cold beer. Imagine that if Paddy travels and explores beautiful nature and still finds delicious food off the tourist trail. and having cold beer everywhere when he needs it. how wonderful it will be.
Gotta love you for saying it like it is Paddy! Your tips, opinions & honesty is what we love about you! Love your Vietnam series and my husband and I will take advantage of your recommendations whenever we get there sometime in the future! Thanks for sharing this video 😊
Ive been in and out mostly in Vietnam for over a year and have found most the items on any menu I see in a restaurant are mainly spicey hot, I dont do spicey hot, but have accidently ordered a hot meal or two, and they were quite spicey. and the food, with or with out the hotness is almost always delish.
I just returned from a Vietnam trip and I was beyond pleasantly surprised. The people of Vietnam Kind helpful courteous The food perfectly pan Asian The restaurants in cities amazingly good and well priced. The hotels all over comfortable and warm with great bf. ( please note I decided four star) like he said Why not splurge Vietnam is beautiful and has so much to offer Luckily it’s just a four hour flight away. Thanks for the tips on the north Great video 👌👌👍👍👍
I think the mistakes and "realness" are part of your videos charm and makes them more helpful. Hindsight is great for learning and not everyone has the brains to use it. Good on you and enjoy your time with family.
So true. After watching so many channels’ “OMG THIS PLACE IS SO GOOOOD”, “MY LORD THAT FOOD LOOKS SO YUMMY!” just to gain likes and views, I feel empty and unsubscribe.
#1 - Good, I am suprise ppl start North to South.. It’s going from quiet calm to crazy… I go crazy first since you just got there and party it up..then have your body heal heading to the north..which is more calm and less crowded..
I totally agree with the idea to see less and enjoy more Paddy. You can always come back another time especially if this place grabs you. This is my third time back '11,'16'22 ... each time is different and you experience new things. Let's face it .. besides the flights (if you don't luck well) ... the place is very affordable for anyone wanting to do it on a shoe string or if you like a slice of some luxury, it's all here to be had affordably had to one's given budget. Even if you feel like you want it all now .... i been here in my 20's, 30's & 40's .... still has had that great charm all over. Very nice wrap up you did here ... Thanks for keeping us all entertained Paddy. Good luck on your next adventure & new bike! 👍🏾
Thank you for your honest opinion on your experience. I love all your Vietnam series’s videos. I feel bad that you ended it with a bitter taste in the South. I feel like you were physically there and mentally you were done and ready to go back home. I hope some days in the future, you will have more time and give the South a second chance. The South are well known for the food and the hospitality. Too bad you didn’t have enough time to slow down and have time to experience the culture side of the country like you did in Thailand. Can’t wait to virtually go along with you on your next adventure. Btw just be yourself and don’t try to change because of rude comments.
There s no comparison between Thailand and Vietnam... I like Thailand 1 million more than Vietnam and... I m Vietnamese. Communism has done something very bad to Vietnam and this will never change again. That's why tourists get back to Thailand... But never to Vietnam... The statistics will tell you the reality of Vietnam. I love the South Vietnamese food though ! It s the only 1 thing which push me to come back to Vietnam ... Yes I eat 6x a day in south Vietnam.
Thanks for the comment about Chili sauce! As a Korean American, I always bring Gochujang (Korean sweet pepper paste) wherever I travel - specifically, I bring the tubed gochujang with minced ground beef. It's a lifesaver for me when I have hard time trying new foods.
I'm less than halfway through but I want to say what a great video in so many ways. Straight forward!! I don't know why people think they have to make fancy videos when dispensing info. Back to second half!
The only mistake you made in this Vietnam tour from Noth to south is, too short on time. Maybe 3 months for the whole trip will do you some justice on a lot of places you missed. Also the timing which gave you a lot of uncomfortable moments and too tight a schedule and rushing through them in a hurry to get to the next location. I believe you got better weather in Thailand than in miserable Vietnam's weather. Don't worry, you can do it again from South to North by going the most southern part first and move north covering a lot of place which you missed. Overall, the trip was good.
Well said. But very few travelers can afford 3 months time. Let alone 30 days visa policy of VN is an obstacle too. If VN wants to expand their tourism they need to make the trip more convenient and approachable..
Thanks Paddy. I enjoyed all your videos of Vietnam and completely understand why you decided to end the tour when you did. You asked previously why people watch your videos. I am retired, live in Cape Town, South Africa which means the rate of exchange is not great when earning Rand not $ or Euros. So now I am travel via your TH-cam channel. Your videos are beautiful as well as informative, I love your honesty, enthusiasm and the videos are stunning. I will continue watching your travels and cannot wait for the next adventure wherever that may be. Best of luck on your travels. Enjoy your quality time with Ms P.
"getting a cold beer is almost next to impossible"! I can't stop laughing 😂. Vietnamese people drink everything (yes beer too!) with ice. I'm constantly asking for no ice (and no sugar) every time I buy a drink!
Imagine not being able to find delicious food in vietnam! Never something i had a problem with but you were in more remote areas more often. Love all the tips thank you!
Thanks Paddy for sharing your Vietnam trip with us. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit both countries 🇹🇭 and 🇻🇳 in the past. Vietnam I did from the south to north. I watched every single video for both series. One thing I would like to point out that ever since Ms. P entered in your life the focus of your trips has changed a bit. I guess most of us started watching you as a single guy who was filled with tons of excitement as preparing to visit all provinces in Thailand. As a solo traveler myself I understand that it can get lonely sometimes but especially when a very special someone is waiting for us far away. Last year after Koh Samui and this time after your quick BKK visit your excitement started to shift. You’re getting a lot less patient and a lot more homesick. Last year it happened about six months into your trip this time after a little more than a month. I’m sure it’s extremely difficult to find a balance between your personal life and passion/business. Since I’m in my sixties I know by now that having it all is nearly impossible. The quality of your videos are phenomenal! Wishing you all the best of luck for your future travels.
So you are saying the focus of Paddy’s trip has changed because of me?🤨 I’ve never bothered his solo traveling. In fact what I did is supporting him, looking out for him, being his “safe zone” especially when he has mental breakdown😅 don’t blame him if he gets excited to be in Bkk or see me cause I’d be excited too if I see my loved ones after months of being alone. In terms of traveling, he still has that excitement trust me. But Vietnam is a just a little different from Thailand and as Paddy has been living in Thailand for so long, I assumed it’s not easy to get out of his comfort zone plus he didn’t go home for years .. homesick is totally normal. Maybe the fact of getting less patient is because he’s getting older as well?😂 I agreed with you, it’s difficult to find balance in life. We can’t have it all but we can maintain/prioritize .. sometimes it comes with sacrifice. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the series so far. Have a good one:)
@@Pichyp อยากจะคอมเมนท์เรื่องงานอะไรก็ไม่ควรเอาเรื่องครอบครัวหรือคนรักของเค้ามาเกี่ยวชข้องนะครับ ไม่น่ารักเลย มันไม่เกี่ยวกัน Bravo Miss P. I am with you 100%
@@thanachai3571 You should read well. Who exactly is going to lean against? she just came to explain because the person who wrote to refer to her lover. Pls read it and hit the right point.
@@elmirafavela3463 What I want to say is I would be furious if someone told me that I lost my focus, less tolerated at work because I wanted to go back home to see my wife. And please reply to Miss P. not me or even apologize to her that would be nice.
That's right, you in ASEAN, Thailand is the most attractive place to visit, there are attractions, cheap accommodation, there are many delicious food, kind Thai people have a smile that always welcomes you. Welcome everyone, every country sacrifices your precious time.
Great video, sounds like an awesome time. I spent a week riding around Ha Giang and never once had a warm beer. Funny how different and experience can be in the same place!
I spent 3 months travelling from north to south back in 1993 in my 20s when Vietnam had only just opened up to individual travel, so as a European I was something of a novelty. There was very little tourism infrastructure but for me it made it a more enjoyable experience. The biggest mistake I made? Ice in a drink in Hue. A week of dysentery. However, I received excellent, if basic, medical treatment from a local doctor and his family, who kept me hydrated and then fed me with rice and bananas.
Ur a legend. I'm flying to Saigon from Hanoi tomorrow. I've lived here for 2 years and have traveled all over. You cover it well although that steak dinner wasn't like ur other videos from the past lol. Thanks for all the info on so many places.
Wow! Some people are butt hurt over his honesty over his experience. He’s just giving tips on his mistakes. First time I was in Thailand, I was miserable, but I learn from my mistakes, planned better for my 2nd trip, and had a blast! Love your honesty, Paddy Doyle. Hope your next experience in Vietnam is a blast after learning from your mistakes.
@@hewhoknowsknows I would have a discussion with you on where did he make people upset, but base on your attitude, I assume you are not really willing to listen so I’ll end the conversation here
@@Alice-zt4sc ...and if you make a video like that, sure you're gonna get negative comments. Especially if the comments based in biases and you're not an expert (this is specific to his foodie comment as Bourdain and Ramsey will have something to say about that since they ARE food experts).
