I am from Sri Lanka. I disagree with the point that Thai people are friendlier than Vietnamese people. In my experience, in general (not all), Thai people are friendlier towards caucasian people than people of darker complexions like me. When I first traveled to VN, I found that people were genuinely nice and friendly. A few sellers I spoke to were happy to know that I am from Sri Lanka, apparently, people from India have a bad reputation for bargaining down to the last cent ( Doesn't help me when I look like I am from India). I also found that it was much easier making Vietnamese friends than Thai friends. I never got that same warm welcome feeling in Thailand. So that is one of the main reasons I became a fan of Vietnam and why I keep returning. This is just my personal view.

The first time I visited Vietnam was in February of 1991. I am an American male an it was one of the greatest experiences of my young life. I spent 30 days traveling from Saigon up to Hanoi via shared mini buses, trains, taxis, and regular passenger buses with live stock. The energy, passion, and work ethic that I witnessed at that time was nothing I had ever experienced in the more than 100 countries I had traveled through. I knew at that time Vietnam had so much potential. I always felt kind of special and loved in your country that I haven't experienced elsewhere.

I taught high school in Albuquerque N.M. I had a lot of Vietnamese students. They were not only good to their teacher, but worked hard in school. Be proud of your people. Bill Collins

as a native , i would say the point number 2 and 4 are not entirely true - we don't use taxi not only because they are more expensive but the driver sometimes scam you and take the longer route for more money - the street food is not always save to eat, not every stalls make their own food, they might buy it in bulk from unknown sources to lower the price and it can make you sick, to avoid that, just don't buy the one that suspiciously cheap i don't want to bash my country but people are people, there're good people and there're bad people be safe out there!😁

I'm glad you liked the video :) You have an amazing country and I did my best to unpack some of its incredible culture! Hope to visit again soon.

Hey, you are doing an amazing job in promoting our Vietnamese culture. I am so proud of you. Good job.

OMG, your voice when you speak Vietnamese with North Accent so adorable!!!! while you switch to speak in English, you seem so active, full of energy! Love your video! Keep it up, many foreigners need to know about Vietnam, our lovely culture, traditions!!!!!

"Don''t skip street local food".. I 100000% agree!!..

Vietnam is one of my dream destination. KEEP SAFE EVERYONE!

He forgot to mention the most important rule when you are in Ho Chi Minh City, DON'T holds out your phone or cameras in public!! Phone and purse-snatchers are rampant there.

I agree with you that the vietnamese people are super friendly! In my opinion and after traveling to over 23 countries mostly in southern Europe. But the vietnamese people are the friendliest people that I've ever met! That's the main reason why my wife and I decided to move from the U.S. to Vietnam and it's also an amazingly beautiful country that is very safe and has really good food. We want to be anywhere else in the world. IT'S AMAZINGLY AWESOME! If you haven't been to Vietnam, you're missing a great experience!

Good job Van! I like to visit Vietnam one day! You’re very good at presenting and providing your views! Vietnamese people are really friendly and beautiful! Thank for sharing it!

Hi Van! Stumbled across your channel recently, and really like the videos I've seen so far. I'm mixed Vietnamese born in the U.S., but identify a bit more w/ my Vietnamese side b/c of my upbringing. I've been to Vietnam several times, mostly w/ my Viet family, and while these tips are mostly good, I'd like to add/clarify based on my experience. 1) I'd say stopping is ok, but you don't want to be sudden, and most importantly, don't step back. 2) Taxis can be ok, particularly if you have a group, but you need to be able to identify legit Taxi companies, make sure that they run the meter or you have an agreed price, and it definitely helps if you know how to get to your destination otherwise you may get the run around. If you're by yourself, motor bike (Honda ôm) can be quicker/more convenient than trying to get a Grab. 3) Haggling in Chợ Bến Thành (Ben Thanh Market) or some of the other larger market places may just piss off some of the vendors. Many of these places have put signs up saying that the prices are fixed and that there is no negotiating. Some vendors, however, will still negotiate. Try at your own risk in these larger markets and use some common sense. 4) Not all street food is safe to eat, especially when you go into more rural areas. And don't think because a local tells you it's safe to eat that it's safe for you; they're from there so their body is used to the environment. My family taught me that if I'm unsure, I should watch how the vendor operates. 2 vendors side by side could be drastically different in terms of chances of getting sick. 5) Keep large denominations and small denominations money separate to avoid confusion of giving the wrong money and getting robbed or losing money. 6) I only stay in hotels, and want to make sure I have a place to stay, so definitely not waiting until I get there to book something. Transportation or tours may be different. Decide what's best for you. 7) "Yo" is southern pronunciation vs "Zo" Northern pronunciation 😉 Vietnamese people do tend to be friendly, particularly if you try to speak their language at first. Don't be arrogant expecting everyone to know how to speak English or whatever language you speak.

