I agree with you that alcohol drinking culture for ‘strengthening’ relationships needs to undergo some major changes. Maybe someone has to reveal true statistics related to the diseases and cancers directly related to too frequent alcohol consumptions. On the list of cancers, it would be cancers of the colorectal, female breast, larynx, liver, esophagus, oral cavity, and pharynx, AND the most common, liver cirrhosis and pancreatitis. Talking about the problem is a STRENGTH, not a WEAKNESS, so thank you for sharing this and please stay healthy and beautiful.
Although I’m sure the traffic is stressful for the Vietnamese, it flows much better compared to where I come from. I used to drive from the airport to D7 nearly every day, but it still wasn’t as stressful as the traffic in Orlando.
Your take on the weather is so accurate. My brain doesn't work well from 11-2.00 pm, the nap culture is quite helpful for beating the soaring heat! Great video, Van!
Im learning vietnamese and ive been to Vietnam, I absolutely love the people, so incredibly kind and helpful. One thing I have learnt is that I cant make crass or dirty jokes or even send some adult themed memes to them, they dont like it, they are far too graceful and modest for that , but I love that about them! Here in the US everything is Ultra sexualized and maybe I need to unlearn a lot!
Vietnamese women do not like crass or sex jokes, even in the US. We generally are slightly more conservative in that regard compared to women in other countries.
Well, as a Vietnamese in the middle part, I don’t really agree with your number 7. Tet is so special and as a 26 year-old girl, I always wait for Tet to unite with my family and prepare things with them. For those people who are distant to family, Tet is always a motivation for them to come back.
Thôi đi bà ơi. Chắc người giúp việc phụ bà dọn dẹp? Phụ bà nấu đồ ăn? Rửa chén dùm bà? Chồng bà chắc best phụ giúp ko để bà động tay động chân. Mỗi dịp Tết đến mẹ tôi phải dọn dẹp nấu 1 bữa cúng ĐƠN GIẢN (nghĩa đen) mà tôi còn thấy cực. Chị tôi làm dâu, đi làm cả năm, mong ngày nghỉ được nghỉ ngơi, mẹ chồng thì ở nhà cả CẢ NĂM RẢNH RỖI, Tết nào cũng lồng làm lộn, chị tui phụ lòi bản họng. Cái này là thực tế, THỰC TẾ! Chị vlogger ko hề chê bai Tết, chị nói Tết khá stress. Chứ chẳng ai không mong tụ hội với gia đình. Tết là truyền thống cần được giữ gìn. Đừng hành xác nhau là được.
Definitely DO NOT underestimate the traffic and heat in HCM!! I tried this while riding scooters in the WINTER and within a few a hours I had bought a full ninja outfit!! The sun, heat and the heat reflecting from the pavement combined with dust, horns and traffic everywhere will definitely give you a workout as a westerner!!
Been watching your videos from the last six months and i always wanted to visit Vietnam. I’m happy i finally get to visit next month. Already made a list of places to go. Looking forward to exploring the beautiful country ❤
Out of those "english teachers" that only give definitions for some very advance or very simple vocabulary on youtube, the way you did your videos is just more practical and efficient to learn. Really like your videos. Hope to see more of them
I visited HCM City in 2018. It was a great city to visit but the traffic chaos was quite shocking. I was trying to cross a huge expressway dividing the Ho Chi Minth Square and the Dong Nai riverbank. Suffice to say, that was perhaps the most harrowing road crossing experience in my life 😀
Thank you so much for your video, it's help me a lot to improve my English everyday. Hope you have a good health and alway keep your energy to bring more valueble contents for expats and other English learners like me. Love
When I first went to Vietnam, I also found the 10,000 and 100,000 notes look similar. Yes the traffic is intense but I'd call it organized chaos: somehow it seems to work. What was most disappointing for me were cluttered footpaths and the lack of them altogether. I like to walk around the cities that I visit, but in Vietnam this was especially difficult. Sometimes I had to cross bridges with no footpaths and I was basically walking on the road with lots of busy traffic rushing past me. People were probably thinking "stupid foreigner, why doesn't he get a taxi" lol
Prevalence of MSG isn't just a Vietnam thing. In the UK you find it in most savory processed snacks and premade foods. The weather thing can be a serious issue. When I went to Egypt there were signs in the hotel warning tourists not to go out at mid day and they closed all outdoor activities at mid day to prevent sun stroke.
I was mesmerized by this lovely Viet lady who speak English fluently, articulate, precise and effortless as if it's natural to her.Incridible...MABUHAY! I'm your new subscriber from the Philippines... GOD BLESS!
For me, I always ignore the last 3 zeros of the notes. I also dislike sharing the sidewalks with motorbikes. MSG is also widely used in HCMC especially Pho.
I lived in vietnam for almost 2 years and the bum gun cured an chronic itchy wound on my asshoe that had been there for a decade. Every time I wipe the wound would reopen, and it was too embarrassing to go to the doctor about it. When I went back home I immediately installed a bum-gun 😆
Actually, MSG is neither good nor bad for your health. I admit that some people are allergic to MSG, but MSG naturally occurs in Asian cooking. Soy sauce, fish sauce, seaweed, kimchi, cured meat, and pickled vegetable.
MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a flavor enhancer. The FDA classified it as a "generally safe food ingredient" and is usually listed in all snack products in the USA.
Yes but if you put too much of MSG you will feel very thirsty afterward. I know which stores put too much MSG after I eat their food if I feel very thirsty then I know they have put too much MSG and I never go to that place again
My biggest frustration in Hanoi is that the sidewalk is impossible to walk on because of parked motorcycles, restaurant tables and goods for sale. This forces you to walk on the street which is very dangerous.
