Where do I begin??

I’ve just returned from my 4th visit to Vietnam. I loved it the first time . . . and I love it still. Here’s 10 reasons why YOU should go:

1.The People:

I have repeatedly stated that Vietnam is one of the friendliest countries I’ve ever visited. In fact I wrote a blog post a while back about a precious moment I shared with an old lady on a park bench. The Vietnamese would be justified to hate us because of what happened to their country during the “American War,” but they don’t. I’ve never experienced animosity, resentment or any kind of negativity. Plus, there are no beggars. Practically zero incidents of  pickpockets or theft. The people are industrious, hard-working, forward-thinking and kind.

2. The Value:

Everything is extremely reasonable. We stayed in good hotels, in great locations, for under $100/night. A bowl of the ubiquitous Pho noodle soup or tasty Cao Lao noodles can be had for a few dollars, a decent bottle of imported wine is under $30 and a multi-course dinner in a fine restaurant is about $15.

3. The Beauty:

I won’t write about it, but would rather show you in pictures . . .

Vietnam is a photographer’s dream!

 4. The Food:

In a word: delicious! A beautiful fusion of Asia and France. Salads of shredded green papaya, squid and banana flower.  Fresh tropical fruits such as mangosteen, rambutan and dragon fruit. Unusual flavorings from lemongrass, tamarind and fish sauce. Ubiquitous  spring rolls: steamed, fried or fresh.  Vegetables: Morning Glory, Bitter Gourd and  softball-shaped white eggplant. And the Vietnamese coffee is delicious – served up with a generous pour of sweetened condensed milk!  I am an adventurous eater. I tried the deep-fried crickets (tasty) but it was too early to try the pigeon-in-a-soda can! (Maybe next time!)

I’ve had a book on my shelf for some time: Communion, A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam, by Kim Fay. After this visit, I am motivated to read it from cover to cover!

Steamed pigeon in a can – supposedly good for whatever ails you!

 5. The Art:

In Hanoi’s Ancient Quarter, in a tiny shop – barely 8 feet wide – a man named Tran Thinh draws the most gorgeous, realistic pen-and-ink portraits you’ve ever seen. Not too far away, in the courtyard of a Buddhist temple, another talented artist is perched on a tiny wooden stool, painting on rice paper with a pen and fluid black strokes with a calligrapher’s brush. Around the corner, a shop offers stacks of colorful propaganda posters denouncing the American invasion. At a stall in the market, coconut bowls are decorated with colorful lacquer and mother-of-pearl. And on and on and on . . .

An artist’s “studio” of sorts . . . in the temple courtyard.

6. The Flight:

Yes, you read that right! To get to Hanoi, you can travel on Korean Air or Asiana to Seoul, where you have a lengthy layover. The airlines offer a few city tour or a complimentary dayroom (my travelers were given rooms at the Hyatt Regency!). If you don’t leave the airport, there are lounging areas to take a nap, free showers and a million shopping and dining options. It’s an attraction in itself. And the service on any of the Asian carriers is like nothing you will have ever experienced – even in economy class!

7. The Diversity:

It’s a skinny country with a coastline longer than California. From north to south, there are a wealth of things to see: Powder-soft beaches. French-colonial architecture. Lush rice paddies. Farmers plowing fields with water buffalo. Ethnic tribal peoples in the northern hills. Floating villages. Millions of motorbikes and very few traffic signals (and it works!). Buddhist temples. UNESCO World Heritage sites. Ancient Imperial cities. Water puppets. Hand-woven round Basket Boats. “Uncle Ho” lying in state in an austere mausoleum. Women selling pearls from their boats. Spectacular caves. Bicycle rickshaws.

8. The Custom Tailoring:

The city of Hoi An is reknown for its excellent tailors. I had three stunningly beautiful custom dresses made to order for less than $100 each. My recommendation is Yaly Couture.

 9. The NGOs:

Vietnam is a poor country and many people are disadvantaged. But there are many grassroots organizations doing some amazing work to help lift people out of poverty. A typical example is KOTO (“Know One, Teach One”), a restaurant in Hanoi that takes in orphans, street kids and poor youth for two years of vocational training. Founded 10 years ago, KOTO houses trainees in a living environment where they feel safe, happy and cared for and where they can develop into confident young adults. They learn necessary vocational skills for a career in hotels or restaurants, along with life skills such as personal hygiene, money management, English language, etc. There are many similar programs throughout the region and it feels good to know that things are changing for the better … one person at a time.

Our bright, delightful young server at KOTO.

10. Because I Said So!

You know that I would never, ever steer you wrong. If you go to Vietnam, you will not be disappointed. Promise!

As always, I appreciate that you’ve read all the way to the end! Have I tempted you to visit Vietnam – even a little bit? What if I put together a WOW! Travel Club package …. would you be interested?  (I promise that I won’t make you eat the pigeons!)

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