@@doodahgurlie true, he went to the most rural and poorest area then saying they don't have good food and ice cold beer for him is a bit much. Especially I remember in one of the video, he mistaken bún cá (fish noodle) with bún chả (grilled pork noodle) and complained that the pork taste funny.
nice video! we are traveling vietnam with our drone for 3 months and capture some remote places too! happy to see you liked your trip! excited to see more!
The weakness of Vietnamese people is that they do not accept the truth that others criticize. Khuyết điểm của người Việt Nam là không chấp nhận sự thật mà người khác chỉ trích.
When a specialist criticizes you, it's happiness and you must improve. When an under-normal-thinking one criticizes you, you should point out what is the right thing.
I was in Danang last week, and did the Hivan pass. My small bag was stolen as well on the way to Don Ca Arch Bridge. Super super need to be careful with our stuff.
@@sitthipon555 for north to south 8 week is indeed not enough , at least 12 week , Vietnam is not gear to tourist like Thai , so you need to spend more time in a place to truly feel it need to mingle with local , even for food in many places you need to spend time looking where to eat ( don't just eat at first store you see , eat where the local eat , empty restaurant = shit , try to find restaurant where there many local come to eat , stop at rest place where many truck driver stop at ( they know the best place to stop for rest and eat )
Hi Paddy, 🙏🙏Everything you said is correct. Even if it's not very pleasing to some people. But I really can feel it when there. I live in Spain ever lived in both countries, the first country is Vietnam for 8 years and now I have been in Thailand for 12 years. I like Thailand more because there are more convenience than Vietnam especially the public transport system and infrastructure systems in this country. 😥😥 Thailand is far superior to Vietnam, almost the whole country is very well developed. The roads are all good no matter where you travel in the wilderness. It's not lonely or dangerous. Thai people are more friendly and kind than Vietnamese people and the food when I go to Thailand, I don't have to worry about anything. Whether in the capital, the provinces or the remote countryside. In this country, there are street stalls all over the place to visit and clean up. As well as there are convenience stores all over the city, not just 7-Eleven only. Small shops address by provinces it's standard and inexpensive. 😅😅🐂🐂 Thai people do not exploit foreigners when sell at normal price. But in Vietnam it's not like this. Vietnamese people see foreigners looking to exploit or take advantage which is very different from Thailand. As for the theft, it must be admitted that in Vietnam there are a lot of thieves, snatching. While you're driving a motorcycle and you're on the phone you may suddenly be snatched away by someone which is very dangerous. But in Thailand there has been no such thing since I lived for 12 years. And in northern Vietnam, dog meat is popular. I avoid one dog when I go anywhere. 🐃🐃 I have to take my dog with me at all times. If not, I have to be careful not to let it slip out of my house. Otherwise it might be this person's favorite dish. I'm so scared. Love from Spain. 🌺🌺
Thailand is not far superior than Vietnam. LOL Even with all the wars and embargo for decades that Thailand never went through, Vietnam is almost catching up to THailand and in the next 5-7 years is expecting to pass up on Thailand. Thailand has decades to develope whereas Vietnam just recenly opened up 30 years after the war and the American embargo in 1994. I have to laugh that Thailand is far superior. You lived in Vietnam for 8 years then 12 years in Vietnam so that means you live in Vietnam back in 1994 till 2002. Did you not know that Vietnam is much quicker in development than Thailand and had drastically changed and modernized in those 20 years. Even if someone comes back to Vietnam after 2-3 years, they can clearly see the country has changed quickly. Your comments are so outdated Thanks for the good laugh that Thailand is far superior which is is clearly NOT 😂😂😂
@@antantankhrab3242 Your opinion and not for everyone. I've been to thailand too. I like thailand and Vietnam is just as good. I hated Bangkok and was scammed 3x times there. I do like Phuket. The no thieves part is laughable,,, .. and 7 eleven everywhere makes thailand better? Such a moronic response. You don't think Vietnam has the similar convienence stores? they're everywhere in the cities and small cities too, just not in the small towns.
@Elmira Favela: Take off your mask. You're not Spanish. Who are you? Correct: not everything Paddy said is correct and he admitted it. You need to watch Backpaeger's vlogs on his recently visit to Vietnam. He is a Thai and he had a real touch with Vietnamese people and Vietnamese culture wherever he went. Have a balanced view on Vietnam. You see lot of prostitutes in Pattaya but you can't say Thai women are prostitues, can you? Better not to generalise things.
Like you, I didn't find many 7/11. However there were circle K convenience stores around almost every block (Hanoi. Danang, Saigon). These are franchises of a Canadian multinational and they are full service, including cold beers, and soft drinks in a fridge, usually near the cashier.
'Dont Try To See Its All' is the best advice for any traveler! We found that out eventually, the less places you "see" the deeper the experience you have in the places you visit Plus youre better rested and less stressed so can actually appreciate that places you visit rather than hating the whole thing due to stress & Sleep deprivation lol
I spent 2 months on a motorbike tour of Italy last year and got caught up in this. I've travelled pretty extensively, and went into that trip expecting to find a place to chill for a while. The first half of the trip was a little rushed due to unexpected social obligations. The second half, I found myself rushing again even though I was now solo. Everywhere I went, people would tell me their favorite places that I had to go while I had a motorbike. Plus, I was paying 50EUR per day for it, so I felt an urge to use it even on the days I slept in the same hotel. It can be hard to have the "do more in fewer places" mindset when you meet people every day telling you about the amazing things just that much farther.
That is great advice and so true. I spent a month in Hanoi, a month in Da Nang and a month is Saigon. It was much less stressful and gave me a chance to meet more people and immerse myself more in the local culture. They were also great home bases to visit other places such as Sapa, Hoi Ann etc
Thank you so much Paddy, I am really enjoying all of your videos, You are doing am amazing job providing us all your experience. I'm actually heading to Vietnam in Feb 2024 and would be really nice to catch up with you in person. Really appreciate your effort. Thanks Mate
Paddy, to your point about spending a little more money to enjoy these once in a lifetime adventures, consider this. I visited London this summer and stayed in a American chain hotel in Kensington that costs $300 USD a night and it was rubbish ! How I wished I was instead spending $300 USD on a once in a lifetime adventure in Vietnam.
Excellent video. I am planning a trip to Vietnam at the end of April. I really am interested in the north and want to explore some remote areas, river ways, local villages, etc. Any recommendations not already mentioned in your video would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Awesome 😎.. Thank You so much for doing this Vlog this will certainly help us and everyone travelling through Vietnam 🇻🇳. Saigon is great 👍 and certainly agree with you it’s safe and a big city . Hanoi is certainly very different. Looking forward to your next travels
Convenience stores really are widespread and chilled drinks available, it's true they serve warm beer in most restaurants etc but circle K are absolutely everywhere
@@PaddyDoyle. : Dip sock with water, wrap and cover bottle, hang in font basket. Wind will make bottle cooler Or you buy a box-ice. Your problem is solved
@@PaddyDoyle. yes I have the same frustrations but it's obviously harder to find in rural areas as a biker but most cities of any size have abundant mini market places, I know exactly what you went through with your frustrations in Vietnam, need a bitt.more time to get to know this enormous country, he I just arrived back in Saigon, thanks for your reply and I really like your videos and watched every one, Vietnam is like a stiff pair of new shoes, blisters but eventually comfort, bravo Paddy
@@PaddyDoyle. but Paddy, does anyone expect to find cold beer on the highways you mentioned and is it a really a good idea drinking them while driving on them, yes they drink vile warm beer with ice (yukk) but it's not lacking in almost any city in Vietnam and improving all the time, come back December for a different experience and enjoy a cold one, Thailand is of course 30 years ahead of developing Vietnam, bottoms up!
He chose the Ho Chi Minh trail and the Ha Giang route, mostly in remote areas, so the lack of cold beer and restaurants is natural. The judgment lacks logic. If he chooses National Highway 1, go through the center of provinces, cities, towns, .. that is full of restaurants.
@@ScottandtheKid if that’s true, it’s a stupid comparison. You won’t compare an apple to an orange. If he expects every country he visits has to be better than Thailand, then he should research harder to choose which one to visit or just stay in Thailand
To ask for a cold beer in Vietnam, you can use the phrase: **"Cho tôi một chai bia lạnh."** This translates to "Give me a cold beer." However, it's important to note that in many places in Vietnam, beer is often served with ice, even if it's already cold. This practice is common due to the warm climate and the limited refrigeration options in some establishments. Therefore, you might also hear locals simply asking for beer with ice, which is a cultural norm. If you want to specify that you want ice with your beer, you can say: **"Cho tôi một chai bia với đá."** This means "Give me a beer with ice." In social settings, remember to participate in the communal drinking culture by toasting with **"Một, hai, ba, vô!"** (One, two, three, cheers!) when you drink with others.
Thanks for the tips Paddy and your great series on Vietnam (and Thailand). We are off to Vietnam next week for a 3 week holiday. Will be starting in the south and then heading North. Your advice will be invaluable, cheers.
I know maybe you feel like this series didn't end the way you wanted it to, but this series was SO informative of how to plan my next trip to Vietnam. I am positive I would have made the same mistakes you made, and your suggestions are all valuable and will most definitely help a lot of us plan our trips. The end of this series reminded me of a Bourdain episode in Italy where he had a tour guide pretending to catch octopus and fish that had been tossed in the water for him. That's an iconic Bourdain moment. There are SO MANY plastic smiles in the travel youtube space. SO many people who show up for a weekend to film and pretend travel is all brunch with Mimosas and colorful fruit and turquoise beaches. I'm greatful that you share the spectrum of travel experiences, and you're able to do it in a way that's not defamitory to anyone.
The motorbike parking info is very new to me. As someone from southeast asian that plans to travel to vietnam, I thought everything will just be the same😂 thank you so much!
Tip for crossing street in Vietnam: Many tourist foreigners scared of traffic in VN . Don’t worry about it! The rule to win this fear is keep routin slowly walking when you across the streams of motobike! motor-bykers knows how to avoid you themself in chaos-order! remmember do not runs and stop suddently , accident immidiatly ! Don’t be affraid of and do it if you want to be safety in the crazy- traffic in Vietnam.
I think two months for a whole of vietnam is too short. Can feel that you are rushing thru and feeling stress due to the short visa. Do hope you can revisit vietnam again, maybe from Phuc Quoc then south to north. Maybe this time you can spend more time in each city/town as you would know that they are (like the thais says) same same but different different.
I'm not surprised , Paddy did the same rushing in Thailand as well. he skipped lot of attractions in provinces he visited just focus on number of provinces to be covered (time out in samui excluded).
Thanks for watching ✌
Vietnam was an amazing adventure full of ups and downs but overall even with making mistakes I still had a blast!
I also learnt from the previous video about another mistake I made, if you want to experience the lush green delta systems then don't go to Can Tho like I did, instead go to Ben Tre which is nearer to Saigon.
I apologies if people got upset by that video, it was my mistake and I will come back to Southern Vietnam one day to make up for that mistake and do that area justice!
LOTS OF LOVE and THANK YOU for 100K ❤
Though most VNmese might hate it when I'm saying this but Can Tho is the southern capital of...s*x, "royal massaging with...", "barbering with...", "garden chill with...", "karaoke with...", "eating out with...(after)" etc. Pretty much all activities degraded into that stuff & meh at almost everything else, "the industry" is even bigger than that of Saigon. Sad reality though since the place used to be good with food & floating market & lush green gardens.
Can't wait to watch ⌚🙏🙏
You can see best foods in many provinces, cities in South of Vietnam, especially in Mekong Delta, but you are too rush to discover it.
In the north, you only can see good food in some big cities in Hanoi, Hai Phong...
Also, food in many cities in central are very tasty, but you only visit Hoi An, Da nang , what a miss too.
In general, you spent too less and rush time to discover Central & Sout Vietnam.
Come visit the North of Vietnam in the coming autumn, winter or spring. It will probably be very different from your past experiences. Especially, if given the opportunity, I hope you spend more time in the South and the Mekong Delta region. Wishing you good health, success and good fortune. Vietnam always welcomes you!
@@SunlightMaggot101 As a local, I have to agree, but prosperity comes with sin and vice! Hope one day, the government legalise those stuffs! They could earn so a great heap of underground taxes 😆
I've had some great Vietnamese food and French too. On one occassion I was in Da Nang and I walked into what I thought was a restaurant as it was just off the high street. There was some tables set up facing a TV and people eating. I gestured the sign to eat and they welcomed me in. They bought me food without a menu and asked to take some photos which I thought was odd. When I went to pay they declined. I then realised I'd just eaten dinner with a random Vietnamese family.
You cracked me up. So funny but really impressed.
😂❤🙏…that is a wonderful story. What an awesome family u encountered ❤
I’m astonished you found it hard to find good food. From north to south, I never failed to find really good food, even in the smallest of street stalls.
He also doesn't eat the food properly! I think when he was in Hoi An, he ate cao lau or something and didn't even mix it up as the sauce often falls the bottom of the bowl. You also have to mix it up so you can get the perfect bite with the herbs, meat, noodles, etc. But I hear he's a fussy eater, too.
It might be good for you but it definitely not that delicious compare to other countries he visited
@@redbloody946 hey, I’ve been to Thailand and couldn’t eat your spicy foods, then I hastily conclude Thailand is not a foodie paradise. What do you think?
@@Windtalkerzz There are tons of Thai food which is not spicy and you have to choose from, that's why Thai food always among the best cuisine in the world in every rankings even number 1 of the world like Massaman curry or Kao soi. What make you think that all of Thai food is spicy?
I was there for 6 weeks and the food was some of the best I've ever had. Different tastes I suppose.
Not a foodie destination?I cannot disagree more with this, vietnam is litrally famous for it's food. I've had some of the best food from some street vendors out of the city whilst going up with a motorbike across the country. Does it take 5 min of research and asking a few people?Yes but is it difficult to find? NO! The country is litreally famous for having food everywhere, street food, moving street vendors, markets
Came here to say the same thing. Paddy, fair play you create great content but perhaps sometimes not speaking the language or travelling with a local will by default exclude you from some of the best experiences…particularly with something as ‘local knowledge’ as food.
@@DanielBishop-ku5hgTrue. But he speaks solely English so there’s no chance he could get closer to locals.
@@DanielBishop-ku5hghere’s the thing, he wanted to feel the culture but he doesn’t like to queue…
If he says it’s not a foodie destination then I’m not even watching this video! That’s basically the whole reason I go there!
@@guoxiutang7569 not exactly true, Vietnamese (particularly younger people) often have basic English… at least enough to get you to a good restaurant and particularly if google translate is involved.
I had a completely opposite experience with the bike. I left keys on my bike for the whole day in DaNang and it was there in the evening. So don't generalize the theft. It depends on the situation.
This bloke would complain if he won the lottery
If it's Thailand You don't need to provide any information on your trip, you just have the money, pack your bags and live slowly in Thailand. Freeze cold beer 7-Eleven on every street corner and street food is available twenty-four hours a day. From the southernmost to the northernmost You will feel amazing with the local food that is ready to serve. You will be amazed by the temples and huge local shopping malls. As long as you have money to pay Thai people welcome
Thank you Thank you Thank you!
i am vietnamese..and i agree with you that vietnam tourism is not as good as thailand...and vietnam tourism still has many problems to improve...but we always welcome you to visit the land My country
Bro I American friend always go broke before the month end and he would always go for noodles shop asking for free noodle and the thai auntie always took care of him with a hot free noodle ! In Thailand we have a saying that you may not born in Thailand but if your heart is thai than you’re a thai
Unfortunately- his experience in Vietnam is the exact opposite of mine and MOST people.
Food is very fresh and everywhere. Chicken, fish,pork , vegetables and seafood. He does not know how to find the right places to eat.
Cold beer is everywhere,
How he can’t find a cold beer is his own fault.I drank cold beer everyday for 4 months while on the road. NO ONE SERVED ME A WARM BEER.
Looks to me that he bit off more then he could chew.
And got out of his comfort zone - which is good- learn from his mistakes
@@DaveEPie bình luận này nên nằm ở ngoài,rất chính xác nhé,việt nam là quốc gia tiêu thụ bia hàng đầu thế giới,bia lạnh có ở mọi nơi,trong các tiệm tạp hóa nhỏ ven đường.nhưng đã lái xe không nên uống bia.thank
Vietnamese people are the kindest and most hospitable! My family is exactly like this!
Nice video with some useful info, but there are a few things I’d like to add as an experienced traveler in Vietnam. Ice, fresh chili peppers, and cold beer can be attained easily in pretty much any part of Vietnam; you just need to know how to ask for these items. A few words in Vietnamese goes a long way! Also, as far as crime goes, yes, you need to be careful about theft and pickpockets, but Vietnam is generally far safer than Thailand and some other Southeast Asian countries. Finally, I disagree completely about the lack of tasty food. Like the things I mentioned above, you just need to be brave and ask locals for their recommendations. Cheers!
Yea he is so wrong or just has bad taste
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I loved the food everywhere in Vietnam. Im guessing everyone has different palates of food
Dear Paddy, binging your own chili sauce in VN, like tabasco? Are you serious? You get fresh chili peppers everywhere there.
As a Vietnam born American, I'm going back in a few months. Currently researching about all the things, I have gone with family a few times, but my interest has never been high due to the fact that it was a forced trip. But this time I'll be exploring the lands with genuine interest.
Thanks for the tips Paddy!
In my opinions :
1. Starting from the North : That's right. Begining from South to North. South of VN is more active When your body is full energy. After long trip roads, your energy is gone, and the view of north will bring peaceful in your soul and the food heal your tired body.
2 - Traveling During School Holidays : I alway agree. School holidays is local - tourist season. And many tourist places will fill full people, and to crowded too annoy - it's not good feeling.
3 - Silly Basic Expectations : You're adventurer, you're explorer. Everything is challenge. Open-minded with everything happened around event disasters
4. Worrying Too Much - Don't worry, SMILE, all people will help no-doubt. The keyword is asking to learn some basic vietnamese language.
5 - Sad Truths About Vietnamese Food : In my opinion, the first of your good experience food is thailand food - strong flavor with sour and spicy. There 's so huge defferent between thailand and vietnam food. Vietnam food is balence with 5 main favors sweet - salty - spicy - sour - bitter and frugal. So, with you, certainly, Vietnam food is less favor than thai food. With Europan and American , that's perfect with whole new level, especial with french and italian. Banh mi and ice milk coffee're the same in vietnam.
Other hand, you chose weird wild country roads. All most VN people live near rivers, beaches, citys and country sides're field farms with famer family in small village. On AH1 road (nation road), hotels, motels, shop foods, restaurants, gas station,.. 're everywhere. So, preparing food like you're on picnic when you're adventurer, not tourist.
6 - Not packing chili sauce : Peper, chilly slide, chilly sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce 're always on the table. If you don't see them, just asking. Don't shy. VN have 4 kind of chilly, depend on size and color. Short and red is spicy. Long and red is less spicy. Short and green is less spicy and good smell, usually serve with Mi Quang or Quang Nam / Quang Ngai Food. Short and light white / light lime is too spicy and good smell , it calls "Ot Cao San" and perfect for you.
7 - 08:17 - 10:38 - Stolen Goods - Yeah !! This is The worst thing. So, keep an eye on yours or spend money to rent keeper or hold-box.
8 - Trying to see it ALL : A month for each provine is enough to explore culture, cuisine, history and special local views - not exist on youtube or internet
We often compare places when we travel and that was the mistake I made. I learn to accept what that culture and land is offering and take it as it is. Be part of them without expectations and comparison. "Live in the moments " as you said. You are doing great mate. 👍
Human nature I guess and we do it too always trying not to compare but not always successful 🙂
@@AuntyJack123Indeed it is hard to practice mindfulness. It's the journey that is quite different and hard to conquest from others that I have traveled, my own mind😄 🙏
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He's comparing to provide a context, so that people who have been to other places can understand better what he's talking about. I definitely agree with him it's easy to find delicious Thai in the outskirts.
I can’t say I’ve had any issue with beer! So far I have been in the north and I could get cold beer everywhere!
ขอบคุณ VDO ที่ดี และคำแนะนำที่ดีในการไปเที่ยวแต่ละประเทศ คุณทำดีแล้วขอให้ทำต่อไป อย่าไปสนใจคำพูดแย่ๆที่แปลเจตนาคุณผิดๆพวกนั้น
Just to add some additional information:
- Warm beer: The culture here is to drink with ice (same for a soft drink). Some people don't like it that way as the taste may be different but it is freaking cold with ice at all times.
- The bad experience with Mekong delta: Paddy got the wrong tour obviously. It was the tour on the river market which is crowded and noisy at peak hours.
- The food: the number of restaurants in Vietnam is huge wherever you go and even for a local looking for a good dish, I have to search in the area. I would not jump into a random restaurant on the go.
Being well-prepared will make your experience better for any trip. Peace!
Warm beer culture😂
So agree with your assessment. He does not know the culture, language, & commits a culture faux pas. Vietnamese food has spices as well. I don't know what he is talking about. I went to Rome & had shatty Italian food since I did not do the research & was at a tourist trap area! Does that mean all Italian food is bad!
Is the ice safe to drink with the beer? Like is the ice from tap water and possibly get you sick?
@grokker99 honestly, it is not guaranteed. People here are more likely ok with ice. Instead, they care more about food hygiene.
@@quangdu12061988 So, should I avoid asking for ice at local restaurants and just stick to bottled water? Ill be in Saigon in two weeks for first time so curious. Thanks!
Come visit the North of Vietnam in the coming autumn, winter or spring. It will probably be very different from your past experiences. Especially, if given the opportunity, I hope you spend more time in the South and the Mekong Delta region. Wishing you good health, success and good fortune. Vietnam always welcomes you!
I agree with you about the theives in Vietnam, it's a lot, you can not leave your things in cafe or any public places. When I've been to Vietnam, I've forgot my I-phone too. After I've left cafe a few minutes then it's gone. In Thailand, you can get cold beer everywhere even in a small island or on the mountain. Thai people also drink beer with ice but the seller always put them in the fridge or in the ice container.
Pretty sure your iPhone would be gone in Paris, Italy, the US, too. And I highly doubt most Thais will not steal it. Japan is probably the only really safe place for your iPhone.
@@doodahgurlie Most Thais won't steal it.
@@doodahgurlie "Doubt" isn't a guarantee way to put it, It because you're never been to Thailand before
@@redbloody946 I lived in Thailand as for about a year as a kid.
@@doodahgurlie did something got steal when you was there in thailand?
I'm Vietnamese, I'm also using google translate to comment on your problem, hope everyone understands ohooo:
Firstly, I agree with you on most of your experiences.
But I will add more for you.
Firstly, the way to drink beer in Vietnam is different: hot beer, cold beer and beer with ice. Anywhere, as long as you say the right requirements.
Next, if you go to big tourist areas like Ha Long, Da Nang, Mekong Delta. Be ready to spend money for the package services, reputation of the travel agency, it will not let you down, avoid scams like Mekong Delta. And all can be planned from internet information.
Then, Central Vietnam is very long, there are many interesting things, unfortunately you do not know & spend too little time to explore.
Importantly, prepare yourself a 4g sim card of Viettel for only 5usd, you can look up the Internet wherever you go.
Finally, Thank you for taking your precious time to explore our country.
Paddy, your tips are gold! I love how you turned 'mistakes' into must-know advice. Starting in Saigon and working north sounds like a game-changer for anyone new to Vietnam. Thanks for these!
Thanks Paddy. No doubt you will get some flak but I for one, am grateful. Was once tossing up between Thailand and Vietnam. Totally love a lot about Vietnam and 2 of my children have Vietnamese heritage, ( Viet born Aussie mum) but I think Vietnam is a good holiday destination for me. Thailand is likely to be home base.
I’m Vietnamese living in the US and watching your videos for traveling tips in Vietnam. Brilliant video!!! I learned something I didn’t know :)
Hi Paddy, thank you very much for your trip in Vietnam. It's so great. However, after watching this video, and hearing your lessons, I think I have to say something. The biggest mistake you had was: not preparing your plan more carefully with more concerns, you need to hear more from other Vietnamese and foreign friends (especially the ones who lived in Vietnam for a long time, such as Max McFarlin,...) about the situation in Vietnam for better handling. Firstly, about the drink, Vietnamese usually drink beer in a cup full of ice cubes though several ones may love to drink cold beer from the freezer, which makes you feel hard to get a cold beer (but you can meet some vendors selling cold beer in ice-box along the road or on the boat as Flora vlogger met in NinhBinh). Secondly, you choose the route of Ho Chi Minh road through the remote regions (also called the 1B highway/national way) that runs in parallel with 1A Highway/national way - running beside the coasts for the scenery of mountains while you didn't concern that most of Vietnam's population live in big cities or towns along the coast and near waterfront/river mouth. Very few people live along your route which means fewer towns, and fewer food-shop or cafeterias. Hence, you've got harder to get food along your trip (from NinhBinh to Hue, from HoiAn to DaLat). If you chose the coast-line way, you can meet many food shops along your trip, with the diverse food styles (a special thing in Vietnam, meaning you have many versions of PHỞ, or BÚN BÒ, or BÚN CHẢ CÁ,...at each location). That's your fault to said Vietnam is not a foodie country. For vegetarian food, all of you may get it from shops with the word CHAY in their brand name like Phở CHAY, Bún CHAY (especially, on the dates of 1st, 14th, 15th, and 30th of the lunar month, vegetarian food is the more common in the central region and south region of Vietnam). For stealing action, I am so sorry for the uneducated people who did those ashamed things. But, I think you can encounter it anywhere like the Philippines, India, Africa, even in Paris, Brussels... (full of illegal immigrants) and maybe in Thailand - if he/she is a drug addict who has no money. It's about your strict concern and your luckiness. For the spicy food issue, the central region of Vietnam is well-known for red pepper use which you discarded when didn't go along the coastline while the northern region is focusing on fatty savory taste and the south region tends to like the sweeter taste of their food. However, any food shop usually leaves a small basket of fresh red pepper or red pepper jam ready on table for your taste adjustment by yourself (If it's not on the table (cause the shop owner forgot to re-fulfill), you can ask the waiter/shop owner for it because red pepper, lime, and herb green is free in food shops, no need to pay in Vietnam). All issues I talked about would bring the feeling that you didn't prepare basic knowledge/information enough for the Vietnam trip. You had just focused on sightseeing only. I think you should learn more or even re-do the trip before you said something to avoid saying the untruth about Vietnam.