Feel ya, but then I realised that I absolutely love the ‘street culture’ of VN, which monopolises those spaces. It’s a trade-off, I suppose. Was far worse when I lived in a desert city in Arabia - no street culture, land cruisers and other massive vehicles everywhere, no side-walks, and scores of really psycho drivers who would rather run you down than damage their precious vehicles. Much prefer VN
7 things I hate in Vietnam, as a tourist air pollution: white dust air may cause asthma and lung cancer noise: midnight karaoke doesn't let me sleep, beep sound also so noisy unleashed dogs: If I were bitten, I might get rabies. traffic: even if pedestrians walking on the crosswalk, cars and motorcycles are running through. sidewalks are full of parked cars and motorcycles so where can they walk? transportation: few option. bus, motorcycle, taxi. Indeed, metro exists but there is only 1 line in limited area of Hanoi garbage: everybody throw garbage everywhere on the street tout: annoying motorcycle and taxi drivers
Great info on the weather + drinking😵🍺!. I resigned from my job here in Adelaide, Australia and I'm heading to Guyana in South America first. Then probably Vietnam (which is slowly opening up again) to chill out😎. Saving a home building deposit ('downpayment') has killed me!. Cheers 👍
Golly, your English is lovely to listen to thank you so much for trying so hard I appreciate its difficult for you people consequently it's obvious you've worked at it hard thank you miss❤️
Personally, I would agree with most of your point beside the number 6 (Im a bum gun guy XD) and 7. About the 7, Tet in VietNam is similar to Christmas / Thanksgiving in America (and some others western country). Its the time where family (and sometime friends) gathering, having some traditional hearty meal. Ofc the preparation would require time and effort (Cleaning up your house, making meals, shopping for stuffs, etc) but its worth the effort after all. And about the lucky money stuff, just consider it as "Chrismas gift".
I appreciate having idea what to expect to reduce culture shock & reduce my embarrassment from ignorance. Knowing what problems to expect helps prepare so it won't be as frustrating. Then I'll better enjoy the lovely aspects of the places I might visit.
Hi! Thank you for sharing so many cool and helpful things! My spouse and I are thinking about making the big move to Vietnam and your videos are awesome! I had a question, foreigners wearing traditional dress for the purpose of learning the culture and to immerse themselves in the culture, thoughts and opinions?
Wealthy people and certain businesses may not like cash but many others do. Cash means instant liquidity which a huge percentage of locals in a developing country need for their daily lives.
Thank you for sharing another great video I like the Vietnam culture and I love to learn more and you have been a big help to me some of the things you discussed I do agree traffic is a problem I can see preparation for events I'm sure it's very stressful
Video hay lắm cô Vân ơi! That sucks about money looking so much alike. Is Uncle Ho on every denomination? And I have a friend who lives in Nha Trang who is a non-drinker and it is very stressful for her when she is expected to drink with her co-workers at after-work gatherings, which is very often. And totally understandable about all the stress around Tết. Very similar to the stress we feel around Christmas time. I'm an atheist, so it's even worse when people ask me what I'm doing "to celebrate Christmas this year." Ugh...
First time I came back to visit Vietnam 7 years ago, I was also get sick because of the summer heat. It was not as hot as in Arizona or Texas, but high humidity and polluted air while riding a motorcycle at noon take me down for several days. Since then when I visit Vietnam, I only go out at night time or really early in the morning to enjoy delicious breakfasts.
I feel number 5 so much...!!! I had to deal with so many drinking business meetings here in Vietnam, even if I am not that much into alchool. Always so hard to refuse it politely without looking weak or weird!
@SKIP ROCHE 🇻🇳 do it, and keep your rule, and tell them in advance before you accept to go to the party. Acctually, drinking habit of Vietnamese changed a lot since last 20 years, 20 years ago, you can't reject once you sit at the table, now people are more respect other choice and not mụch kind of "forced to drink" but becarefull when you attend a party in rural area 😁
Pro tip- for Americans traveling to VN- pack your own toilet paper in your suitcase. The hotels and guess houses will have paper- but it’s nothing like you are used to Use the bum gun - then a few pats with your paper is all you need. The bathroom situation in VN was a little surprise for me. No one warned me. And if you are in the country side. It’s even more of a shock at first.
I definitely wouldn't categorize Saigon heat as dry, the humidity kills me most of the year. I moved from Saigon to Soc Trang to avoid the crazyness of Saigon, way too noisy. When it comes to drinking, I agree. I gave alcohol up many years ago. But, to avoid being disrespectful, I usually just sip on a beer. However, none of these things prevents me from enjoying my life in Vietnam. Best place I've ever lived.
Vietnamese lunar new year Tet tradition is similar to Japanese new year tradition. 1. In Japan osechi ryori an ornate variety of traditional food bento box is prepared to last several days so that cooking is not required 2. Business typically shut down for several days however convenience stores and fast food remain open 3. The little cash envelope for kids is also here 4. In a way the Asian New Year reminds me of the western Christmas family gathering dinner/gifts fyi : 1. In Japan the Christmas food includes chicken due to KFC successful marketing, even in the year of the great tsunami 2011 people lined up in front of the KFC 2. bum gun is another form of what is called washlet, I bet Japanese tourist would stay at Vietnamese hotel advertising washlet over one without.
Washroom spray gun is the best invention. Ever. I'm surprised you don't carry around toilet paper in your handbag. You can remove the cardboard tube and compress it, by the way. Anyway, westerners who return home after spending a fair bit of time in Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam, always miss the spray gun. I hate going back to Canada, even for a month, because we don't have that washroom feature. Strangely enough, some malls and markets in SEA often do not install the spray gun or even toilet paper -- for those emergencies. Ahem. Another great presentation, Van.
When I lived in Texas the Vietnamese people were the most wonderful tradespeople. In all trades….medical,food etc.I miss bahn mi! I can’t find a decent one in NW RURAL GA.
I think the Bum-Gun should be regarded as the eighth wonder of the world, a giant leap for mankind. I have saved millions by not buying toilet paper because of the Bum-Gun!