It is so nice to be able to speak in English to the foreigners about our VN cultures! Good clips but above all, Van is so beautiful! 🙂 chi chuc em nhieu may man!

You are so right about how cheap Grab is. $5/ $6 MAX (which is approx VND 150k) can get you ANYWHERE within Hanoi. I also live 6km from Hoan Kiem (my place was west side of the city) and paying $3 to most places I go.

I had the best experience booking a hotel in Vietnam. The Cassia Cottages in Phi Quoc was amazing. I can’t say about dealing with hotels directly because my wife always dealt with that. As for the people, the people I’ve met in Vietnam have been great!

We were in your beautiful country, just at the beginning of Covid, January 20, 2020. We had fertilized eggs at a vendor in district 7 in Saïgon with my Caucasian husband. The owner didn’t speak a word of English, but since we were filming our experience, he has the kindness to explain to us how to eat the egg. I didn’t know there were a side to crack the egg for a better culinary taste. So indeed, Vietnamese people are very friendly. Just smile at them, there are always a reward of kindness around the corner. I miss Viet Nam! ❤

I don't know how much can I tell you I miss vietnam , lived there for several years, , roamed and travelled in over than 45 countries, but vietnam was always my second home , many friends families, and love ones , Vietnam is by far the smiling face of Asia I have covid 19

Vietnamese are extremely welcoming amd so kind, your spot on with the smile first comment because vn people are somewhat abit private and Conservative. I got offered so many drinks and a welcome into houses while walking in countryside.

We were in Nha Trang in 2003 and then again 2005. We stayed at the same hotel. When we got out of the taxi 2nd trip, the receptionist came out to greet the taxi. Her first words were "Why didnt you tell us you were coming". She remembered us from 2003. My son has Vietnamese partner from Hanoi. You couldnt meet a nicer girl.

Watching you do anything is just beautiful. Well done😊

Great tips! I am Thai and feel if you smile, look happy and are kind you get a better experience no matter who you meet in the world! 🇹🇭✌😀🤟

I really love your voice. This video definitely helps me to improve my listening skill.

Great perspective, Van!! So cool to get an “insider” look into how to navigate Vietnam.

Appreciate your sincerity about bargaining with the locals especially tourists. At the end of the day, it’s just a few dollars and you’re on vacation anyway. Remember that you are visiting and will be leaving so give the locals some slack... so spend a little and all parties will enjoy the experience. Cheers!

Vietnam still has many points to improve, hopefully in the future Vietnam will be more beautiful in the eyes of international friends.

I love your videos they are amazing and respectful .

I was Vietnam a few years back. Miss it. Fun. Great vid.

I'm curious about his click-through rate, the thumbnails he uses are something else

Congrats on your first reaction video, Van! You did an amazing job!

I can learn daily conversation English from your channel. Your voice is so cute and I love watching your videos

Another great video, thanks!

That was a great job you did Van. Catching up on your content and enjoying it very much. Keep up the great work!

Thanks for your sharing, many things are useful I need to know more things.

Van, you are so amazing. Your english is sooo good. It's better than most Americans born and raised in the U.S. mainland. Keep it up.

Thích tiếng anh của bạn này quá. Đơn giản mà hiệu quả.

First time I was in Saigon, I didn't cross the street for 2 days so i pretty much walk in circles or go by taxi if I wanted to venture further. Booking on a booking site (booking.com, agoda,.com, travelocity.com,...) is more expensive because it's geared towards tourists. I booked a room online in District 11 last time I was there and thought it was a great deal. When I got there, the price on the sign was way cheaper than what I paid online.

On the online purchase, yes, I found that the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre tickets are cheaper to buy at the counter than online.

Quite pleasant and informative! I really like your comments plus his comments. Please do more like this, Van. Not all the time, just an excellent format alternative.

My experience is that it is more likely to be taken advantage of if you take Grab bike as opposed to taxis Vinasun or Mai Linh. In one of the visit, I saw a fatal accident with a Grab bike. Before that I was scammed by a Grab bike. A big mistake for Americans is to think that they are better than or a part of the local community. I have made 9 visits to Vietnam and I feel that the people are some of the greatest people in the world as well as some of the friendliest. Younger people are more friendly than the elders, as the younger group are curious. With food, you must be careful as street food can be a little rough on the stomach if you are not lucky. There are many restaurants to chose from however, they are not always safe either. So, beware. It is becoming a habit to go to Vietnam as I find the people to be great.

Leaving in vietnam for 2 and half years now and i love it here 😊😊

Thank you Van for another great video !!!

Very informative and up to date. Thanks em for a great advice

You're super cute. I think you're a positive person who always looks at everything with happy eyes

Interesting to see/hear reactions to an American from a Vietnamese "homegirl" on her own turf. LOL BTW, could you do an episode about the ao dai? It is my very favorite dress in the world!

You did perfectly great on your 'reactions' :) More!

Thank you em! This makes me miss HN so very much! I wasn't born in HN; however, have lived there for more than 10 years. Still remember every small corner of the street,... Home sweet home!!! Thank for the video🌼

thanx for ur honesty

Đi qua đường đang đông mà bạn dừng lại là bạn chọn cái chết 😂😂😂. Mạnh mẽ lên 💪

I am coming to Vietnam by the end of October. Your announcement may be helpful for us

I moved from Hawaii to Vietnam, i was having so much fun but then my alarm woke me up.

I’m planning for a trip to Da Nang, but starting my research to your country you have featured prominently. Chris Lewis and Max Mcfarlin are also my favourites. One lives in HCMC and the other in Hanoi. “Cheers” or “go” is definitely one of this words pronounced differently from North to south. I’m using Rosetta Stone, but it’s too early for me to determine what tone or accent I’m going to be using. Thanks for your content!

Great video. You gave realistic feedback. I think you should be a foodie tour guide. Small group of 5. I can't wait to visit Vietnam one day and really dive into the culture.

I am going to find some youtube videos for studying Eng. Randomly, your video appeared and that help me alot in daily English communication. I’ve already subscribed and will follow you in further content. Thanks so much and wish you have a good powerful energy to make more video!!

Going off on a wild tangent here. I'm not sure why but I always imagine that Vietnam is a country with some outstanding ghost stories.

i would not book a hotel in person for two reasons: I use a webpage to check every detail of the room: Soundproofing, balcony, squared metres, bed, etc. I cannot ask for all of that just to save a few dollars. Besides, i am more comfortable knowing where and how i am going to sleep before arriving to an unknown place. Accommodation is already cheap in Vietnam, i reserve the adventure part for other petty things.

I dont know why but i understand everything this woman say. My english level is medium-low. She comunicate very easily without complications and what she say is very well told.

Van, you need to make a video on the differences between north and south. Languages, customs

Thanks! Very informative content.👍👍🇵🇭

VNese people are not looking friendly like Thai people but your people are good heart and kindly like Thai people.....from point of view of Thai people who have a chance to visit Saigon more than 40times :)

Good informative video.

I never bargain when I know the price is already good and I see the need and effort of those selling.

Right of the bat your videos have been great !! Thank you for all your hard work :)

seeing that your channel is grown over 13k keep up the good work

Well I always book the hotels online because I do not want to miss out on the room that I want. It might be cheaper to book offline but then its a big chance you end up taking! So I agree with Van on this point. FOr other local transits (bus, train) or bike rentals, always afer and better to book offline in person.

Nice em👏👏🤗. It’s good you think about the hard working people. 🙌🙌

LOL, I am catching up on your videos considering I stumbled on it. I enjoy it from your perspective as a Vietnamese. I do watch the other two American KZfaq channels from Vietnam.

I've just hit the subscribe button, I love watching your videos. It's pleasant to see your travel, introduce local sights and foods even I live here in VN. Keep up your good work!

This is a hilarious video abt VN's culture. I really love your accent and energy. It motivates me to study English, but I think it will be better if it has the subtitle bcs sometimes I can't regconise and know the words that you say. Thanks for all the videos that you've made. They're helpful to even a Vietnamese like me. Love you the beautiful girl. I will support you.

Hi Van, your reaction so interesting and smart! like you see the marking strategy of selling Vietnamese Pizzas next to soya milk:) proud of you. Thanks!

You were born and grew up in VN? Wow! Your English skill is awesome!

Yes. It’s very Helpful to me. Thanks

Maybe in the future, you could talk about the differences between North and South Vietnamese, or even North and South Vietnamese girls.

xem hết video của em luôn rồi, ngoài bắc cẩn thận trước covid nhé em!

