The experience in Vietnam was captured in a unique and enjoyable way. Many foreigners also share the same view as the author of the article in the American newspaper.
Author Margaret Flatley shared on the Washington Post about her journey to Vietnam with a unique form of storytelling: drawing combined with comic-like captions.
According to Flatley, after she graduated from college, her mother promised that the two would travel together anywhere in the world. Eight years later, after some reluctant delays, she and her mother were finally able to make the trip to Vietnam and Cambodia – an experience of learning, enjoying food and capturing memories. memorable moments along the way.
In September, my mom and I went on a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia – places we’ve never been but always wanted to visit. We hired local guides for the best experience in new lands. – “Vietnam only opened a few months ago. This is the second tour I have received since the blockade. I studied tourism at university in Hanoi. Tourism is one of the biggest industries here,” tour guide named Bac shared.
From the moment we arrived in Hanoi, we constantly heard the sound of motorbike horns filling the streets in every way. The locals are masters of two-wheelers. Mr. Bac said: “The tax on imported cars is very high, so almost everyone depends on motorbikes”.
“Vietnamese street food crept all over the sidewalk”. The typical dishes at the restaurant are vividly recorded under the author’s eyes. “Pho in Hanoi is very different from pho in Saigon. There, pho is served with mint, bean sprouts and spices, just like pho cooked in the US. Here, pho is much simpler,” said Duong, a local chef and night tour guide.
The whole village floats along the river, with houses near the fish farm. A passing bamboo rowing couple gave us the opportunity to cast the large net they used to catch fish. They put the net over my back and knit it onto my fingers, and applauded in support even though I had only thrown a few meters. “There are 3 main sectors for workers: agriculture, industry and services. The agricultural sector, including fishermen, accounts for about 30%, a very large part of the population structure,” the guide at the Association An named Xuan, Hue said.
In Vietnam, where Buddhism is prevalent, every place we go has several temples. The guide told us that the tigers sitting outside each temple are “guarding the entrance” and the dragon symbol represents strength. “Don’t point when you’re in the temple. It’s impolite,” Xuan said.
A short flight to the ancient capital of Hue gives a view of the citadel built by the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century. Several structures inside the area suffered heavy damage during the American resistance war. “People can see the black marks from the explosion. They are being restored,” said Xuan.
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, was our last destination. Rapid and modern development contrasts with the scars of war. “The city is now home to 9 million people. It’s growing very fast,” said tour guide Nguyen.
We spent only 1 day in Cambodia, when the rainy season followed us to the ancient ruins of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat.
I will miss the people gathered around the street food stalls, the applause as the fish nets hit the water, the rhythm of the car horns, the scent of the burning incense sticks and much more. I am grateful to have learned about Vietnam and Cambodia through the locals. “Let’s go back to Vietnam with your family and friends,” the guides advise.
The Washington Post article has received many approvals from readers. Many people have left comments about their personal experiences in journeys to Vietnam.
One person wrote: “I was fortunate to visit Vietnam twice with an NGO founded by my friend. My most memorable memory is visiting Hue city and drinking Huda beer; listening to a the old man played the flute in the library inside the Hue Citadel; and met a very kind monk at a temple in Hue city on the Perfume River, who greeted me and asked about my health. now forget your kindness to me.
Contrary to war images, what I find during my visits are beautiful, friendly, intelligent and interesting Vietnamese people.”
Another shared: “I lived in Southeast Asia for about 7 years during my 2 decades in Asia, including a year in Hanoi in the late 1990s and many other business trips to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. .
I sympathize with the author of the article when I receive the warmth and welcome from the Vietnamese people I meet, the streets crowded with motorbikes and scooters, as well as the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. Food was wonderful.
However, I think foreign tourists should NOT be overconfident and drive motorbikes by themselves. It’s a hair-raising experience and you’re very likely to get hurt if you’re not used to driving. My children sometimes can’t avoid motorbikes when they ride in the city, especially at intersections.”
Photo: Internet (Vinlove.net)