Comments on: Talkative Tailors in Hoi An, Vietnam

By: Daniel Noll

Daniel Noll — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 10:49:03 +0000

Thank you so much for taking the time to write and share your story, Anni! You made our day.

This is one of the best features of travel and of travel writing in the way that we do, making connections with people like you, pursuing the issues you are. All the best on your next trip to Vietnam and also with your research.

We look forward to hearing how both work out.

By: Anni Ratilainen

Anni Ratilainen — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 12:55:14 +0000

Hello! I know it has been a while since you have posted this story, but I am so happy to have found it that I wanted to leave a comment anyway. I am a Master’s student of Conflict Studies and Human Rights in the Netherlands and planning to go to Vietnam to conduct research for my thesis there. I was in Vietnam a couple of years ago and heard similar stories to the one you heard in Hoi An, about people still being affected by the war because of their families having been on the wrong side. I thought it was very interesting and therefore I have decided to do my research on this “black mark”. I heard the stories in Da Lat, town that I very much liked, but I was curious to know whether someone else has heard similar stories elsewhere. Fantastic! Thank you so much, this made my day! All the best, Anni

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 06:28:43 +0000

@Hung: Thanks for sharing this information. Was really interesting to read about the stereotypes and differences from each region of Vietnam from your perspective. It’s interesting how in many countries the southern areas (and people) tend to be more open – maybe it does have something to do warmer weather. Thanks again.

By: Hung Thai

Hung Thai — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 16:08:05 +0000

I am a student studying in Ha Noi right now. From my perspective, I think you should know some interesting facts about each region’s stereotypes :D. In terms of the North, yes, people are extremely traditional and attached to their families, relatives, friends, counterparts etc. They prefer being in the community. They tend to work with their favorite “team” and have a hatred towards something called “privacy” and “aloneness”. It means that they do think a particular task will be done much better by a “community”, by a “group of people”, rather than by “a specific person”. Naturally, they have a very unique way of talking to each other, which is very “diplomatic” and “deep”, which is sometimes called “fake” by people in the South and the central. The way they approach to a particular problem is a zigzag way, not a straight way. However, in terms of the South, they are totally different. They are absolutely open-minded, hospitable and friendly, and sometimes very “harshly open” :D. How about my hometown Hoi An, a typical spot of the central?. The central people are honest and likely to lean more on “the South”. However, the way we talk is quite harsh and tough :D. I mean if you hate this, you’re gonna go straight to the point and say “I freaking hate this”, something like that :D. In conclusion, I personally think these differences can be explained by two things: the weather and the history. The North has a harsher kind of weather: extremely cold and extremely hot; therefore, people are likely to be not so open. The South has a beautifully neutral kind of weather: hot the whole year, but with rains, a lot. So, they are very open and like “be there for you” :D. The central has lots of disasters such as typhoons and floods every year; therefore, they are determined and “wide”. As you know, the history also reflects the differences. For instance, the South used to be under control of American government, so they tend to be more “open-minded”, like having “the West thought”.
I think this tiny piece of share can help you understand more about Vietnamese stereotypes.

By: Daniel Noll

Daniel Noll — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:48:41 +0000

@Carolyn: I’m really glad you found us and this post and took the time to share your story. For me, the opportunity to interact with people and come away with varying personal stories is one of the most rewarding dimensions of travel, be it with a tour or independently.

I’m so glad you took time out to share with us your trip to Vietnam and Hoi An. Thank you for your comment!

By: Carolyn Spangler

Carolyn Spangler — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:30:23 +0000

I loved reading your blog about your travels. We just returned from a tour with the Sierra Club to Vietnam and then traveled to Siem Reap on our own. We loved our time in Vietnam and it was interesting to read of your tailor shop experience in Hoi an, a city that I loved. Our guide from this area said that his father served with the Americans, and after the war he was put through an “reeducation” and said their family was dirt poor with ten children. However, he said that 6 of the children graduated from college. A little different story than the girl you talked too. The good thing about traveling on your own is that you don’t usually have deadlines. We loved traveling with the Sierra Club, but sometimes we were tired of the routine, although we didn’t have to take part in all of the activities. Thank you again for your wonderful stories.

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:12:56 +0000

Spent a month in Hoi An, amazing place, really has it all with great cuisine, clothing, a beach and even a golf course near by.

By: Daniel Noll

Daniel Noll — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:39:24 +0000

Rob: We didn’t get to the beach or golf, but we certainly did have some interesting conversations…in addition to eating and having a bunch of custom-tailored clothes made.