I'm so sorry and sad that u think Vietnamese that way.
But u not wrong,many ppl in Hanoi like that.
Sometime I went back to Vietnam,I have to talk with ppl like that at front of airport(Imigration).
Almost from Hanoi...
anyway,If u have Vietnamese friends u will know more about us.
I'm not that kind of ppl,hehe
http://www.bbc.co.uk/vietnamese/culturesport/story/2007/12/071206_viethospitality.shtml
Saw these replies over there
Noi Nguyen, Riverside, California
I think every unwanted thing we have been talking about our beloved country Vietnam has its direct cause: Corruption at many social levels.
Kenny USA
I am planning a trip to VN including visiting Hanoi in a couple of months. However, after reading this article and the feedbacks, I think I will alter my schedule and will not go to Hanoi at all. As a tourist, I spent my money for the pleasure of seeing different places, not to get robbed, cheated, or being treated with disrespect.
Mary USA
I visited Ha Noi five years ago. They have treated me the same thing. Ha Noi people are hostile. Saigon people they are much better. They are friendly and more helpful with tourists. I would not go back to Ha Noi again because not thing to see and Vietnam tours are expensive compared to other Asian countries.
London UK
ONE MUST STRONGLY AGREE. The observations and reflections on the account above are so true as one had shared the experience once too often. Even here in the UK, one would expect a change in mentality but the reality is far from home. For the benefit of the majority, do take the above account into considerations and seriously act on it as Vietnam has protentials but the question is... Why bother with cotton when you can have silk?
Hank, California
First, it was really bad luck for you or anybody else who may already had the same situation as yours. Second, II would not say Lao or Campuchia is much better than VN at all. Lucky you, it didn't happen in those countries, whatsoever, even you 're peacefully walking on Italy or Brazil country, pocket-pickers also would like to see you there anytime. Don't ever think it won't happen to you. Conclusion, it depends on where you go, that's all.
Joe USA
Dear Eileen, You have my whole hearted sympathy. I myself cann't stand the ways my own people treated me let alone foreigners. Sincerely,
Accidental Tourist
The Hanoians won't change easily. Eileen forgot to mention about the rude Hanoians who will cut in front of a line anywhere with an attitude.... A friend of mine often says: "Hanoi is a great place, except for its people." It's very true.
Minh Ho U.S.A.
I agree with Eileen 76 on her past experience in Ha Noi and with Ha Noi people. Unlike those people in Hoi An, Sai Gon, and other places I have visited in Vietnam, many Ha Noi people are rude and somewhat "hostile" to foreigners/visitors, be it westerners or "vietkieu's". If they want to attract more tourists and gain respects and admiration from visitors from around the world, Hanoi people need to change their attitudes and learn from their neighboring countries such as Thailand, the land of thousand smiles! A caring Viet Kieu
{quote:title=SoloHobo wrote:}{quote}
If your going to pick on a culture, we have to add the French.
And don't get me started on Americans....and those bloody Australians.....ah shit, I am Australian!
Quote from ChutShit's post:
" A friend of mine often says: 'Hanoi is a great place, except for its people.' It's very true. "
So, is your friend's name Henry Kissinger?
The sad thing about all these stereotypes is that some people actually believe them. And of course, when a bitter and twisted idiot like eileen emerges, all the other bitter and twisted idiots emerge from the woodwork to chirp along.
Hanoians are scammers.
The French are arrogant.
The British are aloof.
Germans are humorless.
Irish are stupid.
Australians are simpletons....
One routinely hears 'pearls of wisdom' like these, even from intelligent people, when talking about travel. They are all BS, of course, but the sad little joke is that those who say such things never seem to be aware how much of themselves they are revealing.
To the extent that her post keeps people like herself away from Vietnam, I think Eileen has done a great service. Thank you, Eileen.
Sorry, I am late to this thread, but I have to add my two cents. This thread has taken on a life of its own, as people like myself stumbled on TT for the first time due to the BBC and VietnamNet Bridge taking eileen76 so seriously. The BBC translation of Eileen, unfortunately, was a mistranslation that removed her xenophobic language, which was essential to understanding where she was coming from.
As always, the Beatles said it best. "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."
"People did not look you in the eye? As an Asian you should know that it is considered impolite to look people straight in the face, it has nothing to do with shiftiness. Alternatively, they might have been embarrassed about your behavior and did not want to show it."
What a bunch of bull!
Looking at someone when you talk is basic manners. We arent talking about the King here.
Any shop keeper should be able to look at you when they are trying to sell something.
The reality is there are lots of rude people all over the world.
bloosh:
You were either very unlucky or did not go with the open mind you claimed.
I have found the people of Vn to be a highlight. I have made many good friends with Vietnamese and e-mail them regularly. Whenever I return I visit them and spend time with them. Never had a problem with Vn people apart from the very occasional over-zealous street trader.
Which hotel did you use?
I find it hard to believe that you left the country purely because of one bad incident.