I agree with you. From his video at Dalat I see he's not preparing his trip carefully, he chased the goal of completing the trip from north to south within 30 days. From the last 2 or 3 videos, he just tried to complete the series. This is not traveling, this is just trying to get more videos from TH-cam.
Totally agree.
Well said. I think he just tried to find reasons for a quick exit!
I hope Paddy and his audience can read your comments. I'm not trying to find any consensus here, but his comments are far-reaching. So while I loved his recent ride, but I feel right that you talked about the flaws in this video.
Agree 100 % with your comment Cao Van
Most of this vlog is how VN is not like Thailand, lol. I wonder if I left my GoPro out or left my bike with the keys in the ignition in Ireland, would it get nicked?
I've been to Vietnam once and I'll ever never set foot there again due to some bad reasons.
Same here bro, thailand is sooo much better
You wanna tell us the reasons or just call it bad with no supporting notes?
Just back from 18 days in Laos. Next 20 days in Vietnam going from south to north and back, we start from Thailand. group bike tour. Thanks for your video, very useful. A ban mee croissant looks very tasty, really enjoyed the breakfast croissants in Laos. Well done for doing it on your own. Strange about no cold drinks, not same as Laos.
It is not a mistake not to be able to get cold beer or to get uninteresting food in a country except the doubtful mistake of choosing that country. Besides cold beer can be found in several restaurants and shops medium and even small sized towns in remote areas (nov. 2022). Food quality varies a lot in both Vietnam and Thailand. For saltiness and spicyness in most SE-Asian countries you often have to stand out with bowls of chillie sauce and soy sauce.
That expectations are not met when you go to a country do not have to be mistakes.
I was thinking to go to Vietnam next year and found your video to be super useful! Thank you so much for sharing and the cave just look incredible! Can't wait to see your other videos
Hugely helpful review mate! After having watched every one of the Vietnam North to South episodes I was right there with you as you rattled off the list of what you would do differently. I still perked up when you talked about your side "accidental" stay at the lake side guest house with that wonderful family. And can not forget "Sit Down!" LOL. Be well and travel safely Paddy! See you soon.
Hahaha thanks 😊
Come on.. this is not an honest review sad to say … I mean not totally anyway!! My opinion though
Ha, I'm literally watching this at the airport as I'm waiting for my flight to Vietnam. Thanks!
Bring your own bottle of hot sauce in Vietnam??? I find this particular suggestion rather strange. Everywhere I've been to in Vietnam, wherever I eat, there's always some sort of hot chili condiments on the table for you to add to the food.
I am am an American living in Vietnam about 30 years where I happily remain. Your series was overall really good. Interestingly I had a sense in the beginning that you would be disappointed as you went south since the really dramatic and majestic stuff is in the extreme north. That said ... you missed out skipping the extreme south as things really get much better as you go to the extreme south having to pass canals and villages on the water that are really interesting ... much more so than what you experienced in Can Tho. One little gripe with your program was the segment where you labeled "stuck in the middle of nowhere" or something like that. You pressed the starter button without success than immediately freed yourself by way of the kick starter. That to me is not stuck in the middle of nowhere and I just can't figure why you would have said that. Anyway... overall good series. Ps... people really need to be careful renting motorbikes and be sure that they have proper license to drive. Do not listen to what the bike renter says but what the official information is. No one will ask you questions if no accident but if accident is caused then be prepared for a rough time be it injury to one's self or having to take care of someone who was injured by the driver. And those not familiar with riding at all really should consider carefully about riding in Vietnam at all as it is not the easiest place to start off.
Good sense
Totally agree
What made you live there?
He did it all just fine but through 77 provinces of Thailand. Yes each and every provinces of 77.
People say that they have gone to Vietnam Don't want to go back again because Vietnamese people do not teach manners no queuing even table manners and respect for others Theft is common in Vietnam.
No planning . Spent too much time in the north and rushed the rest of the country. Just like you did in Thailand.
Good evaluation!
Even then it was still a better experience, I don't see what point you're gonna make other than discrediting other countries
In Thailand he can get fresh food and cold beer everywhere he goes.
To the food thing, yeah. I noticed this as well. Not easy to find what you're looking for. Easiest was Hoi An and other beach / tourist areas.
Yeah sadly when it comes to road tripping Veitnam doesn't have much good food. That was the most difficult part for me 😜
That is a big surprise for me too!
As a Vietnamese, I have no problem if Paddy said he prefers Thai food or made any comparison between the two countries. Different people prefer different things and that's totally OK. However, calling Vietnam not a foodie country does not sit well with Vietnamese since unfortunately, he has experienced very little of it at this point. He traveled the Ho Chi Minh road for safety and mountain views so food choice is limited unless you are accompanied by knowledgeable locals. He also skipped the entire southern region which is a big food bowl of the country. No hard feelings though. I think he did exceptionally well in the North and got some of the best-looking and most interesting footage I've seen for that region. Limited time and deteriorating health got the better of him in the end hence the underwhelming experience. Traveling alone by motorbike in Vietnam can be brutal and hat off to him for carrying that far while filming, editing, and managing the channel.
@@TienNguyen-dg4fe I agree with everything you've said, I think it's a perspective thing, as a traveller who doesn't speak the language, it's definitely, objectively more challenging to find street food in Vietnam than Thailand, but that can be said about every other country as well, Thailand is the street food capital of the world.
I don't think it's really apt to compare the two countries that way. Vietnam is a good powerhouse, it's a foodie paradise, the difference is the access to that food is far more difficult.
I've personally had amazing food in Vietnam, but it was on food tours, I more often than not wasn't able to find what I was looking for, and that's not a knock on the country, it's just the way it is.
@@atticablack There's no doubt that Thailand is years ahead of Vietnam in terms of tourism. Westerners have visited and explored Thailand thoroughly and the country served them really well. On the other hand, Vietnam still has many hidden things to explore, which also means it can be a little bit tricky sometimes. Hey, but if you dig deep and discover something great, wouldn't it be nice? I guess each country is different and that's part of the fun of traveling. When travelers like Paddy cruise along the Ho Chi Minh road on the motorbike it is easy to forget that just over 50 years ago that area was one of the most heavily bombed transport routes in the whole country. For that, I chuckled a little when he complained about not having cold beers, good food, and all the comfort. In short, I wouldn't rate his opinion about Vietnamese food scene since it's too early for him to make that conclusion. All is good!
Totally agree with #1. I started from the North as well and when I slowly made my way down South, even the Hai Van Pass didn't feel special.
We have the fantastic 4 mountain passes in the north. The Hải Vân Pass is lame as hell tbh 😂😂 i’ve done Ô Quy Hồ Pass Sapa, Mã Pí Lèng Pass Hà Giang, Khau Phạ pass Mu Cang Chai valley and Pha Bin pass in Dien Bien Phu already. I felt nothing when i did the Hải Vân pass. It’s just a normal pass to me except for the beach coast
Thank you so much for lots of love for our country.🇹🇭🙏🙏Come and visit Thailand again! Please let us be your second home. 🙏
👍 totally agree brother !
Definitely you were right about rushing through ....bypass everything else, Hanoi alone sounds very off key, like the experiences only took place in the Vietnamese old quarter , if you have given Hanoi maybe 4 days, you could've seen the quiet tree line boulevards French quarter and see its French building , villas,, along with the modern metropolis surrounding the city ....if you don't have to search, just take the double deck tour bus and you can see most of the French quarter, and take the new metro line it will take you through the modern city of Hanoi. And had you given each city a little more time, you will see 24hrs convenient stores are everywhere under so many names not just 24/11 ....
Wow, 8 weeks in Vietnam?! That sounds amazing! I'm definitely checking out your top 9 mistakes so I can avoid them on my trip. Thanks for sharing!
You just made me more comfortable in eating in Vietnam.. I hate Spicy foods.. :D good to hear, that is is not overkill in spicyness in Vietnam :D ...
We actually really enjoyed visiting during tet in hanoi. The flowers were beautiful a lot of things were closed but they were still things open. It was fun being in the markets with the people shopping for the holidays
Lived in Vietnam for 6 months and from the very start I did think you maybe hadn't done enough research - from the 'sit down' misunderstanding onwards I thought oh oh. The warm beer though, like you've been to Cambodia before - like outside of Thailand, south East Asians all drink their beer with ice in, that's why they don't refrigerate their beer. Even in Singapore, you order a beer and you're often given a glass with ice with it! And disagree with Saigon being easier than Hanoi - Saigon is like the bag snatching capital of South East Asia! If you buy a bag, like a shoulder bag, at a market in Saigon, they know that strap will snap and that bag goes the first time you cross the road wearing it!
Thai people also drink beer with ice as well but they still chill all the beers before serving them to customers even in rural area.
@@Sherryn_neahh ok, maybe that's the difference. I don't drink beer at all. My husband is Cambodian and we've only ever been in tourist areas when in Thailand, but he's always had his beer served cold and needed to ask for a glass of ice with it.
