Vietnam wrap up....

So after 20 days, 8 major towns, around 80 hours on buses, 3000 odd kms, several boat rides and countless kms walked we just wanted to highlight a few things that we have learned on our journey through Vietnam. We travelled from South to North and think we saw enough to make a few observations both positive and negative so here it goes. And remember that this is somewhere that we were really excited about visiting so came here very positive and thinking it was going to be a pretty awesome place. Unfortunately this was not the case for us and although we have had some great moments it is not somewhere we will return to. 1. When you arrive at the airport do not jump into the first taxi you see, shop around as the bus cost us $0.25. Unless of course you have accommodation booked and in this case ALWAYS settle the price before you get in a taxi or take one with a meter. 2. The language barrier here is extremely frustrating and we found so many people do not speak a word of English. Even having a phrase book did not seem to be of much help, not even when I showed them words in Vietnamese. 3. Vietnamese people are alot like the clients we had in Alice Springs....you can ask them or tell them something and they nod their head and say yes, yes, yes.....but have absolutely no frigging clue what you have just said. 4. If you smile at a Vietnamese person and they don't smile back don't be offended because I think that is just the way most of them are. 5. If you think that the food in Vietnam is going to be just like your favourite Vietnamese restaurant think again. Apparently their famous dish is Pho.....it is pretty ordinary consisting of chicken flavoured broth, rice noodles, beef or chicken and a few greens. 6. You won't be asked once if you would like to buy items on the street you will be asked, and asked by the same person and followed and asked and when you keep politely saying "no thankyou" they will turn around, walk away and mutter something in their own language. 7. Most ATMs will only allow you to withdraw 2000,000 dong yep that is 2 million dong which is about $100 and will charge you anywhere between 20,000 and 60,000 dong which is about $1-$3 and if you go into the bank thinking that you will be able to withdraw more that way no-one will speak English or understand what you are wanting to do. 8. The same drink will come in different forms in different cafes. One day you will get milk(condensed milk) on the side, the next day it will already be in your drink. You may or may not need to ask for ice, you always need to specify hot or cold and check if it comes with sugar in it, this includes fruit juice. 9. A pedestrian crossing isn't really a pedestrian crossing, I don't know what their purpose is but it definitely is NOT for crossing the road safely. 10.Traffic lights come into use sometimes but it is always a good idea to check both ways even if you have a green light. 11. Most important......you need a visa to just get into the country regardless of how long you are planning to stay. Leave it until you are at the airport checking in and you will need to sell a kidney to pay for it. 12. Footpaths are not for walking on they are for parking motorbikes on. 13. Shop around for prices of bus tickets, tours, anything. If one place tells you they are the cheapest they are fibbing. And most things can be booked last minute too. 14. Rats....that is all. 15. Sleeper buses are pretty good and cheap....EXCEPT going from Hanoi to Sapa. Pay a bit extra and get the train. 16. There is always a happy hour somewhere and it is more like a happy 6 hours....lol. 17. Spring Rolls are definitely the best food anywhere. 18. If you don't like fish sauce....don't eat any of the dipping sauces. 19. Vietnamese coffee is REALLY strong....and REALLY small.....but I loved the iced coffee. 20. Be brave and hire a moped in the smaller places. You will definitely see more and have fun doing it. 21. Snorting, hoiking and spitting is obviously quite acceptable along with picking your nose. Must see places: 1. Hoi An 2. Halong Bay 3. Sapa Sorry there are not many positives in this but this was how we saw it. I am sure many others come here and love it and want to come back. Maybe doing everything as a tour would be easier but that is not what we want to do. Anyway we hope you have enjoyed our adventures so far and we can guarantee the Thailand blogs will be 99% positive. Alvo & Tanya xo