Reflections of Vietnam

• We planned to stay for 10 nights and ended up staying for 14.  You simply can't help but like the country - there's something about it that makes it captivating and almost addictive.  It's a country on the go and the pace is crazy
• The people are extremely friendly always with a smile on their face.  Yes there is poverty and hawkers but it's not persistent
• The scenery is stunning from green forested mountains to jungles, an amazing coastline with glorious beaches and wonderful karst scenery. For us Cat Ba and Hoi An were the pick of the places we visited plus the electric atmosphere of HCMC and the charm of Hanoi
• Getting around on the east coast is easy by train and bus although the rail service is a bit tired and slow.  We have heard and read that the further north and west you go it can become more difficult unless you're on a motorbike
• There are millions of mopeds - it's the nation's way to travel.  If you're brave enough go for it but you do need a Vietnamese licence to be insured
• The architecture has a strong French colonial influence making it very attractive. A lot of the buildings are 4 to 5 storeys high but very thin. Must be charged ground rent per square metre
• The country has had a horrendous recent past and evidence of the war is prevalent but not overbearing (its mainly in Hanoi, near Hue and outside HCMC) and despite everything the people appear to have moved on especially the younger generation
• Rice, rubber and coffee are the main source of income but tourism must be important.  You can't get away from westerners (either holidaymakers, travellers like us and some working, mainly as English language teachers) unlike China where we went for hours and some times days without seeing any
• There are schools everywhere and the impression we get are the people are keen to learn and catch up (it is predicted Vietnam will be a first world country and in the top 10 richest in the next 10 years)
• The place is a budget travellers dream and even mid range accommodation is inexpensive (c£30 per night) and very comfortable. A good meal for two is abount £10  and the beer is good quality at between 30p and £1 per bottle.  The range of food is extensive from street food to high quality restaurants.  The food was very varied and tasty; a favourite was meat or fish cooked with lemongrass and chilli. Yes they do eat dog but we didn't see any evidence of it (although Diane did see a basket of dead dogs on the back of a moped)
• All in all an amazing country and one not to miss (and best to go here soon before it becomes too developed and a lot more expensive)
• We no doubt will be back!