@@karenfaywalker yes, if you drink beer with ice like Thai beers, the flavor of the beer and the cold of the ice would blend together and made the perfect flavor of Thai beer. But your beer have to be already cold otherwise it just like you drink beer with water because the ice melt too quickly. All of my foreigner friends always laugh when they first saw people drink beer with ice because they just guessed those ice would ruin all the beer flavor, now all of them felt a little angry when they ordered Thai beers but didn't get ice. Lol
If you don’t drink beers in Thailand you can have so many drinks options hun, and it’s cold and fresh
'Saigon is like the bag snatching capital of South East Asia!', sad but truth, Saigon and its people are not the same as before since 1975.
Paddy! I really enjoyed your entire Vietnam Series! I am currently doing two months on a motorbike in Vietnam and your experience has been very helpful. Thanks for the effort that you put into all of your videos.
You do da best travel videos IMO. Useful meets beautiful. And you're honest on your opinions! Thank you 🥰👍🏼🤩
Thanks!
As someone who has lived in VN for over 5 years, the food is the mountainous regions can be hit and miss. It certainly takes a bit of time patience and knowledge to know where to look. However in the main centre's the food is excellent and everywhere... a foodies dream. I hope you come back to experience it again and for longer, happy to show you around.
Agree
His remark about food was the saddest thing - food is a huge part of why and where I travel.
Any tips for finding excellent food in Vietnam?
@@mayorofnow Don't know why but your comments caught my attention in this thread loaded with hundreds of feedback. All I want is to provide another perspective on the matter. Hopefully, you do not find it annoying by any means. So please feel free to reach out if you need tips and advice on planning your trip to Vietnam. Cheers!
@@mayorofnow In the major cities food is on every street, it's usually the small street stalls which serve the best and tastiest food. I see too often travelers and foreigners only looking for restaurants that look like they'd expect in the western world. street, it's usually the small street stalls which serve the best and tastiest food. I see too often travelers and foreigners only looking for restaurants that look like they'd expect in the western world and with an English menu. Usually the best spots sell just 1 or 2 dishes and do not have a menu.
@@jamescole4183 sounds a lot like Thailand.
Locals largely can't afford sit down restaurants, so the good local food is from carts on the street.
Travelling to a new country means going out of comfort zone and accepting cultural differences. You can’t expect a new country to be similar to your home, your favourite Thailand country. Each country is unique and has its character. If your adaptability is low, unwilling to welcome and learn new things and cultural differences, you shouldn’t travel, just at home.
I really enjoyed this video. You make amazing videos, Paddy. Please keep up the good work I spent two months in Southeast Asia January, February 2023 and I found Vietnamese food to be amazing. However, I was not back in the inner part of the country. Most of my time is spent in Saigon, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hanoi, Hoi An , and Hue. I also spent a lot of time in Thailand, which I enjoyed thoroughly. I’m planning to return for 90 days beginning of January 24. I’ll be watching out for more of your excellent videos. You provide really good advice. Thanks for all you do.
Great video Paddy. Reminded me of a lot of the same things from my own ride across Vietnam. Have to absolutely agree on the last part though, don't try to see it all/ride it all.....you'll just end up skating across the surface and have no depth to any of it!
I know. You'll be happy to watch the sunset with a cold beer.
Imagine that if Paddy travels and explores beautiful nature and still finds delicious food off the tourist trail. and having cold beer everywhere when he needs it. how wonderful it will be.
Gotta love you for saying it like it is Paddy! Your tips, opinions & honesty is what we love about you! Love your Vietnam series and my husband and I will take advantage of your recommendations whenever we get there sometime in the future! Thanks for sharing this video 😊
Right on Marietta
Ive been in and out mostly in Vietnam for over a year and have found most the items on any menu I see in a restaurant are mainly spicey hot, I dont do spicey hot, but have accidently ordered a hot meal or two, and they were quite spicey. and the food, with or with out the hotness is almost always delish.
This is a good video and everything is true. Thx Paddy 👍
I just returned from a Vietnam trip and I was beyond pleasantly surprised.
The people of Vietnam
Kind helpful courteous
The food perfectly pan Asian
The restaurants in cities amazingly good and well priced.
The hotels all over comfortable and warm with great bf. ( please note I decided four star) like he said
Why not splurge
Vietnam is beautiful and has so much to offer
Luckily it’s just a four hour flight away.
Thanks for the tips on the north
Great video 👌👌👍👍👍
I think the mistakes and "realness" are part of your videos charm and makes them more helpful. Hindsight is great for learning and not everyone has the brains to use it. Good on you and enjoy your time with family.
So true. After watching so many channels’ “OMG THIS PLACE IS SO GOOOOD”, “MY LORD THAT FOOD LOOKS SO YUMMY!” just to gain likes and views, I feel empty and unsubscribe.
@@jomontanee Exactly I turn those off after a minute or less anymore lol!
#1 - Good, I am suprise ppl start North to South..
It’s going from quiet calm to crazy…
I go crazy first since you just got there and party it up..then have your body heal heading to the north..which is more calm and less crowded..
I totally agree with the idea to see less and enjoy more Paddy. You can always come back another time especially if this place grabs you. This is my third time back '11,'16'22 ... each time is different and you experience new things. Let's face it .. besides the flights (if you don't luck well) ... the place is very affordable for anyone wanting to do it on a shoe string or if you like a slice of some luxury, it's all here to be had affordably had to one's given budget. Even if you feel like you want it all now .... i been here in my 20's, 30's & 40's .... still has had that great charm all over. Very nice wrap up you did here ... Thanks for keeping us all entertained Paddy. Good luck on your next adventure & new bike! 👍🏾
Very great advice. I 100% agree with you about seeing less and experiencing more.
Thank you for your honest opinion on your experience. I love all your Vietnam series’s videos. I feel bad that you ended it with a bitter taste in the South. I feel like you were physically there and mentally you were done and ready to go back home. I hope some days in the future, you will have more time and give the South a second chance. The South are well known for the food and the hospitality. Too bad you didn’t have enough time to slow down and have time to experience the culture side of the country like you did in Thailand. Can’t wait to virtually go along with you on your next adventure. Btw just be yourself and don’t try to change because of rude comments.
There s no comparison between Thailand and Vietnam... I like Thailand 1 million more than Vietnam and... I m Vietnamese. Communism has done something very bad to Vietnam and this will never change again. That's why tourists get back to Thailand... But never to Vietnam... The statistics will tell you the reality of Vietnam. I love the South Vietnamese food though ! It s the only 1 thing which push me to come back to Vietnam ... Yes I eat 6x a day in south Vietnam.
@Kalvin One I had been to Thailand for a week and NEVER want to come back again.
How do the women compare in each country
Thanks for the comment about Chili sauce! As a Korean American, I always bring Gochujang (Korean sweet pepper paste) wherever I travel - specifically, I bring the tubed gochujang with minced ground beef. It's a lifesaver for me when I have hard time trying new foods.
I'm less than halfway through but I want to say what a great video in so many ways. Straight forward!! I don't know why people think they have to make fancy videos when dispensing info. Back to second half!
The only mistake you made in this Vietnam tour from Noth to south is, too short on time. Maybe 3 months for the whole trip will do you some justice on a lot of places you missed. Also the timing which gave you a lot of uncomfortable moments and too tight a schedule and rushing through them in a hurry to get to the next location. I believe you got better weather in Thailand than in miserable Vietnam's weather. Don't worry, you can do it again from South to North by going the most southern part first and move north covering a lot of place which you missed. Overall, the trip was good.
Well said. But very few travelers can afford 3 months time. Let alone 30 days visa policy of VN is an obstacle too.
If VN wants to expand their tourism they need to make the trip more convenient and approachable..
@@jomontanee There is a 3 months visa if you apply it from the VN embassy where you live
Thanks Paddy. I enjoyed all your videos of Vietnam and completely understand why you decided to end the tour when you did. You asked previously why people watch your videos. I am retired, live in Cape Town, South Africa which means the rate of exchange is not great when earning Rand not $ or Euros. So now I am travel via your TH-cam channel. Your videos are beautiful as well as informative, I love your honesty, enthusiasm and the videos are stunning. I will continue watching your travels and cannot wait for the next adventure wherever that may be. Best of luck on your travels. Enjoy your quality time with Ms P.
"getting a cold beer is almost next to impossible"! I can't stop laughing 😂. Vietnamese people drink everything (yes beer too!) with ice. I'm constantly asking for no ice (and no sugar) every time I buy a drink!
Imagine not being able to find delicious food in vietnam! Never something i had a problem with but you were in more remote areas more often. Love all the tips thank you!
Thanks Paddy for sharing your Vietnam trip with us. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit both countries 🇹🇭 and 🇻🇳 in the past. Vietnam I did from the south to north. I watched every single video for both series.
One thing I would like to point out that ever since Ms. P entered in your life the focus of your trips has changed a bit. I guess most of us started watching you as a single guy who was filled with tons of excitement as preparing to visit all provinces in Thailand.
