What do you really remember about Vietnam?

I've traveled quite a bit in Vietnam over the past few years—from the southern delta to bustling cities and even some small islands—but what really sticks with me is the north, the high mountains. Up there, there's something different—maybe slower, more raw. The morning markets with ethnic groups, women in traditional clothes, the colors... The stilt houses, kids following you and laughing for no reason, the terraced rice fields—it almost feels unreal at times, so vast and quiet, yet so human and simple. You often hear that Sapa has become too touristy, and that's partly true, especially in the center. But as soon as you move a little farther away, everything changes quickly. The landscapes open up, encounters feel more natural, and you rediscover something truly authentic. I think it's that contrast that struck me—the difference between what you imagine before going and what you actually discover when you take the time. And you—what memory do you hold onto from Vietnam? A particular place that touched you more than others?

Hi, You’ve made me want to go back to Vietnam! To be honest, I wasn’t really won over by the south and the center. Mixed feelings. Mostly commercial interactions... a few scams, rigged taxis, fake guides, etc. The nature was a bit damaged, but that’s not the fault of the Vietnamese... Anyway, I much preferred Laos and even Thailand. I didn’t go to the north because it wasn’t the right season... I kinda regret that now.

Hi there, Back in December 2018, I embarked on a "Trans-Vietnamese" journey over a month, from Ha Giang (far north) to Phu Quoc Island.

It was in the northern part of the country that we experienced the Vietnam I loved the most—more human, less commercial—while riding the Ha Giang loop by scooter, despite the unfavorable weather.

But I can’t forget our two nights on private junks in Lan Ha Bay, feeling like we were the only ones in the world, nor the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh. And what about Hoi An at sunrise, with no tourists in sight?

The weather dampened our trip, and a few "mercantile" issues did too. But I swore I’d go back one day!

@Djalma and Montagnard74, So guys, are we becoming accomplices to Vietnamese agencies trying to sneak in? 😉 https://voyageforum.com/membres/decouvrirvn/

https://voyageforum.com/forum/ere-conseils-voyage-entre-ia-forums-gratuits-expertise-locale-d10788202/:

The silent infiltration of forums Free travel forums have gradually become marketing hunting grounds. Under the guise of "experienced travelers," tourism professionals, affiliates seeking commissions, or aspiring influencers testing their monetization strategies now lurk.

It doesn’t bother me—she’s not pushing anything, and I don’t see any ads for an agency. Her first posts on the forum were about spirituality in Nepal… Would she also work for Nepal? Either way, what she’s sharing about the country isn’t exactly selling it!

Anyway, it’s not very efficient when it comes to business ;) And well, let’s meddle, let’s meddle… 😄

No, she doesn’t work for Nepal—she’s just opening a flimsy thread about the country (has she even been there? Whatever...) to build some credibility on the forum. Once a few people have joined in, the pump is primed, and she can then open a new thread to draw attention and conversations to Vietnam... where the agency she lists in her profile instead of her name is based. It’s another tactic shady agencies have been using for about a decade now, and it fits perfectly with the text I quoted above.

she isn’t offering anything

Not yet, or at least not publicly. We see a lot of people asking for advice about Vietnamese agencies, so it’s in her interest to build credibility and pass herself off as a disinterested traveler before eventually "advising" them.

I’m waiting for the photo before I share my thoughts

Well, let’s dive in, let’s dive in....

Speaking of which, how about starting a travel journal for your 2018 Vietnam trip since it’s missing from your collection? Reading your 3:43 PM message, I can tell you’d be ready to write and post *way* more... (What’s happening to me—I’m actually advising someone to make a journal... Nurse!!)

Well, you see, the nurse can leave because you’re (almost) right:

I almost feel nostalgic for not having kept a travel journal about this destination, but back then, the vibe on this part of the forum really didn’t encourage discussion… And today, the memories from that 2018 trip have faded—too much, anyway, to start a journal now…

Hi there,

To get an answer to your question, I suggest you check out the amazing, wonderful travel journal created by a forum member. Just click on my username to access it.

read the magnificent, wonderful travel journal created by a forum member.

Are you talking about that amazingly awesome journal that every travel forum on the planet envies us for?

No, you're mixing it up with the one Jojoone1 did the following year 😎

Where does it stand in negotiating the sale of adaptation rights that Hollywood is desperately asking for? Who’s tipped to play his role? And hers?

You should ask VF about this. According to the terms and conditions, they own what we post.

At any rate, not compelling enough to bring the author of this thread back…

Anyway, what I remember most about northern Vietnam is how unfriendly the locals were. Just yesterday, I came across a post on FB from a young guy who really didn’t enjoy his first day. Twice, people tried to shortchange him, among other things.

Hi there, This topic comes up a lot, and everyone has their own take. Personally, I’ve noticed that in the north of a country, people often find the locals more reserved than in the south. In France, for example, it’s often said that people from the north are less open than those from Marseille. In Germany, Hamburg folks are seen as more closed-off than the Bavarians in Munich, and so on... While the Kinh in the north seem colder to me, the ethnic groups, on the other hand, feel comparatively more open and welcoming. As for scams over prices or safety concerns, it seems to me that this is tied to the touristy sides of certain cities or neighborhoods—something you find in many countries. That said, I still keep in touch with my old guides from the north (Kinh), and we always reunite with great pleasure when I go back. Eric

No complaints about what you're saying. And always great to see you doing well! !

Vietnam, total love at first sight

For me, Vietnam’s the country that left the biggest mark in Southeast Asia.

The food. Pho for 1 €, banh mi for 0.50 €, cà phê trứng… it’s where I’ve eaten the best in my life. Food budget: 8–10 € a day.

The organized chaos of Hanoi. Five million scooters, no one respects the lights, yet it all works.

The beauty of the north. Ha Giang by motorbike, the rice terraces of Sapa, Ha Long Bay.

Budget: 20–25 € a day as a backpacker. A detailed budget comparison here: https://flashvoyage.com/voyage-thailande-pas-cher-2026-budget/?utm_source=voyageforum&utm_medium=community&utm_campaign=s1

Vietnam, a total love at first sight

Personally, Vietnam is the country that left the biggest impression on me in Southeast Asia.

The food. Pho for 1 euro, banh mi for 0.50 €, ca phe trung... it's the country where I ate the best in my life. Food budget: 8-10 € per day.

The organized chaos of Hanoi. 5 million scooters, no one respects the traffic lights, and yet it works.

The beauty of the north. Ha Giang by motorbike, the rice terraces of Sapa, Ha Long Bay.

Budget: 20-25 € per day as a backpacker. A detailed budget comparison here: https://flashvoyage.com/voyage-thailande-pas-cher-2026-budget/?utm_source=voyageforum&utm_medium=community&utm_campaign=s1

Discovervn, Floasie, same person? https://voyageforum.com/forum/ere-conseils-voyage-entre-ia-forums-gratuits-expertise-locale-d10788202/