Thyra Travels: Culture Shock in Northern Vietnam 2018

Wow! Vietnam got me speechless from the moment I arrived. After almost not being let into the country because I have no onward ticket (literally pleaded with Korean immigration….memories), I was excited to finally be in Southeast Asia. Stepping out the airport doors was certainly an experience after South Korea. Taxi drivers literally ran at me and I had to sit down to collect myself from all of the hectic behavior. After inevitably getting scammed on the way to my hostel, I found myself experiencing the famous streets of Hanoi! At first a little overwhelming, I soon got used to crossing the street. Just go, slow and steady – the scooters will go around you. I’m telling you, everytime I cross the street in this country I feel like Moses parting the Red Sea. Except I don’t think Moses kept almost losing toes.

Hanoi

What a city to start in! Hey, the culture shock had to come eventually in this trip and it sure came on that first day in Hanoi. No traffic laws and people consistently trying to get you to buy things. Man, I thought I was good at being blunt and ignoring vendors but I have become an elevated expert at this after a few weeks in the country. A lot don’t even try to aggressively sell things to me anymore (Did my aura change?? If if did, it is definitely hot pink for ‘don’t f-ing talk to me’). Hanoi was in one word, overwhelming. I kinda shot myself in the foot because the hostel I stayed in was insane but I still had a good time! I met a wonderful girl from Australia I would travel with for weeks to come and ate food that I still dream about at night (Bun Cha, I am single, hit me up). Hanoi itself is a beautiful city, with the central lake in the Old Quarter and amazing architecture. I wandered around the city, exploring Hoa Lo prison and drinking ALL the coffee. After a few days, I was ready for some tranquility.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a ‘can’t miss’ in Vietnam. Maybe you have heard about the floating islands? I decided to book what I am calling my honeymoon cruise since it was all couples. Most people my age go on cruises that are a bit more, ahem, booze-oriented, but I wanted some goddang peace and quiet after Hanoi. I booked a two day, one night cruise on the bay with pickup and delivery in Hanoi. It was amazing. So relaxing, with good food, kind people, and a private room (LUXERY). We cruised into the smaller and less crowded Bai Tu Long Bay. I could have spent days just cruising along, watching the giant rock formations that create a magical view.

Sapa

After Halong, I was so excited to make the trek up to Sapa, home to famous rice terraces in the northwestern part of Vietnam. After a van ride with massage chairs (not making this up), we arrived in gorgeous Sapa! When I say the views were indescribable and breathtaking, believe me. Who knew rice could be so pretty? I decided to do a day trek with a female guide from the Hmong people who live in the area. It was amazing to hike into the valley and see how people live and work to this day. The only thing that didn’t really tickle my fancy was the extremely aggressive hawking that occured every five minutes. These women were good salesladies but I am on a budget! After my first experience, where I literally ran down a mountain to get away from a woman because I said ‘maybe’, I got really good at saying no to them.

I have eaten some amazing food and seen some incredible views but am still feeling a little mixed on Vietnam which I will touch on in a later blog. I want to reserve my final thoughts until I finish traveling the South!

T