People we met in Thailand and Vietnam!
Travelling to any destination is always an adventure learning about the culture, food, markets, history, sights and activities. I find, however, the most lasting impression of any new locale, is who you meet along the way (mainly locals but also some fellow travelers).
When Debb and I were in Chiang Mai, we walked and wandered most days in and about the Old City around the Moat, discovering beautiful wats and scenery. We also decided to take an all-day tour to the Doi Inthanon National Park. This organized tour took us to the highest peak in Thailand, the King & Queen Pagodas, Hmong Hill Tribe Market, Karen Hill Tribe Village (that included a coffee roasting plant, rice fields / valley at Baan Mae Klang Luang) and Wachirathan Waterfalls. It was on this tour, that we met other fellow travelers from Israel, Slovenia, the USA, and Saudi Arabia.
Specifically, one of our fellow tour participants was a young guy named Harrison from the US who was staying close to our hotel and joined us one evening for an adventure at the night food market. I think given that he was travelling solo, it was a welcome moment for him to be with other English-speaking travelers and share a meal. Debb and I got a kick that he felt “old” at 35 years old?!
Harrison and Deb R - at Wachirathan Falls, Thailand (DAD, 2024)
Also, in Chiang Mai, when Debb and I were wandering in the Old City and walking through the various incredibly beautiful wats, we came across a group of young local Thai students wanting to speak English. They insisted on taking photos with us. They were all so enthusiastic and you could see how excited they were in finding English speaking tourists!
Lovely Thai students who were excited to speak English with us!
At Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai, Thailand (DAD, 2024)
Similarly, when we were in Hanoi, Debb and I came across some lovely Vietnamese people who embodied the genuine heart of their country. In particular, we met a mother Nga and her 9-year-old son Minh along the Hoan Kiem Lake who also asked us if he could practice his English. He was adorable and used the word “camouflage” when we were explaining the endangered frog we saw on a tour that definitely melts into the foliage. His mother said he has been learning English since he was 2 years old and wants to work with reptiles when he grows up! I have no doubt that Minh will meet his goal!
Minh and Nga - at Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi
Again, along Hoan Kiem Lake, we met a local Vietnamese guy Huac, selling intricate bamboo carvings. Debb and I were very impressed with the detail and beauty of his art!
Huac, with some of his art!
We sat and chatted with him for awhile, and he explained how he made such lovely pieces!
After visiting the Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first university which had some incredible photographs of Vietnam in its inner courtyard), and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum (which was beautifully curated floor by floor), Debb and I came across a Jade Gem Store which displayed cabinets of many jewelry items (bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces). The store clerks were young Vietnamese girls who epitomized the youth and beauty of their nationality. We couldn’t help but buy something as there was no pressure just smiling faces and helpful suggestions!.
The lovely Vietnamese sisters working at the Jade store in Hanoi (2024).
One of my most memorable locals that I met, however, was when we went to Ninh Binh and stayed at the Trang An Retreat. The first person you saw was “Sam”, who handled most items from check in, to arranging tours or taxis. His infectious smile is embedded in my mind as what I think about Vietnamese people!
Sam, at Trang An Retreat, Ninh Binh, Vietnam (DAD, 2024)
We really enjoyed staying here, and Sam was so helpful and friendly!
P.S. by Debb D - Thanks to all the people we met who made our trip spectacular!