Most of the Vietnamese people I know in the US are hard workers and they tend to be responsible. Also, most of my wife's Vietnamese friends tend to be smart and successful... a fairly large percentage of her Viet friends are extremely talented and successful + modest. Which makes for a Nice Combination! 👍
What you wrote is the complete opposite of the reality. We call this 'Lying'. If they're how you described, then why they don't reproduce this in their own country?
@@shawnmoore7517 You are 100% wrong as you are not detail-oriented and you do not truly understand US-based Vietnamese people - nor the general differences between them and the ones in Vietnam. Vietnamese Americans actually have just about the same household income in the US as White people and they typically earn more than US people of color. Yet many of them came to the US with English as a 2nd language. Vietnamese Americans oftentimes do well in school as they work at it harder than the average American so they generally perform better than the average American. Vietnamese Americans typically have parents who are much more strict than the average American parents and they demand good grades and respect from their children. They typically instill more discipline in their offspring than typical Americans. The Vietnamese American dynamic is the same as the Indian American dynamic. The #1 household earners in the US by race - are Indians and it is by a lot. But India is a poor country with high illiteracy rates so how come most of the Spelling B winners in the US are Indian? How come the 2nd largest group of engineers at NASA are Indian? How come there is such a high percentage of US doctors that are Indian? It should be easy to see: The higher level, more Intelligent Indians move to the US and therefore, we get some of the most talented and intelligent Indians in the US. But they only make up a very small percentage of the overall population in their own country. The same dynamic is true with the US Vietnamese - we generally get a higher level of quality of Vietnamese individuals in the US than the average person in Vietnam. More intelligent, more motivated, and more talented. Both US-based individuals from the 2 races want to live a better life and come to the US to fulfill this desire. And they usually have the resources to do it - Ie. money, etc. But the lower-level folks in their own countries do not have these resources so they are limited to their own countries. I have several friends in BOTH races and I know this to be a FACT. You've been educated for free based on years of my own real-world experience - you are welcome. And don't tell people they are 'lying' when you are 100% devoid of understanding a topic... it's a bad look + highlights your lack of intelligence.
@@viettastic1 Again what you wrote is the complete reality. It's especially the complete opposite of what I saw in Vietnam. I hate to say this but Vietnam is ridiculously barbaric. I saw barbaric and shameless behaviors everywhere.. It's filled with dishonest and selfish people who care about nothing... and you're talking about Vietnamese working for NASA as it's the standard. Are you kidding? It's a culture thing. Everything is about saving face in this culture. Your comment reflects it. It's fair to say that Vietnamese parents push their kids to school so they can use them as trophies. That's typical.
Item #5 -- Drinking Culture: I do not drink alcohol -- haven't for over ten years. For me, it is not a discretionary option -- one for which I can just choose moderation. So... What is the most polite, respectful, but yet effective, manner to decline an offer of alcohol for a person who does not -- indeed CANNOT -- drink?
The best (pay) public toilet I've ever used was in Hội An. It was a fancy Toto bidet model complete with dryer. No need for toilet paper. But as an American who's been to SE Asia a number of times, I really like the bum gun, too.
The climate in Vietnam is similar in my country Philippines. It goes to summer. Exceptions of Baguio City, because of the high elevation is mountainous terrain.
Chị ơi, em nghĩ rằng chị nên thay đổi tiêu đề ạ. Riêng em thì em rất nhớ về Tết ạ, tại em đang đi học ở nước ngoài và mỗi năm đến Tết, em lại nhớ mẫm cỗ ngày Tết và các truyền thống ở Việt Nam ạ. Em mong chị có thể tìm hiểu kĩ hơn trước khi đưa ra quan điễm của người VN nói chung đến quốc tế ạ. Chúc chị sức khỏe ạ!
Love the 'what the pho' name! Maybe pulling American facial expressions when doing a UA-cam video should be added to your list - LOL? Anyway, WRT cash, in the USA (the land of the super-intelligent) all the cash notes are the same colour and same size... DUH!!
When I go to Vietnam, the first thing is get money from ATM which is basically all 500k bills. and the next thing is get a grab bike or car.... so hopefully those drivers around the airports expect to receive the large bills haha.
Saigon is not dry,.it's very humid,, at tet you have to"clean the house', in the UK we clean the house almost every day, this always gets me about Tet, interesting
A Canadian penny and an American penny are almost identical when it comes to weight and material that they use to make it although Canada I think has done away with the penny altogether. And there is a Korean coin that is the exact same shape and weight as an American 25 cent piece. And in Britain there is I think a three pence old piece that is about the same size as an American dime although using different material. And in Canada they put a particular character on their $5 bill people have been drawing that in so that it looks like Leonard nimoy or Spock from the Star Trek series. And everybody writes on the Canadian $5 bill live long and prosper
On currency... In Thailand, I've noticed that it's sometimes difficult to keep enough small bills so that making change is not a burdon on small shops, street vendors, taxi's, etc. Often, I would find myself with a pocket full of money, but hard-pressed to be able to buy something to eat. So where would be the better places to get change for large bills? For example, in Thailand, I would often exchange larger bills for small purchases in one of the many 7/11 Stores (a.k.a. "Shop Seven")... ...because most currency exchange places are very reluctant to provide anything but large bills, which small vendors often will not accept.
Your comments about how Tet changes from your a child to when your adult is same as Christmas in Western countries. It's a lot of of pressure on adult for Christmas. Buy presents, buy food, get the perfect tree. And make the family coming together. But it's family traditions, and when you get kids your self you will see it from a different angle. Enjoy Tet, as we enjoy Christmas, it's a nice time with family 😊
i remember being teased for hoarding my small bills and breaking the big ones whenever i could. when i finally broke down and used a bunch of small bills i took a grab bike and the driver could not break my large bill..... i asked several people to help me break it and they could not. finally a friend showed up that was able to pay for me. also, merchants do not like to make change and will take the money out of your hand if you try to give them a large bill to break but they see you have exact change. to get around this i started keeping some large bills in a separate pocket (preferably with a zipper for protection) that i could take large bills out of and hide any small ones. i do not want to be a burden on them, but it is so hard when you cannot pay for small items because all you have is 500k note.
ps Minneapolis mn. make sure go to thier in spring through the summer months because fall to winter. it's freezing cold if you do, dress very warm. thank you pho...
