Vietnam
We found our way through a tight-bordered Vietnam during the COVID pandemic.
Interesting Facts
The largest and most populated city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is home to 8.9 million people (2019); this is comparable to NYC with 8.3 million (2019). Locals may refer to the city by another name - Saigon. As a French colony, Saigon's unique architectural landscape ( think Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon and Landmark 81) and charming culture (think cafe culture and street food scene) are an interesting point of East meets West.
Vietnam is formally known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. While the country is communist, its economic policies have grown increasingly capitalist. Vietnam is the 2nd largest exporter of coffee and the home of the world's largest cave - Son Doong. Conde Nast Traveler described its interior as so massive it could fit an entire New York block inside, including skyscrapers, or have a Boeing 747 comfortably fly through without its wings being in any danger.
Pandemic Experience Abroad
In August 2020, we secured a chartered flight to our next international teaching adventure - there were no commercial flights into Vietnam at the time. Our flight departed LAX to Soul where we caught our our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Before boarding, all adult passengers were required to wear PPEs - those hazmat looking suites - and of course masks. We landed to an empty, dark airport. Once we made our way through immigration, we were all directed to baggage claim and then out the back door to a shuttle bus that took us directly to our quarantine hotel. Fifteen days and 5 COVID tests later, we were released to a "COVID Free" Vietnam, living a very normal life...at least for the next 6 months.
Eventually, COVID throughout Vietnam and harsh lockdowns ensued. A 120-day lockdown in our condo was brutal - no outside time, nothing! Districts were barricaded, public transportation was cancelled, and food was delivered by the army or approved vendors. We actually had our youngest son during the lockdown. During our hospital stay, the government discontinued taxi services, so we had to return home by ambulance.
Our lockdown experience was the primary reason we decided not to extend our stay in Vietnam. It was a tough time for everyone and we understand the need for restrictions and additional precautions, but at what cost. As Americans, we are so used to certain amount of Freedoms. The experience gave us a better understanding and deeper appreciation for our democracy. During the pandemic, we learned a lot about what we as individuals and us as a family need and want. For us, it was family and friends, a "safe" home, and the freedom of choice.
From Our Experience
Please visit the From Our Experience section for information pertaining to the following topics.
TBD
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TOP 3 - FAVORITE SPOTS (SAIGON)
L'Usine
(Phu My Hung)
(Phu My Hung)
With an amazing collection of local products and incredible food and drinks, it's hard not to love.
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
A vibrant part of District 1 across from the grand 19-century Central Post Office and book street.
Pasteur Street Brewing Co.
Heart of Darkness is world renown, but Pasteur is special with my all-time favorite Passion Fruit Wheat.
Vietnamese Cuisine
Vietnamese food is probably one of our favorite world cuisines (second to Mexican obviously) even before living in HCMC.
*HCMC
Anan Saigon
In 2023, Anan Saigon became the first and only Michelin star restaurant in HCMC. Chef Peter has been "[elevating] street food and traditional dishes towards a find dining experience" for a while now. We have had the privilege of partaking in the Saigon Tasting Menu and many fine dishes including the Saigon Shaking Beef, Roast Duck Street-style Pizza, and Bahn Xeo Tacos on our 5th wedding anniversary and New Years 2022.
Speak the Language - Vietnamese
Here are some of our favorite words and phrases we learned during our stay.
Xin chào - Hello
Cảm ơn - Thank You
Maybe more interesting than language were Vietnamese hand gestures.
Hearts
Come Here
No/Nothing
Exploring Vietnam
Unfortunately, our exploration of Vietnam's natural beauty was limited due to the pandemic. We regret the missed opportunities of Hanoi, Cat Ba Island, and Vung Tau. Some other areas of interest were Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Nha Trang, and Con Dao Island. Click on the image for our recommendations.
Reflections
Jose: To be honest, Vietnam did not get a fair shake. The pandemic impacted daily life and severely reduced travel resulting in out short stay. With that said, Vietnam is an exciting place with amazing food, friendly people, and absolutely beautiful landscape. As a teacher, you couldn't ask for better students. As a parent, people are incredibly kind and gentle with children, but HCMC is a huge city with the hustle and bustle - things are loud, thousands of motorbikes, and not easy to get young children around. HCMC is for singles, young couples or the recently married, and families with older kids. It just wasn't our time. I will miss our Nanny Lan, our friend-family the Furnases, and my weekly hour massage.
Kelsey: