Anyone know Vietnam?

[sapphire]

So, basically you mean Vietnam doesn't have an evolved foodculture. That's different from saying VN has no foodculture.

Oh and I will go back to Vietnam, so much to explore yet. FYI, Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. Only of late has it flung its doors open to the world, it'll take time, don't you think? I don't know what you expected from this country, but whatever research I did before travelling, it lived up to my expectations. The Vietnamese people have my utmost respect. Their resilience is close to unmatched.

Too bad you didn't enjoy the country or the people. I found them to be very friendly and helpful, largely unspoiled yet.

[dot dot dot]

So, basically you mean Vietnam doesn't have an evolved foodculture. That's different from saying VN has no foodculture.

I can agree with that, not an evolved one.

it'll take time, don't you think?

I am a patient man, so maybe one day....

The Vietnamese people have my utmost respect. Their resilience is close to unmatched. Too bad you didn't enjoy the country or the people. I found them to be very friendly and helpful, largely unspoiled yet.

Yeah, it is hard to say what makes one love or hate a country. Don't know, it just got to me, I really didnot enjoy the noise, fumes etc etc. And a food poisoning doesnot help either. I think our biggest 'mistake' was the fact that we expected the beauty of the experience of Angkor, which is so unique. And I do love the Cambodians for the same reasons you like the Vietnamese so much. Sad history, great people.

Cambodia to me is more related to the Thai culture (Khmer), whereas the Vietnamese to me are more related to their northern neighbour, a country which is also not exactly one of my fav's to visit....

To each his or her own, but my view is imho not to be defined as myopic, I'd rather define it as outspoken.

Eric

[sapphire]

Well you have to agree because I was right and you were wrong.

Angkor will always remain special, loved the people there too. But, you can't compare one country to another, each has its own merits and demerits.

Now quit arguing with me!

[dot dot dot]

Go to India woman!

Eric

[sapphire]

Lol, I am, tomorrow morning... cya when I get back.

[dot dot dot]

Enjoy the trip and take good care!

C ya!

Eric

[VC]

My suggestion is to hop by Danang & take a ride out to Hoi An (45mins ride)...you will not only get the beautiful beach & +++ but many palacs to visit...China Beach, My Son , Marble mountains, Chiam Musem / City etc.....Great seafood.....

In addition Tiger flies to Danang & the tix are cheap..........

Personally, coming from someone who has been to Vietnam a zillion times...Hanoi & HCM city are way too commercialized till it's sticky with sleaze......

Have a good trip....

[windflower]

Hi, went backpacking to VN with hubby in the year Dec’ 04.

Been to Hanoi all the way down to HCM. The place that I enjoyed most is SAPA.

It's somewhere near Hanoi but high up in the mountain area. We took a train from Hanoi and a mini bus took us up to SAPA. The weather there was just so cooling (cooler than Genting) and the food there was nice and cheap (imagined having streamboat during the cold weather!)

We stay in SAPA for 2 to 3 days. During the daytime, we went trekking (hired a individual guide to lead us during the trek). Went through rice paddies fields, cows grazing freely on the green field, rivers, nice mountains scenery, little waterfalls, friendly villagers, village kids running and playing, nice food back in hotel etc.. You can also visit their SAPA Market (CHQ SA PA). They sell a lot of handmade handicrafts.

And at night due to the cold weather, you can see street vendors setting up small BBQ food store along the road side, parks etc. Barbequing corns, sweet potatoes, yams, eggs, sugarcanes etc! SAPA is really a wonderful paradise! You will love it!

By the way, the best VN food that I loved is in Hoi An. There’s a place called LY Cafeteria No. 22. They sell the famous “White Rose”

[alexlah9999]

Vietnam is very nice to go to but maybe you need some local guide.

I found it very nice to be there, loved the food and people.

There are some very nice sites to visit yes also Halong bay.

All in all Vietnam is worth a visit!

Alex