As a Vietnamese I don't agree with 7 at all tet is a particular time where I got to experience my culture as a Vietnamese/Chinese since I'm adopted I don't really know abt Vietnamese culture I am more educated in Chinese culture when my adoptive mom lets me prepare for tet i feel more connected to my roots where i am from
Bạn có lẽ chưa hiểu vì sao người ta than thở về ngày tết rồi. Không phải họ gét tết do nhiều thứ phải chuẩn bị đâu. Và Thật ra họ rất thích tết. Rất mong đến tết.
To further explain the drinking burden, business dealings in VN mostly revolve around connections (tạo dựng mối quan hệ) & serving your managers (từ đó tạo dựng tâm lý vua tôi trong cty, và vua thì phải có lính hầu, rót rượu, cũng như phi tần), and less about meritocratic talents, so vietnamese people sorta put themselves in a dilemma. You know drinking is bad, but at the same time you cannot refuse drinking because you will lose your place in the hierarchy, similar phenomenon in Japan with hierarchical mindset. Plus, one phenonmenon that is very taboo is prostitution, and sex solicits among people up the food chain (quan chức). Comes from this "vua-tôi" mentality, residual of the feudal system, and this is more evident in the North, for obvious reasons.
Excellent video. The Drinking culture is especially difficult for Foreigners. I am English, at various celebrations many Vietnamese friends/ relations like to have a drink with me. If that total is 20 plus and the drink is potent country wine it can be a problem. Difficult to refuse as don’t want to offend !
For some reason I think that the traffic in Vietnam would be paradise because there is so much traffic and it's so chaotic I'm wondering there might not be very many traffic tickets. So it might be fun to drive in Southeast Asia dangerous but fun maybe more freedom of driving.
Regarding Tet... I am visiting Vietnam (for the first time) and arriving in Hanoi during Tet... ...this was not by plan, but rather by an oversight in my own planning. My question: Beyond all the possible logistical challenges... -- (that a whole different issue)-- ...what are some things that a first-time visitor (esp. an American) should be aware of so that I don't unintentionally behave in a manner that would be seen as disrespectful to this sacred tradition?
![[GIVEAWAY] 20 FACTS ABOUT ME | WHO IS VAN VU? | WHY WHAT THE PHO? | 20 SỰ THẬT VỀ MÌNH](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/m61Y1Fy-TOQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I agree with you that alcohol drinking culture for ‘strengthening’ relationships needs to undergo some major changes. Maybe someone has to reveal true statistics related to the diseases and cancers directly related to too frequent alcohol consumptions. On the list of cancers, it would be cancers of the colorectal, female breast, larynx, liver, esophagus, oral cavity, and pharynx, AND the most common, liver cirrhosis and pancreatitis. Talking about the problem is a STRENGTH, not a WEAKNESS, so thank you for sharing this and please stay healthy and beautiful.
Thank you :))
@@WhatThePho I never drink
well I only drink vodka on 1 day of the year 30th December
If you know what that’s mean
Although I’m sure the traffic is stressful for the Vietnamese, it flows much better compared to where I come from. I used to drive from the airport to D7 nearly every day, but it still wasn’t as stressful as the traffic in Orlando.
Man, tell me. Try driving through London. That place may as well be the size of the US the amount of time it takes to drive around it 😅
Phuc Map, my man! Here in Southern CA, we sleep at home but live in traffic.
Yes but without 20.thousand deaths per year
interesting, well noted.
Do you not understand Boston?
Your take on the weather is so accurate. My brain doesn't work well from 11-2.00 pm, the nap culture is quite helpful for beating the soaring heat! Great video, Van!
You’re spot on with #2 (msg not good for health) and #3 (motorbike traffic on sidewalk). You’re a natural and your command of English is superb.
Im learning vietnamese and ive been to Vietnam, I absolutely love the people, so incredibly kind and helpful. One thing I have learnt is that I cant make crass or dirty jokes or even send some adult themed memes to them, they dont like it, they are far too graceful and modest for that , but I love that about them! Here in the US everything is Ultra sexualized and maybe I need to unlearn a lot!
Dirty jokes or some adult themed memes, we still do it but with friends or old mans 😁
Vietnamese women do not like crass or sex jokes, even in the US. We generally are slightly more conservative in that regard compared to women in other countries.
yeah you can make dirty jokes, but only between men. Women usually don't share the same humor.
I'm making the move to Vietnam later this year, your channel has helped quite a bit in the decision making progress. Thank you!
So glad to hear that!! 🤗🤗
Well, as a Vietnamese in the middle part, I don’t really agree with your number 7. Tet is so special and as a 26 year-old girl, I always wait for Tet to unite with my family and prepare things with them. For those people who are distant to family, Tet is always a motivation for them to come back.
Thôi đi bà ơi. Chắc người giúp việc phụ bà dọn dẹp? Phụ bà nấu đồ ăn? Rửa chén dùm bà? Chồng bà chắc best phụ giúp ko để bà động tay động chân. Mỗi dịp Tết đến mẹ tôi phải dọn dẹp nấu 1 bữa cúng ĐƠN GIẢN (nghĩa đen) mà tôi còn thấy cực. Chị tôi làm dâu, đi làm cả năm, mong ngày nghỉ được nghỉ ngơi, mẹ chồng thì ở nhà cả CẢ NĂM RẢNH RỖI, Tết nào cũng lồng làm lộn, chị tui phụ lòi bản họng. Cái này là thực tế, THỰC TẾ! Chị vlogger ko hề chê bai Tết, chị nói Tết khá stress. Chứ chẳng ai không mong tụ hội với gia đình. Tết là truyền thống cần được giữ gìn. Đừng hành xác nhau là được.
