Right after a month of backpacking around Thailand, I flew to Vietnam. I had heard many things about Vietnam, ranging from the war stories to the culture and its people. To this day, Vietnam is still my favourite country I have ever been to. The cultural shock had me curious all the time. I wanted to see and try everything. I wanted to talk to everyone even though there was a massive language barrier. I wanted to eat their food and play with the children. I wanted to learn the culture to have a deeper respect for it. And I did. I did all of it, and more, and I am happy to look back at this experience and be able to tell myself that I did exactly all I wanted to do.

I spent a few days in Hanoi, and then took a bus to Ninh Binh. I spent about 2 days there exploring the rice fields and caves. The place is very quiet and remote, and really gives you a local experience of what Vietnam is. The locals are super happy to have you around but the whole place is not touristy at all.

From there I took a night bus to Da Nang, where I had the best seafood meals and a very different experience than Ninh Bin. The place is more crowded with big restaurants and malls, busy streets and lots of street food stands. It has lovely beaches with fine sand, and you will also find the famous golden bridge.

Once again, after a few days spent there I made my way down to Mui Ne, where the beaches are also stunning and the town is more fishing oriented. I visited the sand dunes and watched some locals go about their daily life. I learned a lot about Vietnamese culture and their way of doing things. The place is not super touristy so their English isn't as good as other cities in the country, but the locals manage to get by and are the most interesting, caring and hard working people.

From there I took another night bus in the direction of Ho Chi Minh, the colourful, crowded and bustling city of the south. Called the city that never sleeps, the streets are almost impossible to cross because mopeds are everywhere, the street food stands are tempting you with authentic cuisine and the neon lights go as far as your eyes can see. Having experienced the intimate Ninh Binh or even Mui Ne, I was really happy to discover a new side of Vietnam. I personally much prefer the quietness and the remote locations over a loud city, but making an impression of the place for myself had me glad I experienced it.

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Vietnam is a fascinating country with a rich culture and history. Many foreigners are drawn to Vietnam's natural beauty, delicious food, and friendly people. However, it's important to be aware of some cultural differences and etiquette to ensure a respectful and enjoyable visit.

One important aspect of Vietnamese culture is the concept of "face," which involves maintaining a positive public image and avoiding causing embarrassment or losing face. As a foreigner, it's important to be aware of this and try to avoid behavior that may cause someone to lose face. For example, being overly critical or confrontational in public may be seen as disrespectful.

Regarding dress code, it's generally recommended to dress modestly when in public, especially when visiting religious sites. In some temples or pagodas, visitors may be required to cover their shoulders and knees, so it's a good idea to bring a scarf or shawl to cover up. For everyday wear, it's acceptable to dress casually, but it's important to be respectful and avoid overly revealing or offensive clothing.

Another important aspect of Vietnamese culture is the importance of family and social connections. It's common for Vietnamese people to place a high value on relationships, and building trust and rapport with locals can be beneficial for travelers. Taking the time to learn some basic Vietnamese phrases can also be helpful in building connections and showing respect for the culture.

Foreigners visiting Vietnam should approach the culture with an open mind and a willingness to learn and adapt. By being respectful and mindful of cultural differences, travelers can have a rewarding and enjoyable experience in this fascinating country.

The food experience in Vietnam is what makes their culture so unique. All throughout the country, depending on where you are, the food dishes are different and authentic. Within the cuisine, you can taste the impact of many different cultures such asd French, Indian and chinese. For example, one popular dish of the south is a Banh Mi, which is composed of a french baguette with meat, veggies and fish sauce. Depending on the area you are, the traditional Pho will be made of available ingredients. If you go to areas such as Ninh Binh, their diet is essentially goat and fish as this is what they primarily have accessible for them, in that region. The thing that surprised me the most when I got to Vietnam was the restaurant style of the place. The very busy and local places will simply have small plastic chairs and a very small tables as well. Most people eat with their plate/bowl in their hand and they don’t sit around and sip on cocktails for hours. They mostly eat for the efficiency of it and leave as soon as they are done. I also highly recommend trying their iced coffee with condensed milk. Try not to be afraid of trying out new things, as it helps you open up your mind, understand their way of life and discover new dishes that you like!

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