TRAVEL TALES | VIETNAM
The People of Vietnam
Navigating a Journey Through Smiles, Kindness, and Hospitality
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Travelling the world has always been a dream of mine. I love exploring new lands, finding new things, and meeting new people, and I have a passion for exploring new currencies. Since I started travelling, my travels have often been driven by a desire to connect with the essence of a place to understand its soul. Over time, I have learned that engaging with locals and listening to their stories is the best way to achieve this.
Continuing my travel saga, I had the privilege of planning a trip to Vietnam with my friends. As my travel dates grew closer, I couldn't wait to see what this new country had in store for me and what I would learn there.
As soon as we stepped out of Saigon's Tan Son Nhat Airport, we immediately felt the warm atmosphere, friendly faces and rich culture. Our first contact with anyone in Vietnam was with our Grab driver on the way to our BnB. His pleasant manners and willingness to share tips, like the average cost of renting a moped in Saigon, places to go, etc., reflected the warmth that awaited us.
As the famous Anthony Bourdain said —
Vietnam’s allure lies not just in its breathtaking landscapes, but in the genuine smiles, boundless kindness, and unwavering hospitality of its remarkable people.
Our 12-day journey promised not just sightseeing but also a chance to experience the kindness of people and immerse ourselves in a unique way of life. Whether it was a street vendor lending a helping hand or a local family offering a heartfelt welcome, the hospitality in Vietnam proved unmatched. Every smiling face we encountered became a chapter in our travel story and was full of unforgettable moments.
Unlike some of my previous experiences, I have seen service providers who typically provide their services within strict payment limits, which makes perfect sense since it's their business. However, the Vietnam experience was new to me. Seeing how eager they were to welcome and help guests exceeded our expectations. Here in Vietnam, hospitality is more than just a business. It's a heart-warming event that stretches beyond character boundaries.
We had many great moments with wonderful people, from sharing their Thuoc Lao bamboo pipe (one of my friends was very curious about it) to learning how to make a proper Vietnamese drip coffee.
A special moment that captured the essence of this hospitality was when the couple from the image below prepared our food, and we expressed our delight at how delicious it was. In a heartwarming display of gratitude, they insisted we taste the meal they were having. It was a gesture of kindness I had never experienced before.
These small yet profound acts made journeys unforgettable.
Overall, Vietnam left an everlasting imprint on my soul, from the lively street vendors to the newfound friends I made. Shared experiences, laughter, and joint explorations added more richness to the journey.
This post is my heartfelt appreciation for the kindness I experienced in Vietnam.
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Till then, Sayonara! I wish you the best in your travel journey.
I am a software engineer who enjoys travelling and writing — About Me.