As a solo traveler myself I understand that it can get lonely sometimes but especially when a very special someone is waiting for us far away.
Last year after Koh Samui and this time after your quick BKK visit your excitement started to shift. You’re getting a lot less patient and a lot more homesick. Last year it happened about six months into your trip this time after a little more than a month. I’m sure it’s extremely difficult to find a balance between your personal life and passion/business. Since I’m in my sixties I know by now that having it all is nearly impossible.
The quality of your videos are phenomenal!
Wishing you all the best of luck for your future travels.
So you are saying the focus of Paddy’s trip has changed because of me?🤨 I’ve never bothered his solo traveling. In fact what I did is supporting him, looking out for him, being his “safe zone” especially when he has mental breakdown😅 don’t blame him if he gets excited to be in Bkk or see me cause I’d be excited too if I see my loved ones after months of being alone.
In terms of traveling, he still has that excitement trust me. But Vietnam is a just a little different from Thailand and as Paddy has been living in Thailand for so long, I assumed it’s not easy to get out of his comfort zone plus he didn’t go home for years .. homesick is totally normal. Maybe the fact of getting less patient is because he’s getting older as well?😂
I agreed with you, it’s difficult to find balance in life. We can’t have it all but we can maintain/prioritize ..
sometimes it comes with sacrifice. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the series so far. Have a good one:)
@@Pichyp อยากจะคอมเมนท์เรื่องงานอะไรก็ไม่ควรเอาเรื่องครอบครัวหรือคนรักของเค้ามาเกี่ยวชข้องนะครับ ไม่น่ารักเลย มันไม่เกี่ยวกัน
Bravo Miss P. I am with you 100%
@@thanachai3571 You should read well. Who exactly is going to lean against? she just came to explain because the person who wrote to refer to her lover. Pls read it and hit the right point.
@@elmirafavela3463 What I want to say is I would be furious if someone told me that I lost my focus, less tolerated at work because I wanted to go back home to see my wife. And please reply to Miss P. not me or even apologize to her that would be nice.
Seriously.. how much you know about others people relationships and life so on….
"When you see more you experience less, so my advice is see less and experience more" such beautiful advice! Thanks 😊
That's right, you in ASEAN, Thailand is the most attractive place to visit, there are attractions, cheap accommodation, there are many delicious food, kind Thai people have a smile that always welcomes you. Welcome everyone, every country sacrifices your precious time.
Great video, sounds like an awesome time. I spent a week riding around Ha Giang and never once had a warm beer. Funny how different and experience can be in the same place!
เมืองท่องเที่ยวที่แท้จริงคุณไม่ต้องเตรียมตัวให้มาก ทุกอย่างในเมืองจะทำให้คุณ สะดวก สะบายกาย สะบายใจ
Just came back from Vietnam. Loved it! An amazing experience! I agree with you about the food.
I spent 3 months travelling from north to south back in 1993 in my 20s when Vietnam had only just opened up to individual travel, so as a European I was something of a novelty. There was very little tourism infrastructure but for me it made it a more enjoyable experience. The biggest mistake I made? Ice in a drink in Hue. A week of dysentery. However, I received excellent, if basic, medical treatment from a local doctor and his family, who kept me hydrated and then fed me with rice and bananas.
Ur a legend. I'm flying to Saigon from Hanoi tomorrow. I've lived here for 2 years and have traveled all over. You cover it well although that steak dinner wasn't like ur other videos from the past lol. Thanks for all the info on so many places.
Wow! Some people are butt hurt over his honesty over his experience. He’s just giving tips on his mistakes. First time I was in Thailand, I was miserable, but I learn from my mistakes, planned better for my 2nd trip, and had a blast! Love your honesty, Paddy Doyle. Hope your next experience in Vietnam is a blast after learning from your mistakes.
Not really butt hurt, unnecessary comparisons will make people upset for sure :)
@@Alice-zt4sc why on earth are they unnecessary comparisons. He's explaining his experiences you do understand that right?🤡🤡🤡
@@hewhoknowsknows I would have a discussion with you on where did he make people upset, but base on your attitude, I assume you are not really willing to listen so I’ll end the conversation here
@@Alice-zt4sc ...and if you make a video like that, sure you're gonna get negative comments. Especially if the comments based in biases and you're not an expert (this is specific to his foodie comment as Bourdain and Ramsey will have something to say about that since they ARE food experts).
@@doodahgurlie true, he went to the most rural and poorest area then saying they don't have good food and ice cold beer for him is a bit much. Especially I remember in one of the video, he mistaken bún cá (fish noodle) with bún chả (grilled pork noodle) and complained that the pork taste funny.
nice video! we are traveling vietnam with our drone for 3 months and capture some remote places too! happy to see you liked your trip! excited to see more!
The weakness of Vietnamese people is that they do not accept the truth that others criticize.
Khuyết điểm của người Việt Nam là không chấp nhận sự thật mà người khác chỉ trích.
Agree with you
When a specialist criticizes you, it's happiness and you must improve. When an under-normal-thinking one criticizes you, you should point out what is the right thing.
It’s silly when you say everyone should accept all criticism, even if it’s false.
Criticism must based on facts, truth not "feelings or moods". Don't forget Criticism comes in 2 types : constructive vs destructive.
Sure. But as a foreigner myself, I don’t agree with him on several things, especially about the food.
I was in Danang last week, and did the Hivan pass. My small bag was stolen as well on the way to Don Ca Arch Bridge. Super super need to be careful with our stuff.
Honestly Paddy... You should spend more time like you did in Thailand.. don't rush, always take your time.. see you on your next level adventure
8 weeks not enough?
@@sitthipon555 compare to Thailand... Yess
@@sitthipon555 for north to south 8 week is indeed not enough , at least 12 week , Vietnam is not gear to tourist like Thai , so you need to spend more time in a place to truly feel it need to mingle with local , even for food in many places you need to spend time looking where to eat ( don't just eat at first store you see , eat where the local eat , empty restaurant = shit , try to find restaurant where there many local come to eat , stop at rest place where many truck driver stop at ( they know the best place to stop for rest and eat )
Thanks
Hi Paddy, 🙏🙏Everything you said is correct. Even if it's not very pleasing to some people. But I really can feel it when there. I live in Spain ever lived in both countries, the first country is Vietnam for 8 years and now I have been in Thailand for 12 years. I like Thailand more because there are more convenience than Vietnam especially the public transport system and infrastructure systems in this country. 😥😥
Thailand is far superior to Vietnam, almost the whole country is very well developed. The roads are all good no matter where you travel in the wilderness. It's not lonely or dangerous. Thai people are more friendly and kind than Vietnamese people and the food when I go to Thailand, I don't have to worry about anything. Whether in the capital, the provinces or the remote countryside. In this country, there are street stalls all over the place to visit and clean up. As well as there are convenience stores all over the city, not just 7-Eleven only. Small shops address by provinces it's standard and inexpensive. 😅😅🐂🐂
Thai people do not exploit foreigners when sell at normal price. But in Vietnam it's not like this. Vietnamese people see foreigners looking to exploit or take advantage which is very different from Thailand. As for the theft, it must be admitted that in Vietnam there are a lot of thieves, snatching. While you're driving a motorcycle and you're on the phone you may suddenly be snatched away by someone which is very dangerous. But in Thailand there has been no such thing since I lived for 12 years.
And in northern Vietnam, dog meat is popular. I avoid one dog when I go anywhere. 🐃🐃 I have to take my dog with me at all times. If not, I have to be careful not to let it slip out of my house. Otherwise it might be this person's favorite dish. I'm so scared. Love from Spain. 🌺🌺
Thailand is not far superior than Vietnam. LOL Even with all the wars and embargo for decades that Thailand never went through, Vietnam is almost catching up to THailand and in the next 5-7 years is expecting to pass up on Thailand. Thailand has decades to develope whereas Vietnam just recenly opened up 30 years after the war and the American embargo in 1994. I have to laugh that Thailand is far superior.
You lived in Vietnam for 8 years then 12 years in Vietnam so that means you live in Vietnam back in 1994 till 2002. Did you not know that Vietnam is much quicker in development than Thailand and had drastically changed and modernized in those 20 years. Even if someone comes back to Vietnam after 2-3 years, they can clearly see the country has changed quickly. Your comments are so outdated
Thanks for the good laugh that Thailand is far superior which is is clearly NOT 😂😂😂
@@janchxxheonczsekk6412 ในคลิปวีดีโอนี้มันเฉลยหมดแล้วเวียดนามมีการพัฒนาแค่เมืองใหญ่ๆและเมืองการท่องเที่ยว แต่เมืองในชนบทนั้นยังห่างไกลจากประเทศไทยมาก ฉันคิดว่าคุณอาจเพ้อฝันว่าจะแซงไทยใน5-7 ปีข้างหน้า ในขณะที่ค่าแรงขั้นต่ำและรายได้เฉลี่ยต่อคนยังน้อยกว่าไทย 2 เท่าหรือจะเป็นการสร้างรถไฟฟ้าในระยะทาง 13 km. ที่ใช้เวลาสร้างถึง 10 ปี ที่ประเทศไทยนั้นไม่ทำกัน😆
Clean roads, no thieves, travel safely, 7-eleven is everywhere in Thailand. very friendly people Thailand is much better than Vietnam.