Saigon is where I was born in so yes I am Vietnamese [Gosh Dang!!!!] 🇻🇳

more of your views on vietnam like this would be great. thanks in advance for making videos! from HOUSTON, TX, USA

That's right - when travelling I am always trying to find the accommodation online, paying attention to the price/quality, location and amenities. Also, I always look at the pictures and read reviews. If I find a suitable place and satisfying price, this is the place that I am going to book (from the comfort of my home, online, paying with my currency safely out of my bank account). It may be not perfect, but I have a place booked and my mind free from this issue when in a hectic, unfamiliar place, like Saigon, tired after the journey with the luggage and without knowledge of the city or local language; the last activity that I want to think of is looking for a hotel door-to-door, and haggling over $2 per night (otherwise I am a die-hard haggler). If you think about it - not booking online in advance may have a quite opposite effect - you may end up paying double the price for a place that you will hate later.

Brilliant tips. Thank you so much

U did great 😊

For crossing the street, I'd also add, "don't panic." Sometimes foreigners get nervous and try to run at the end...that's a good way to get hit. And it sounds cliche but although Vietnamese isn't the kind of language you'll just pick up without a lot of effort, it's 100% worth that effort. Also - you will certainly go to some of the touristic markets like Bến Thành, but make an effort to visit some markets in more residential areas. There's a great one in District 3 west of Cao Thắng St. and another one between Nguyễn Thượng Hiên and Vườn Chuối Streets (Chợ Vườn Chuối). That's where find everyday people going about their business and where sellers will really be nice, especially if you have gotten a little Vietnamese under your belt. My last suggestion is to find a place to stay in a more typical neighborhood, especially if you're going to stay in a place more than just a couple days. If you go to local eating and shopping spots, you'll really feel a part of the place quickly. The only downside is that you'll be sadder when it's finally time to leave...😢

The scenery and you make me wanna go back again. 😭

Hi Van Vu..., Interesting video with lots of information ( 7 Things NOT to Do in Vietnam ). I learned a lot, and I think you picked up a couple of tips on Vietnam. Crossing the street in the video was very important to me and probably saved my life... LOL Your comments or help were a big help, and I thank you for sharing the video... Van..., One Question: #1) "Can you please do a video on the difference between North Vietnam and South Vietnam ?" Or... have you already done a video with information ? There seem to be a lot of differences between the North and the South, including culture and rental property, and cost of living... I hope so... Van..., You are a "beautiful Vietnamese young lady" and very intelligent, and I am ( very proud of you ) and your accomplishments... Looking forward to more videos and information... Mike in Montana :)

Hello from Indonesia

This video made me your new subscriber :). I greatly enjoyed your comments and responses while constantly being amazed by how similar you are to one of my sweet nieces. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos and best of luck to all that you do in Vietnam/US.

Love your video. Last visit to Vietnam was 30 years ago. Still have fond memories. Time to go back after the pandemic.

I have been to Vietnam 6 times now and I love it there - I hope to retire in Vietnam.

Thanks Van for making these videos , Love Ha Noi

You did fine. Keep it up!

5:21 There's a guy that used to be on the TV where I am from that streams now. He said he was in I think Thailand a good few years ago. And he made a similar point. Though not quite the same. He basically knew he was being scammed but he thought about how much it actually was he was being scammed out of vs how much it was probably worth to the person scamming him. And he just basically gave it to them because it ultimately didn't really matter.

love this channel😻

Loved the video!!!! and the over arching comments. Not being able to travel a truly miss the friendliness of the the VN people, so very hospitable.

Absolutely agreed! I've felt the same while visiting shops and malls in Thailand! Their attitude differences towards westerns and south-east Asians (brown people more precisely) are quite significant!

that was a great review, i really appriciated your feedback / reactions you did great. Could you do a top 5 or 10 hotels in Hanoi that would be helpful too! Maybe good safe area to stay where things are walking distance or a video of travel to Sapa, north Vietnam, etc. Cheers

OMG u r so so soo pretty! Thank you for advertise Vietnam by the way ^^

I don’t agree with not using Taxis. Taxis are the most easiest transportation to find, not as fun but the easiest to find. They are located everywhere. When using Grab you have to wait a bit for them to arrive. Depend on where your driver is located. Just use VinaSun or Mai Linh for the Taxis.

Great reaction video my beautiful friend. Yes more!👍

I grew up in Taiwan so I was used to playing doedgem. :) I think my Vietnamese friends were almost fainting each time I crossed the road. I'd just step out and go.

When I was there the traffic scared me the most. I didn't leave the house for the first few days since I was so overwhelmed.

Excellent video. I like how your loving & caring come through. Good job. Rock on

I also think for American , hanoian accent is easier to hear but I’m from the south so it is difficult for me. But, if you ever listened to Hue accent and you’re able to understand, then I’m proud of you bc I cannot understand any hue accents.