A Few Observations

   I still have some catching up to do, but first a few observations. 

  Do not even think about driving in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City unless you have a death wish. There are many busses, cars, and probably a few million motor scooters and motor cycles, and all of the motor scooter and motorcycle seem to decide to meet at the same time and same place and engage in choreographed chaos. The drivers regardless of what they are driving use their horns and beepers liberally. Stop signs seem to be suggestions.  In spite of all the traffic, noise, and fumes, traffic moves, albeit at a snail’s pace at times,  and we have not observed an accident……yet. 

  Pedestrians need resolve to cross streets at uncontrolled intersections. General rule of thumb, wait for trucks and busses and cars. As to motorcycle and motor scooters, start crossing and don’t stop. They beep at pedestrians and sometimes whiz around them, but don’t stop. Just keep walking…….and praying.

  Cars are quite popular now, and considerably more expensive than motor scooters. Japanese cars, particularly Toyotas are the most popular. I was surprised to see a fair number of Fords, especially the Ford Ranger model. Our guide told us the Ranger sells for around $70,000 usd. I have also seen a smattering of Chevrolets. Parking is limited in both Hanoi and it is not unusual to see motor scooters blocking sidewalks forcing pedestrians to step off the curb to get around them. Pedestrians need to watch where they step on sidewalks since some paving stones are loose and or missing. Also, pet owners are not great about cleaning up after their pets. 

  Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are loud and have poor air quality thanks to the traffic. We found we prefer the smaller cities such as Siem Reap in Cambodia. We are currently in Quang Ngai, the major city in Quang Ngai Province, the province to which I was assigned 55






years ago  I was out in one of districts of Quang Ngai so did not spend a great amount of time in Quang Ngai, but it certainly looks much different from 55 years ago. No surprise there. More on that later. 




  

Comments

  1. Mary YMarch 23, 2026 at 8:42 PM

    Amazing trip! Thanks so much for sharing. It sounds like a sensory and emotional overload!

    ReplyDelete

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