mandynguyen wrote:colinoscapee wrote:Ha Noi is a nice city, but honestly, the people are not.Saigon is more dynamic and a friendlier city.
"Alll bread is not baked in one oven"!
Mandy
I do not live in VN (yet) but am about to head there for my 10th visit ... have traveled and spent time throughout (From Can Tho to Hanoi and most places between) ... While Hanoi and the surrounding areas were interesting, and while some select people were friendly (or maybe less 'not friendly'), the overall reception was nothing like the south.
In the south, I have met people from all walks of life, sat and had drinks with complete strangers (who became friends), was randomly invited to join a wedding party, played billiards and went to eat with a Captain (tank commander) in the army. I do not tend to stay in the 'tourist' areas ... I venture out ... ride my moto throughout HCMC and well into the surrounding towns and villages.
In the North, I found the people to be 'polite' but removed. The smiles and '... where are you from? ...' were not there. While I did find some fun people to play some billiards, I also had 2 restaurants that flat out refused to serve me. My wife (now ex wife) and her mother also found the people to be 'less friendly' (apparently becayse of their 'southern accents').
Overall, while I will certainly visit Hanoi and the surrounding areas again, I would not choose to live there ... my personal thoughts ... everyone should try to experience all they can and make there own choices.
My 2 cents ... or maybe a bit more