@@amorulluii5912 thật ra thì t thấy những bạn nào mà ở xa tết về nhà, mà ko phải con trưởng các thứ, thì thường có thể ít phải lo nhiều chuyện
So Tet is the Vietnamese Christmas yeah?
@@ThePhantom712 Tet is the Vietnamese New Year
But is also Chinese New Year
Definitely DO NOT underestimate the traffic and heat in HCM!! I tried this while riding scooters in the WINTER and within a few a hours I had bought a full ninja outfit!! The sun, heat and the heat reflecting from the pavement combined with dust, horns and traffic everywhere will definitely give you a workout as a westerner!!
Ironically, all the things you listed on the video are things I miss about Vietnam. Can't wait to go back next June
Oh no, see you next year :))
Been watching your videos from the last six months and i always wanted to visit Vietnam. I’m happy i finally get to visit next month. Already made a list of places to go. Looking forward to exploring the beautiful country ❤
Out of those "english teachers" that only give definitions for some very advance or very simple vocabulary on youtube, the way you did your videos is just more practical and efficient to learn. Really like your videos. Hope to see more of them
I visited HCM City in 2018. It was a great city to visit but the traffic chaos was quite shocking. I was trying to cross a huge expressway dividing the Ho Chi Minth Square and the Dong Nai riverbank. Suffice to say, that was perhaps the most harrowing road crossing experience in my life 😀
Thank you so much for your video, it's help me a lot to improve my English everyday. Hope you have a good health and alway keep your energy to bring more valueble contents for expats and other English learners like me. Love
When I first went to Vietnam, I also found the 10,000 and 100,000 notes look similar. Yes the traffic is intense but I'd call it organized chaos: somehow it seems to work. What was most disappointing for me were cluttered footpaths and the lack of them altogether. I like to walk around the cities that I visit, but in Vietnam this was especially difficult. Sometimes I had to cross bridges with no footpaths and I was basically walking on the road with lots of busy traffic rushing past me. People were probably thinking "stupid foreigner, why doesn't he get a taxi" lol
Nobody cares what you think.
I think you mean the 10k and 200k, both being a similar off-yellow shade.
6:15 - the solution is so simple! We just need to carry toilet paper to dry... there's no better way to clean yourself than the bum gun 😜
Recently been watching your channel. Very interesting and informative since I now have met new friends from Vietnam. Thank you.
Prevalence of MSG isn't just a Vietnam thing. In the UK you find it in most savory processed snacks and premade foods.
The weather thing can be a serious issue. When I went to Egypt there were signs in the hotel warning tourists not to go out at mid day and they closed all outdoor activities at mid day to prevent sun stroke.
Another fun and enlightening video. Thanks Van 👍😁⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you so much for sharing the video! It’s really helpful! I learned a lot from it! You’re so nice and beautiful! ❤
I was mesmerized by this lovely Viet lady who speak English fluently, articulate, precise and effortless as if it's natural to her.Incridible...MABUHAY! I'm your new subscriber from the Philippines... GOD BLESS!
For me, I always ignore the last 3 zeros of the notes. I also dislike sharing the sidewalks with motorbikes. MSG is also widely used in HCMC especially Pho.
The bidet is way more hygienic especially in a tropical/humid climate - Besides, 🧻 and the bidet do not have to be mutually exclusive. 🤷
Use paper towel afterward, not toilet paper if you don't want to pick off scraps of tissues from your hand.
@@prcr8tion Only possible at home or hotel.
I lived in vietnam for almost 2 years and the bum gun cured an chronic itchy wound on my asshoe that had been there for a decade. Every time I wipe the wound would reopen, and it was too embarrassing to go to the doctor about it. When I went back home I immediately installed a bum-gun 😆
@@tigeruppercut2000 funny but not really - It’s an important health message….
Awesome video. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to visiting Vietnam again in the near future.
Weather here in Texas is unpredictable it’s cold in the morning and get’s burning hot in the day
although it’s fall! [Gosh Dang!!!!]
Xin can ơn Vân, for this video we can learn more things and love more easily in Vietnam 🇻🇳
This is so informative. Keep up the great work 👏🏽👏🏽✨✨
🥰🥰🥰
Actually, MSG is neither good nor bad for your health. I admit that some people are allergic to MSG, but MSG naturally occurs in Asian cooking. Soy sauce, fish sauce, seaweed, kimchi, cured meat, and pickled vegetable.
MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a flavor enhancer. The FDA classified it as a "generally safe food ingredient" and is usually listed in all snack products in the USA.
@@doantube22 MSG was first discovered and extracted from seaweed by Japanese, then used as an flavor enhancer.
People are not allergic to MSG, LOL. It's all in their head.
Yes but if you put too much of MSG you will feel very thirsty afterward. I know which stores put too much MSG after I eat their food if I feel very thirsty then I know they have put too much MSG and I never go to that place again
You look very charming, especially when you talk. Thanks for the videos, I enjoy watching them. How long did you stay in America and what state?
I stayed in Michigan for 7 years
My biggest frustration in Hanoi is that the sidewalk is impossible to walk on because of parked motorcycles, restaurant tables and goods for sale. This forces you to walk on the street which is very dangerous.
true haha
Feel ya, but then I realised that I absolutely love the ‘street culture’ of VN, which monopolises those spaces. It’s a trade-off, I suppose.
