Travelogue - Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City - The People Make the Place

I stepped off the uncomfortable and exhausting plane ride to be welcomed by buzzing motorbikes and a familiar musky, humid air. It's been more than a decade since I was last in Vietnam, but most of its charm hasn't changed. In between the chaotic traffic rules, world-class street food and friendliness of the locals, Vietnam may just be one of my favourite countries in the world.

My first few days in the country was spent in Ho Chi Minh City. This is a country that Anthony Bourdain claims has some of the best street food in the world. And he's right. You don't really need to look at reviews here. Just follow your nose and your eyes. If there's a tiny shop that looks like it's in desperate need of a makeover, but every table is filled with patrons, eat there. During my stay here, I didn't look at any reviews and I never had a bad meal. I either got extremely lucky or it's just that good in this city. Beware of stomachaches, however.

Vietnam is a beautiful country that you seem to fall more in love with the more you understand its quirks. When I first arrived, my mind was filled with the idea of staying vigilant. It’s difficult not to be skeptical from all of the online blog warnings about scams and misdirection within this country. It also didn't help that the moment you step outside of the airport, you're immediately bombarded by “taxi drivers” who flock to the obvious foreigners urging them to take their cab.

For somebody who’s not used to this type of hustling, it becomes overwhelming and you grip your money bag a little tighter. “Mailinh” and “Vinasun” I remind myself. This was a tip I had learned from the blogs, and it helped tremendously. “I’m looking for a Mailinh taxi,” I exclaim to the hustlers. They immediately understand that I’ve done my research and back off.

Of course this was my first day and looking back, it is a bit ridiculous. The people are lovely and every hustles but I haven't run into anybody wanting to straight up scam or steal from you. Just be vigilant, as you would in any city, and this gem of a country is open for all.

Next stop, Ninh Binh!