Things I have learned

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Things I have learned in Thailand and Vietnam:

1. Thai drive on the left hand side, Vietnamese drive on the right hand side.
When I first got in the taxi at the HCMC airport and the driver got in the
LHS, I wondered who was going to drive. However in Vietnam, they also
drive on either side of the road at any time and red traffic signals are
apparently only a suggestion to stop! They also drive on the footpath
regularly.
2. In both countries they do not put toilet paper in the toilet. You are meant
to put it in a little bucket by the toilet. Many do not have toilet paper at
all, so always carry some tissues in your bag. Some out of the way places
may only have the old hole in the ground with foot places either side and a
scoop to pour water in when you have finished.
3. Most transport drivers (taxis, TukTuks, cycles, motorbike taxis, bus taxis)
are likely to rip you off. In Hanoi, the lower the call amount on the meter
when you get in, the faster the meter goes.
4. The people in both countries are very friendly and helpful, and grateful
that you are enjoying their country.
5. Learning their language gives them great satisfaction and enjoyment.
6. They love to practice their english on you.
7. They all know about Sydney and Melbourne when you tell them you are
from Australia, but have never heard of Adelaide.
8. Be confident when braving the traffic and they won't hit
you.............hopefully.
9. Take a cushion when hiring a push bike, and don't wear thongs.
10. When bartering with market sellers, generally start your bid at 50%!o(MISSING)f their
asking price. Pay what you think is a good price, and then be happy with it.
You will pay too much at times. You can't win all of the time, and they are
very poor people.
11. Coffee in Vietnam is always served with condensed milk. If you don't like it
sweet, ask for it black, then ask for fresh milk. Sometimes they have it,
some times they don't.
12. The fresh fruit is abundant and really fresh.
13. The food is great and not too spicy (although I like spicy).
14. The weather is cooler the farther north you go.
15. The Vietnamese rolls in Vietnam are fantastic.
16. Both countries are worth visiting again and again.

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Comments

[Chris Ward]

Great blog
Hi Suz Just been looking at your blog. Looks like you had a great time. Can't wait to see Vietnam ourselves later this year. Catch ya chris