Was far worse when I lived in a desert city in Arabia - no street culture, land cruisers and other massive vehicles everywhere, no side-walks, and scores of really psycho drivers who would rather run you down than damage their precious vehicles. Much prefer VN
7 things I hate in Vietnam, as a tourist
air pollution: white dust air may cause asthma and lung cancer
noise: midnight karaoke doesn't let me sleep, beep sound also so noisy
unleashed dogs: If I were bitten, I might get rabies.
traffic: even if pedestrians walking on the crosswalk, cars and motorcycles are running through. sidewalks are full of parked cars and motorcycles so where can they walk?
transportation: few option. bus, motorcycle, taxi. Indeed, metro exists but there is only 1 line in limited area of Hanoi
garbage: everybody throw garbage everywhere on the street
tout: annoying motorcycle and taxi drivers
Great info on the weather + drinking😵🍺!. I resigned from my job here in Adelaide, Australia and I'm heading to Guyana in South America first. Then probably Vietnam (which is slowly opening up again) to chill out😎. Saving a home building deposit ('downpayment') has killed me!. Cheers 👍
Love your video journalism. This is an excellent source of information on a very interesting culture.
Và việc dùng xịt nữa, rất sạch và thường các nhà vs công cộng đều có giấy, nếu k e có thể cbi giấy để lau sau khi xịt.
du meh mike
du meh mike again
Golly, your English is lovely to listen to thank you so much for trying so hard I appreciate its difficult for you people consequently it's obvious you've worked at it hard thank you miss❤️
Personally, I would agree with most of your point beside the number 6 (Im a bum gun guy XD) and 7.
About the 7, Tet in VietNam is similar to Christmas / Thanksgiving in America (and some others western country). Its the time where family (and sometime friends) gathering, having some traditional hearty meal. Ofc the preparation would require time and effort (Cleaning up your house, making meals, shopping for stuffs, etc) but its worth the effort after all. And about the lucky money stuff, just consider it as "Chrismas gift".
Haha that's funny, thank you for sharing!
I appreciate having idea what to expect to reduce culture shock & reduce my embarrassment from ignorance. Knowing what problems to expect helps prepare so it won't be as frustrating. Then I'll better enjoy the lovely aspects of the places I might visit.
Hi! Thank you for sharing so many cool and helpful things! My spouse and I are thinking about making the big move to Vietnam and your videos are awesome! I had a question, foreigners wearing traditional dress for the purpose of learning the culture and to immerse themselves in the culture, thoughts and opinions?
Yess, that would be dope!!!
Even the cold weather is different. I got sick often in the winter because of the difference from Hung Yen and Texas cold. I had a cold fever😅
I'm always glad to hear that people who live in hot, humid, places aren't thrilled by it either.
Enjoy watching your vlog. It’s useful learning vietnam culture and funny 😄
Wealthy people and certain businesses may not like cash but many others do. Cash means instant liquidity which a huge percentage of locals in a developing country need for their daily lives.
Plus the government cannot track you like they can when you use credit cards. In China, they scan your face for transactions. Scary!
I agree with what you said. I used to live in HCMC for 2years. However, I really miss what I had experienced all of Vietnam.
Thank you for sharing another great video I like the Vietnam culture and I love to learn more and you have been a big help to me some of the things you discussed I do agree traffic is a problem I can see preparation for events I'm sure it's very stressful
Happy to hear that! Thank you so much!
Video hay lắm cô Vân ơi! That sucks about money looking so much alike. Is Uncle Ho on every denomination? And I have a friend who lives in Nha Trang who is a non-drinker and it is very stressful for her when she is expected to drink with her co-workers at after-work gatherings, which is very often. And totally understandable about all the stress around Tết. Very similar to the stress we feel around Christmas time. I'm an atheist, so it's even worse when people ask me what I'm doing "to celebrate Christmas this year." Ugh...
First time I came back to visit Vietnam 7 years ago, I was also get sick because of the summer heat. It was not as hot as in Arizona or Texas, but high humidity and polluted air while riding a motorcycle at noon take me down for several days. Since then when I visit Vietnam, I only go out at night time or really early in the morning to enjoy delicious breakfasts.
In USA, you’re not running around all day in the sun. You’re likely in an air conditioned car.
Ah! I want to come there so badly! Another great video! 😀
great to hear that thank you clever girl 👍🌹
Great job, Vân😀🌷.
I feel number 5 so much...!!! I had to deal with so many drinking business meetings here in Vietnam, even if I am not that much into alchool. Always so hard to refuse it politely without looking weak or weird!
@SKIP ROCHE 🇻🇳 Believe or not, when I tried to say something similar, they just told me: 'Uống một chút!' :)))
Haha that's so true!!
@SKIP ROCHE 🇻🇳 do it, and keep your rule, and tell them in advance before you accept to go to the party. Acctually, drinking habit of Vietnamese changed a lot since last 20 years, 20 years ago, you can't reject once you sit at the table, now people are more respect other choice and not mụch kind of "forced to drink" but becarefull when you attend a party in rural area 😁
Love your accent! Very cute :)
Pro tip- for Americans traveling to VN- pack your own toilet paper in your suitcase.
The hotels and guess houses will have paper- but it’s nothing like you are used to
Use the bum gun - then a few pats with your paper is all you need.
The bathroom situation in VN was a little surprise for me.
No one warned me.
And if you are in the country side. It’s even more of a shock at first.
I love What The Pho hi your name is Van! I'm Tj nice to meet you I love Vietnamese...
I definitely wouldn't categorize Saigon heat as dry, the humidity kills me most of the year. I moved from Saigon to Soc Trang to avoid the crazyness of Saigon, way too noisy. When it comes to drinking, I agree. I gave alcohol up many years ago. But, to avoid being disrespectful, I usually just sip on a beer. However, none of these things prevents me from enjoying my life in Vietnam. Best place I've ever lived.
I hope you meant sip on a beer, I can't imagine to many bears in Vietnam, lol
@@DHarri9977 😂😂 fixed it! Hihi
@@heinrichlombard6416 He he
Rất đúng và rất hay, xin cám ơn Cô Vân.
I agree drinking should be a choice. Nice video, thank you.
Hi Van, I'm from the Mekong delta. Here most families also use MSG to cook but a little bit amount.
I can we be good friends Nhu
Vietnamese lunar new year Tet tradition is similar to Japanese new year tradition.
