Comments on: Thoughts on Visiting Vietnam Today

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 09:27:47 +0000

In reply to David Saigon. I think there are several factors affecting tourism in Vietnam, but definitely one of the largest is quite likely the cost of visas, which they've just increased again. I know many people who took Vietnam off their list because of the visa cost, especially when the most you'll pay at any neighboring country (other than China) is $20 USD. It's really a shame because I think it's a wonderful country that shouldn't be missed.

By: David Saigon

David Saigon — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 02:59:07 +0000

Something definitely is lacking in regards to tourism if you compare the statistics with those of neighboring countries. Thailand leading the region, have higher year on year tourist growth and especially a higher satisfaction rate (the answer to the question “would you like to come back in the future”). I don’t think making the tourist visa more expensive will help solve this either..definitely a bad move for those wanting to come to Vietnam.
This being said, I’ve been living in Vietnam for quite a while and am loving it. I know it might sometimes be challenging for tourists but as long as you have a minimum of care with your belongings and take it all in with a smile, you will be fine and make many friends.
I’ve been to Hanoi a few times, and even though many other expat residents say the same, in my case, I found them friendly and funny (we laugh about each other’s accent as South and North have differences). I guess speaking broken Vietnamese does help to avoid those that make a living from actively hassling and scamming tourists.

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 15:23:36 +0000

In reply to Marysia @ My Travel Affairs. I hope you do! It' a wonderful country (except for Hanoi).

By: Marysia @ My Travel Affairs

Marysia @ My Travel Affairs — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 23:05:22 +0000

To be honest I’m glad I found this post on your blog. After reading so much bad about this country I kind of crossed it out of my list. But now I’m thinking about putting it back there 🙂

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 20:20:03 +0000

In reply to Marysia @ My Travel Affairs.

And I totally don’t get why they say that, although I know some of them are, well, frankly primadonnas. Or they only went to Hanoi and didn’t venture down south where people are much friendlier.

It is such an amazing country with wonderful people. It’s easily my favorite SE Asian country.

By: Marysia @ My Travel Affairs

Marysia @ My Travel Affairs — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 18:57:55 +0000

Interesting to see that not everyone is disappointed with Vietnam, majority of blogs I read always complain about this country and promise to never get back!

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 16:52:13 +0000

In reply to Karisa. As long as you aren't up north, they're super friendly. ;)

By: Karisa

Karisa — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 12:55:52 +0000

Just reading this is getting me really excited for my trip next month!! I’ve heard conflicting reports about how nice people are and I really hope you’re right! 🙂 Anyway, I’m so excited! Thanks for passing your link onto me!!

By: Talon Windwalker

Talon Windwalker — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:23:29 +0000

In reply to Maddie. I think people who had issues either only stayed in Hanoi or, more likely, spent a lot of time in the backpacker area of Saigon. We drove through there, and it was absolutely miserable. Many people have told me that people they've heard complain didn't get out of that area. No wonder they hated it!

By: Maddie

Maddie — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 09:31:12 +0000

The captures exactly how I’ve felt about Vietnam too. Every single backpacker we met on the road had fairly negative things to say about Vietnam so when we first arrived in Hanoi it was with much trepidation. I was just saying yesterday that no other country has surprised me as much and I’ve enjoyed every second. Great writing Talon 🙂