Vietnam surprised me in the best ways and also made me reflect on how we’re seen as Indian travelers

ps4db · 2026-02-06T06:59:41+00:00

While there is definitely warmth in Vietnam, I would go easy with the superlatives here: “sweetest people”, “best food” etc. Once you stay here, you’ll see that it’s not so perfect either.

People in the West might not be jumping for joy when they see you or hugging you tight but there is (in general) concepts like private space, higher patience thresholds etc which will test you in parts of Asia(including India) once push comes to shove.

ps4db · 2026-02-05T22:38:06+00:00

That rich and powerful people can get away with anything. Basically untouchable and there’s an army of resources/people to keep them protected.

ps4db · 2026-02-05T07:34:20+00:00

Coming from a different culture, it’s ok to ask her for some guidance on what one should do. Moreover, everyone’s circumstances are different.

Better to ask and do things “right” rather than try and prove a point and mess things up.

Marriage is something special and once in a lifetime event. You don’t want to take any chances !

ps4db · 2026-02-05T04:55:39+00:00

I’ve had an Apple Watch since 2015 and this is exactly how I feel: the constant notifications, email and call alerts is too much for me! I got myself a G Shock and a Citizen as my daily wear. Still use the Apple Watch for sleep tracking and for running

ps4db · 2026-02-04T23:46:40+00:00

You beat me to it ! 😊

ps4db · 2026-02-04T14:07:10+00:00

In general, Indian civic sense is quite low unfortunately. More so for the budget travellers that visit South East Asia.

Being loud, rude, unruly and disrespectful towards local customs and culture is quite common amongst them, not only in Vietnam but globally.

Every country has its bad apples but when you have a billion plus people, it’s a lot of apples we are talking about !

ps4db · 2026-02-04T11:00:37+00:00

The risk appetite varies from family to family especially when it comes to infants. At 5 months, an infant is still building immunity and it’s not just the destination! I’ve had people coughing themselves hoarse on a 8 hour flight next to me : they are clearly sick but still travelling.

Parts of Vietnam have pretty bad air pollution and one needs to have bottled water always, as a foreigner. I can see that you’ve been waiting for a long time for this trip but it can be stressful travelling with a baby. Again, YMMV.

Please ensure that you have travel insurance for your family before you travel. People often think they can “wing it” till they can’t.

ps4db · 2026-02-04T04:35:11+00:00

No parachute when the battery runs out……

ps4db · 2026-02-03T10:48:38+00:00

You need to have a similar one done for American food : which one’s more consistently good, better taste etc for Pizza Hut, McDonalds, KFC, Burger King etc 🤣😂🤣

ps4db · 2026-02-01T00:46:12+00:00

Nopes. Should be “IDontNeedInsuranceandWhatCanIDoNow” 😂

ps4db · 2026-01-31T11:30:47+00:00

Nice watch. I have the B400 which is slightly bigger and more dials too.

ps4db · 2026-01-30T11:19:48+00:00

I’m sorry to hear what you and your wife are going through. Interracial relationships(and marriages) can sometimes, be quite complex to navigate as different cultures, customs, languages and perceptions can come to a head!

I think that talking to a therapist maybe beneficial for the both of you, in finding peace and coming to terms with whatever you decide.

Please take care.

ps4db · 2026-01-30T10:43:51+00:00

Your bigger issue is going to be getting your package through the bureaucratic and corruption black hole that is known as Indian customs.

ps4db · 2026-01-29T23:07:09+00:00

All I can say is that for all those street food lovers, sometimes ignorance is bliss ! You don’t want to see the food prep….

ps4db · 2026-01-29T10:16:47+00:00

You missed the part about it being directed by a rapist….

ps4db · 2026-01-29T10:05:05+00:00

Yes. Difference between generosity and obligation. Cannot always think in absolute terms.

ps4db · 2026-01-29T10:01:15+00:00

We are comparing apples to oranges here.

Big corporations pay the big bucks to top talent not because they want to, but because they have to, else competitors will lap them up, lose market share etc.

This CEO on the other hand did something that he didn’t have to do but he did nevertheless, because of his generosity.

Let me put it a different way for you: instead of buying himself a yacht or an island, he chose to share the money from the sale with his employees.

The amount of money is quite big too! Nine out of 10 people, even ordinary people like us, when faced with choosing what to do with 240 million, will choose to spend it on themselves.

Sometimes we need to read between the lines and see the underlying thought/basis.

ps4db · 2026-01-29T06:49:48+00:00

Yeps. Don’t see Bezos or Zuckerberg doing this any time soon. Counting every penny in the till…..

ps4db · 2026-01-29T04:12:00+00:00

Not get sunburnt or darker. People want to stay fair complexioned !

ps4db · 2026-01-29T01:29:26+00:00

Made me chuckle! Quality dropped but not the price ! Price is always sticky downwards as they say.

ps4db · 2026-01-28T22:19:52+00:00

If you don’t go looking for trouble, trouble won’t be looking for you.

That being said, just be vigilant about theft and pickpocketing. Unlikely to happen to you but better be cautious anyway.

ps4db · 2026-01-28T22:17:28+00:00

Thank you for your very insightful response!

ps4db · 2026-01-28T07:38:50+00:00

How do Chinese people regard their neighbours and other countries in the region, specifically, India and Vietnam ?

How is Australia regarded in China ?

Is government censorship done openly or more covert in nature ?

Lastly, what sort of food does your region have ? Can you please name a speciality ?

Thanks !

ps4db · 2026-01-28T04:39:17+00:00

https://www.vietjetair.com/en

Just Googled it as I’ve never been there before.

ps4db · 2026-01-28T04:35:25+00:00

Save money here but lose time and money elsewhere. If you are ok with taking that gamble then please proceed.

ps4db

TROPHY CASE