1. In Japan osechi ryori an ornate variety of traditional food bento box is prepared to last several days so that cooking is not required
2. Business typically shut down for several days however convenience stores and fast food remain open
3. The little cash envelope for kids is also here
4. In a way the Asian New Year reminds me of the western Christmas family gathering dinner/gifts
fyi :
1. In Japan the Christmas food includes chicken due to KFC successful marketing, even in the year of the great tsunami 2011 people lined up in front of the KFC
2. bum gun is another form of what is called washlet, I bet Japanese tourist would stay at Vietnamese hotel advertising washlet over one without.
Washroom spray gun is the best invention. Ever. I'm surprised you don't carry around toilet paper in your handbag. You can remove the cardboard tube and compress it, by the way. Anyway, westerners who return home after spending a fair bit of time in Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam, always miss the spray gun. I hate going back to Canada, even for a month, because we don't have that washroom feature. Strangely enough, some malls and markets in SEA often do not install the spray gun or even toilet paper -- for those emergencies. Ahem. Another great presentation, Van.
😂😂😂
When I lived in Texas the Vietnamese people were the most wonderful tradespeople. In all trades….medical,food etc.I miss bahn mi! I can’t find a decent one in NW RURAL GA.
I think the Bum-Gun should be regarded as the eighth wonder of the world, a giant leap for mankind. I have saved millions by not buying toilet paper because of the Bum-Gun!
Hello Van...another great video.
Thank you !
Such a great video with useful information. Bravo!
Hi Beautiful Vietnamese young Lady! Love you ! Shoutout from tje Philippines!
Most of the Vietnamese people I know in the US are hard workers and they tend to be responsible. Also, most of my wife's Vietnamese friends tend to be smart and successful... a fairly large percentage of her Viet friends are extremely talented and successful + modest. Which makes for a Nice Combination! 👍
What you wrote is the complete opposite of the reality. We call this 'Lying'. If they're how you described, then why they don't reproduce this in their own country?
@@shawnmoore7517 You are 100% wrong as you are not detail-oriented and you do not truly understand US-based Vietnamese people - nor the general differences between them and the ones in Vietnam. Vietnamese Americans actually have just about the same household income in the US as White people and they typically earn more than US people of color. Yet many of them came to the US with English as a 2nd language. Vietnamese Americans oftentimes do well in school as they work at it harder than the average American so they generally perform better than the average American. Vietnamese Americans typically have parents who are much more strict than the average American parents and they demand good grades and respect from their children. They typically instill more discipline in their offspring than typical Americans.
The Vietnamese American dynamic is the same as the Indian American dynamic. The #1 household earners in the US by race - are Indians and it is by a lot. But India is a poor country with high illiteracy rates so how come most of the Spelling B winners in the US are Indian? How come the 2nd largest group of engineers at NASA are Indian? How come there is such a high percentage of US doctors that are Indian? It should be easy to see: The higher level, more Intelligent Indians move to the US and therefore, we get some of the most talented and intelligent Indians in the US. But they only make up a very small percentage of the overall population in their own country.
The same dynamic is true with the US Vietnamese - we generally get a higher level of quality of Vietnamese individuals in the US than the average person in Vietnam. More intelligent, more motivated, and more talented. Both US-based individuals from the 2 races want to live a better life and come to the US to fulfill this desire. And they usually have the resources to do it - Ie. money, etc. But the lower-level folks in their own countries do not have these resources so they are limited to their own countries. I have several friends in BOTH races and I know this to be a FACT.
You've been educated for free based on years of my own real-world experience - you are welcome. And don't tell people they are 'lying' when you are 100% devoid of understanding a topic... it's a bad look + highlights your lack of intelligence.
@@viettastic1 Again what you wrote is the complete reality. It's especially the complete opposite of what I saw in Vietnam. I hate to say this but Vietnam is ridiculously barbaric. I saw barbaric and shameless behaviors everywhere.. It's filled with dishonest and selfish people who care about nothing... and you're talking about Vietnamese working for NASA as it's the standard. Are you kidding? It's a culture thing. Everything is about saving face in this culture. Your comment reflects it. It's fair to say that Vietnamese parents push their kids to school so they can use them as trophies. That's typical.
Item #5 -- Drinking Culture:
I do not drink alcohol -- haven't for over ten years. For me, it is not a discretionary option -- one for which I can just choose moderation.
So...
What is the most polite, respectful, but yet effective, manner to decline an offer of alcohol for a person who does not -- indeed CANNOT -- drink?
drinking has to be a personal matter, some like some don't, attaching it to 'being respectful' only makes things complicated.
wow, one of most eye-opening videos on VN
thank you! :)
Americans: we have cars
Vietnamese: we have MOTORCYCLES!!!!!!
Other countries that have motorcycles: MOTORCYCLES!!!!!!
Awesome video 👍🏼. Keep them coming
In China, the Spring festival is quite similar to the Tet that you mentioned. We are tired of exactly the same things.
The best (pay) public toilet I've ever used was in Hội An. It was a fancy Toto bidet model complete with dryer. No need for toilet paper. But as an American who's been to SE Asia a number of times, I really like the bum gun, too.
My friends at The Alabama Head Injury Foundation and I took a virtual trip to Japan
Hahaha the "bum gun" is much better for the environment than "poop tickets" 😉🤣
In Saigon and Hanoi the sidewalks are used for motorbike parking and you have to walk in the street.
The climate in Vietnam is similar in my country Philippines. It goes to summer. Exceptions of Baguio City, because of the high elevation is mountainous terrain.
Fast Food. There's a reason McDonalds failed miserably in Vietnam (of which I'm so proud).
im a southern vietnamese person and through like the summer its heavily raining from 1pm-4pm ye just pray that the rain doesnt become a tornado
Hi,I am from Philippines!and I am new her in Vietnam.and thanks to your UTube channel.
Thank you and welcome!
I feel so so lucky for you that decided get back to VN .here in America got too much problem even did the very great job for America.
