Travel writer Brian Johnston shared on the Sydney Morning Herald about his practical experiences and 10 things he found most "puzzling" during his visit to Vietnam.

the preparation of street food

Johnston considers Vietnamese street food a marvel. Visitors often struggle to comprehend how chefs prepare dishes in cramped, basic kitchens. Local chefs precisely balance flavors and textures right on the sidewalk. Banh mi stands out, known for its unique preparation standards and a taste hard to find elsewhere in the world.

Tourists explore Hoi An ancient town. Photo: Nguyen Dong

Tourists explore Hoi An ancient town. Photo: Nguyen Dong

"the art" of traffic management

Traffic in major cities is a dynamic blend of numerous motorbikes, otos, and street vendor carts. At intersections without traffic lights, vehicles maintain continuous movement through drivers' keen observation and quick reflexes. Many foreign tourists learn the pedestrian rule for crossing streets: walk slowly, steadily, and do not stop abruptly.

the paradox of plastic chairs

One of Johnston's strangest experiences was enjoying delicious meals on "the world's lowest plastic furniture sets." Diners must hunch over on small plastic chairs, with knees bent close to their bodies. Despite changes in Vietnamese physique over generations, these tiny chairs remain a distinctive cultural feature.

the cargo capacity of motorbikes

Johnston was astonished to see motorbikes in Vietnam used to transport bulky goods like gas cylinders, fresh produce, furniture, or multiple people at once. Riders precisely load, unload, and balance these items with remarkable skill.

the culture of honking

Honking is the dominant sound on the streets. People use horns to signal danger, request to pass, or express impatience. According to Johnston, a noticeable characteristic is that horns often blare immediately when a traffic light turns green if the vehicle ahead has not moved promptly.

Tourists wait to cross the street at a non-functioning traffic light on Ton Duc Thang street, TP HCM. Photo: Bich Phuong

Tourists wait to cross the street at a non-functioning traffic light on Ton Duc Thang street, TP HCM. Photo: Bich Phuong

hospitality

After a few days in Vietnam, visitors feel the friendliness of locals. This open and warm attitude extends to all tourists, regardless of nationality or skin color, creating a safe and welcoming travel environment.

the network of overhead wires

While major cities like TP HCM are gradually transitioning entirely to underground power lines, in many suburbs and towns, networks of electrical wires and telecommunication cables remain tightly bundled in large clusters on utility poles. The Australian male visitor described the wire networks as "hanging like giant bird's nests" and obscuring building facades.

the challenge of a currency with many zeros

Pricing goods becomes complex for visitors due to the currency's many zeros. Similar colors of polymer banknotes also frequently cause confusion in cash transactions, making it a common challenge for tourists.

the prevalence of the Nguyen surname

Approximately 40% of Vietnam's population carries the Nguyen surname, followed by Tran and Le. To avoid confusion, Vietnamese people use their given names as the primary form of address in communication, rather than surnames as in Western culture.

misleading online advice

Many travel websites often warn visitors not to touch others' heads when in Vietnam. In reality, this is a basic courtesy observed almost everywhere, not unique to Vietnam. Johnston believes some rules spread online are sometimes exaggerated compared to real life.

Mai Phuong (Source: Sydney Morning Herald)