@@antantankhrab3242 Your opinion and not for everyone. I've been to thailand too. I like thailand and Vietnam is just as good. I hated Bangkok and was scammed 3x times there. I do like Phuket. The no thieves part is laughable,,, .. and 7 eleven everywhere makes thailand better? Such a moronic response.
You don't think Vietnam has the similar convienence stores? they're everywhere in the cities and small cities too, just not in the small towns.
@Elmira Favela: Take off your mask. You're not Spanish. Who are you? Correct: not everything Paddy said is correct and he admitted it. You need to watch Backpaeger's vlogs on his recently visit to Vietnam. He is a Thai and he had a real touch with Vietnamese people and Vietnamese culture wherever he went. Have a balanced view on Vietnam. You see lot of prostitutes in Pattaya but you can't say Thai women are prostitues, can you? Better not to generalise things.
Like you, I didn't find many 7/11. However there were circle K convenience stores around almost every block (Hanoi. Danang, Saigon). These are franchises of a Canadian multinational and they are full service, including cold beers, and soft drinks in a fridge, usually near the cashier.
'Dont Try To See Its All' is the best advice for any traveler! We found that out eventually, the less places you "see" the deeper the experience you have in the places you visit
Plus youre better rested and less stressed so can actually appreciate that places you visit rather than hating the whole thing due to stress & Sleep deprivation lol
Ghen Thấp Việt Nam Xin đừng hứng chịu những cơn bão 1000000 Tôi ghét các bạn.
olo >>> 4u
I spent 2 months on a motorbike tour of Italy last year and got caught up in this. I've travelled pretty extensively, and went into that trip expecting to find a place to chill for a while. The first half of the trip was a little rushed due to unexpected social obligations. The second half, I found myself rushing again even though I was now solo.
Everywhere I went, people would tell me their favorite places that I had to go while I had a motorbike. Plus, I was paying 50EUR per day for it, so I felt an urge to use it even on the days I slept in the same hotel.
It can be hard to have the "do more in fewer places" mindset when you meet people every day telling you about the amazing things just that much farther.
I made the same mistake, 6 Vietnamese cities in 16 days
That is great advice and so true. I spent a month in Hanoi, a month in Da Nang and a month is Saigon. It was much less stressful and gave me a chance to meet more people and immerse myself more in the local culture. They were also great home bases to visit other places such as Sapa, Hoi Ann etc
Thank you so much Paddy, I am really enjoying all of your videos, You are doing am amazing job providing us all your experience. I'm actually heading to Vietnam in Feb 2024 and would be really nice to catch up with you in person. Really appreciate your effort. Thanks Mate
Paddy, to your point about spending a little more money to enjoy these once in a lifetime adventures, consider this. I visited London this summer and stayed in a American chain hotel in Kensington that costs $300 USD a night and it was rubbish ! How I wished I was instead spending $300 USD on a once in a lifetime adventure in Vietnam.
Great point
Planning my first visit to Vietnam your information was verry helpfull, thanks😊
Paddy, this is why we love you. You are not afraid to admit your mistakes and we appreciate that. Travelling can be difficult.
Excellent video. I am planning a trip to Vietnam at the end of April. I really am interested in the north and want to explore some remote areas, river ways, local villages, etc. Any recommendations not already mentioned in your video would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Awesome 😎.. Thank You so much for doing this Vlog this will certainly help us and everyone travelling through Vietnam 🇻🇳. Saigon is great 👍 and certainly agree with you it’s safe and a big city . Hanoi is certainly very different. Looking forward to your next travels
Thanks Paul, coming very soon
Convenience stores really are widespread and chilled drinks available, it's true they serve warm beer in most restaurants etc but circle K are absolutely everywhere
In big cities. Good luck finding them on the QL15 or QL14. That's tend days without a cold beer 🍺
@@PaddyDoyle. : Dip sock with water, wrap and cover bottle, hang in font basket. Wind will make bottle cooler
Or you buy a box-ice. Your problem is solved
@@PaddyDoyle. yes I have the same frustrations but it's obviously harder to find in rural areas as a biker but most cities of any size have abundant mini market places, I know exactly what you went through with your frustrations in Vietnam, need a bitt.more time to get to know this enormous country, he I just arrived back in Saigon, thanks for your reply and I really like your videos and watched every one, Vietnam is like a stiff pair of new shoes, blisters but eventually comfort, bravo Paddy
@@PaddyDoyle. but Paddy, does anyone expect to find cold beer on the highways you mentioned and is it a really a good idea drinking them while driving on them, yes they drink vile warm beer with ice (yukk) but it's not lacking in almost any city in Vietnam and improving all the time, come back December for a different experience and enjoy a cold one, Thailand is of course 30 years ahead of developing Vietnam, bottoms up!
He chose the Ho Chi Minh trail and the Ha Giang route, mostly in remote areas, so the lack of cold beer and restaurants is natural. The judgment lacks logic.
If he chooses National Highway 1, go through the center of provinces, cities, towns, .. that is full of restaurants.
Yeah all the points he shared just show his lack of preparation here
Right. Dude shot himself in the foot and then complained how terrible his experience in VN was.
I think his point is that in Thailand he can find all sorts of good restaurants even taking remote roads.
@@ScottandtheKid if that’s true, it’s a stupid comparison. You won’t compare an apple to an orange. If he expects every country he visits has to be better than Thailand, then he should research harder to choose which one to visit or just stay in Thailand
@@baekimin21 He was coming into a new country expecting to see touristy regions that had seen on Instagram….recipe for disaster lol
To ask for a cold beer in Vietnam, you can use the phrase:
**"Cho tôi một chai bia lạnh."**
This translates to "Give me a cold beer."
However, it's important to note that in many places in Vietnam, beer is often served with ice, even if it's already cold. This practice is common due to the warm climate and the limited refrigeration options in some establishments. Therefore, you might also hear locals simply asking for beer with ice, which is a cultural norm.
If you want to specify that you want ice with your beer, you can say:
**"Cho tôi một chai bia với đá."**
This means "Give me a beer with ice."
In social settings, remember to participate in the communal drinking culture by toasting with **"Một, hai, ba, vô!"** (One, two, three, cheers!) when you drink with others.
@PetrArhurMartin, Thanks for translates to Vietnamese..
Thanks for the tips Paddy and your great series on Vietnam (and Thailand). We are off to Vietnam next week for a 3 week holiday. Will be starting in the south and then heading North. Your advice will be invaluable, cheers.
Thanks!
I'm currently planning my trip to Vietnam and this video really was extremely useful. Now I'm going to see all of them 😅
I know maybe you feel like this series didn't end the way you wanted it to, but this series was SO informative of how to plan my next trip to Vietnam. I am positive I would have made the same mistakes you made, and your suggestions are all valuable and will most definitely help a lot of us plan our trips.
The end of this series reminded me of a Bourdain episode in Italy where he had a tour guide pretending to catch octopus and fish that had been tossed in the water for him. That's an iconic Bourdain moment.
There are SO MANY plastic smiles in the travel youtube space. SO many people who show up for a weekend to film and pretend travel is all brunch with Mimosas and colorful fruit and turquoise beaches. I'm greatful that you share the spectrum of travel experiences, and you're able to do it in a way that's not defamitory to anyone.
Fucking Amen ! 🙏❤️🙏
Ah…such a heartwarming comment Alex.
👏👏👏Well said!🙏🏻❤️
The motorbike parking info is very new to me. As someone from southeast asian that plans to travel to vietnam, I thought everything will just be the same😂 thank you so much!
Thanks for sharing the good and bad of traveling in Vietnam
Cheers ✌️
Thank you so much for this!
Going soon for the furst time. Love the video and views.🙏🏼
Tip for crossing street in Vietnam:
Many tourist foreigners scared of traffic in VN . Don’t worry about it! The rule to win this fear is keep routin slowly walking when you across the streams of motobike! motor-bykers knows how to avoid you themself in chaos-order! remmember do not runs and stop suddently , accident immidiatly ! Don’t be affraid of and do it if you want to be safety in the crazy- traffic in Vietnam.
Great advise Paddy, especially about not being afraid to splurge on some once in a lifetime experiences❣
Thanks 🙏
I think two months for a whole of vietnam is too short. Can feel that you are rushing thru and feeling stress due to the short visa. Do hope you can revisit vietnam again, maybe from Phuc Quoc then south to north. Maybe this time you can spend more time in each city/town as you would know that they are (like the thais says) same same but different different.
I'm not surprised , Paddy did the same rushing in Thailand as well. he skipped lot of attractions in provinces he visited just focus on number of provinces to be covered (time out in samui excluded).