I agree u with the Tet part. The holiday is not that fun anymore, especially considering all the works u have to do.
Chị ơi, em nghĩ rằng chị nên thay đổi tiêu đề ạ. Riêng em thì em rất nhớ về Tết ạ, tại em đang đi học ở nước ngoài và mỗi năm đến Tết, em lại nhớ mẫm cỗ ngày Tết và các truyền thống ở Việt Nam ạ. Em mong chị có thể tìm hiểu kĩ hơn trước khi đưa ra quan điễm của người VN nói chung đến quốc tế ạ. Chúc chị sức khỏe ạ!
The Bum Gun sounds cool. I always grab a few handfulls of napkins whenever I go to 7 11 or Macdonalds, just in case.
Love the 'what the pho' name! Maybe pulling American facial expressions when doing a UA-cam video should be added to your list - LOL? Anyway, WRT cash, in the USA (the land of the super-intelligent) all the cash notes are the same colour and same size... DUH!!
When I go to Vietnam, the first thing is get money from ATM which is basically all 500k bills. and the next thing is get a grab bike or car.... so hopefully those drivers around the airports expect to receive the large bills haha.
Saigon is not dry,.it's very humid,, at tet you have to"clean the house', in the UK we clean the house almost every day, this always gets me about Tet, interesting
Người Việt vào xem video để học tiếng Anh mà em xem đến đoạn rượu thấy chị nói quá đúng 😅
A Canadian penny and an American penny are almost identical when it comes to weight and material that they use to make it although Canada I think has done away with the penny altogether. And there is a Korean coin that is the exact same shape and weight as an American 25 cent piece. And in Britain there is I think a three pence old piece that is about the same size as an American dime although using different material. And in Canada they put a particular character on their $5 bill people have been drawing that in so that it looks like Leonard nimoy or Spock from the Star Trek series. And everybody writes on the Canadian $5 bill live long and prosper
On currency...
In Thailand, I've noticed that it's sometimes difficult to keep enough small bills so that making change is not a burdon on small shops, street vendors, taxi's, etc.
Often, I would find myself with a pocket full of money, but hard-pressed to be able to buy something to eat.
So where would be the better places to get change for large bills?
For example, in Thailand, I would often exchange larger bills for small purchases in one of the many 7/11 Stores (a.k.a. "Shop Seven")...
...because most currency exchange places are very reluctant to provide anything but large bills, which small vendors often will not accept.
I like your list!
Your comments about how Tet changes from your a child to when your adult is same as Christmas in Western countries.
It's a lot of of pressure on adult for Christmas. Buy presents, buy food, get the perfect tree. And make the family coming together.
But it's family traditions, and when you get kids your self you will see it from a different angle.
Enjoy Tet, as we enjoy Christmas, it's a nice time with family 😊
i remember being teased for hoarding my small bills and breaking the big ones whenever i could. when i finally broke down and used a bunch of small bills i took a grab bike and the driver could not break my large bill..... i asked several people to help me break it and they could not. finally a friend showed up that was able to pay for me. also, merchants do not like to make change and will take the money out of your hand if you try to give them a large bill to break but they see you have exact change. to get around this i started keeping some large bills in a separate pocket (preferably with a zipper for protection) that i could take large bills out of and hide any small ones. i do not want to be a burden on them, but it is so hard when you cannot pay for small items because all you have is 500k note.
I like South Vietnam culture just to visit. I would pay attention to all the rules what you say about Vietnam. Thank you gratitude.
ps Minneapolis mn. make sure go to thier in spring through the summer months because fall to winter. it's freezing cold if you do, dress very warm. thank you pho...
I like the vietnamese traditional clothes there beautiful made to wear.
Completely agree. Thank you
I love nem,. Most delicious to me, love see you do something on nem
As a Vietnamese I don't agree with 7 at all tet is a particular time where I got to experience my culture as a Vietnamese/Chinese since I'm adopted I don't really know abt Vietnamese culture I am more educated in Chinese culture when my adoptive mom lets me prepare for tet i feel more connected to my roots where i am from
Bạn có lẽ chưa hiểu vì sao người ta than thở về ngày tết rồi. Không phải họ gét tết do nhiều thứ phải chuẩn bị đâu. Và Thật ra họ rất thích tết. Rất mong đến tết.
To further explain the drinking burden, business dealings in VN mostly revolve around connections (tạo dựng mối quan hệ) & serving your managers (từ đó tạo dựng tâm lý vua tôi trong cty, và vua thì phải có lính hầu, rót rượu, cũng như phi tần), and less about meritocratic talents, so vietnamese people sorta put themselves in a dilemma. You know drinking is bad, but at the same time you cannot refuse drinking because you will lose your place in the hierarchy, similar phenomenon in Japan with hierarchical mindset. Plus, one phenonmenon that is very taboo is prostitution, and sex solicits among people up the food chain (quan chức). Comes from this "vua-tôi" mentality, residual of the feudal system, and this is more evident in the North, for obvious reasons.
Excellent video. The Drinking culture is especially difficult for Foreigners. I am English, at various celebrations many Vietnamese friends/ relations like to have a drink with me. If that total is 20 plus and the drink is potent country wine it can be a problem. Difficult to refuse as don’t want to offend !
Uncle Rodger is one of the best Asian UA-camrs
[Gosh Dang!!!!]
For some reason I think that the traffic in Vietnam would be paradise because there is so much traffic and it's so chaotic I'm wondering there might not be very many traffic tickets. So it might be fun to drive in Southeast Asia dangerous but fun maybe more freedom of driving.
Regarding Tet...
I am visiting Vietnam (for the first time) and arriving in Hanoi during Tet...
...this was not by plan, but rather by an oversight in my own planning.
My question:
Beyond all the possible logistical challenges...
-- (that a whole different issue)--
...what are some things that a first-time visitor (esp. an American) should be aware of so that I don't unintentionally behave in a manner that would be seen as disrespectful to this sacred tradition?