Concluding her three-week journey across Vietnam at the end of 2025, Gentry Hale, a female traveler from the United States, gained insightful perspectives on a vast and multifaceted Vietnam. While overwhelmed by the scenery and cuisine , she admitted to learning practical lessons about local customs and adapting to the sudden climate changes between regions.
The art of bargaining: Experiencing the culture instead of 'winning or losing'
One of Gentry's strongest impressions was the atmosphere at traditional markets, a convergence of distinctive sounds, colors, and scents. There, she made interesting purchases such as having an ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) made in Hoi An or buying handcrafted leather goods in Hanoi . However, Gentry admits that in the beginning, she often overpaid because she was unfamiliar with the bargaining culture.
"I realized that bargaining is part of Vietnamese culture, something I never did back home," Gentry shared. Initially, out of shyness, she often accepted the listed price. After getting used to it, she started trying to offer lower prices or buy multiple items together to get a discount. According to her, bargaining isn't a tense confrontation but a way to find a reasonable price for both parties in a fun and open atmosphere.
Lessons about luggage and regional climate differences.
Vietnam's climate was a major source of frustration for the American tourist due to a lack of preparation. In Ho Chi Minh City in early October, she faced intense heat and high humidity, making outdoor travel difficult. However, just two weeks later, upon arriving in Hanoi, the weather had turned cool with scattered rain, rendering her travel attire completely unsuitable.
Gentry concluded that travelers should check detailed weather forecasts for each destination rather than general national forecasts. She also advised bringing lightweight, quick-drying clothing that can be layered for flexibility in adapting to changing environments. Furthermore, preparing extra clothing reduces reliance on hotel laundry services, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Geographical challenges and practical travel speed
Before her departure, Gentry believed that three weeks would be enough to explore most of the famous destinations from South to North Vietnam. In reality, the vast size and transportation conditions in Vietnam completely altered her plans. Sixteen-hour overnight train journeys and all-day bus trips significantly consumed her time.
Due to her packed schedule, she missed many anticipated activities, most notably a motorbike trip along the Ha Giang Loop. "If I had the chance to go back, I would choose to travel more slowly, focusing on a few specific areas to truly understand the rhythm of life and the people there instead of trying to travel across the entire country," she shared.
Refinement in communication and local culture
Beyond technical skills, Gentry also paid particular attention to small but important rules of etiquette. She learned that using only one finger to point is considered impolite; instead, Vietnamese people often use their whole hand to gesture, showing more respect for the other person.
Finally, she advises those visiting Vietnam for the first time to learn a few basic conversational phrases. Just a simple greeting or thank you in Vietnamese is enough to bridge the gap and make conversations with locals much warmer and more intimate.
Source: https://baodanang.vn/hanh-trinh-xuyen-viet-cua-du-khach-my-tu-van-hoa-mac-ca-thu-vi-den-bai-hoc-dat-gia-ve-thoi-tiet-3324975.html
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