consideratetraveller

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blog 6 - navigating risk (assess)

When it comes to travel safety and lack of violent crime, Vietnam is among the top countries in the world. When travelling, the risk of being a victim of petty theft is likely to be the highest. This includes cutting holes in bags and stealing various items such as cameras, wallets, phones, and so on. The likelihood of this occurring is relatively high, particularly in and around highly trafficked areas and popular tourist destinations. Thefts committed by thieves riding motorcycles who "snatch and grab" their victims are also common.

In order to manage and minimise the risk of petty theft its vita to always stay mindful of one’s environment. Keep your bags and backpacks in front of you or on the side of the road that is opposite the traffic to make it more difficult for someone to steal them as most robberies are drive-by. When riding a motorcycle, put your bags in the seat compartment or on the front. Shoulder or bike basket bags are easily stolen. Before leaving hotels and guesthouses, it is vital to lock your valuables in the safe or your bags. Reduce the number of valuable items you are carrying. It is better to be prepared to hand over your belongings with fewer precious items than to put yourself in danger of getting hurt in a struggle. Unfortunately, if you are the victim of theft, law enforcement can do little to recover your stolen property, therefore it is important to employ these preventative measures and stay alert. Below provided is a link to affordable and ethical travel insurance you can purchase.

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blog 5 - culture shock and confusion (assess)

One of the largest culture-shocks which foreigners, and in particular westerners will face when in Vietnam is perhaps the extensive and diverse range of cuisine which they will encounter. Vietnam is renowned for their street food with vendors at every corner of the country. Street food is often fresh and prepared right in front of you – however the concern of cleanliness and hygiene is often present. In addition, there are many dishes which may be confronting to foreigners, for instance dishes such as live coconut worms, grilled lizards, and raw blood pudding etc.,  are all dishes which are commonplace delicacies amongst street stalls and restaurants in the country. This may be shocking to the typical western tourist as they may feel confronted by the different palate of the native Vietnamese people as it is dissimilar to the norms of their own home countries.

However, one of the easiest ways to prepare for culture shock is to educate oneself, through reading about the country’s culture and customs and why particular food is consumed and how. The more that you know what to expect, the less of an adjustment everything will be. It's also important to note that the nature of street vending and food safety in Vietnam is different, but even in your home country, food preparation hygiene protocols vary. Thus, it's crucial to keep this in mind and make informed decisions. Additionally, approaching the discomfort with a different perspective can help reduce the shock by reminding oneself that these differences are normal in Vietnam and have been part of the culture for years. The most conducive way this can occur is through real engagement with locals – and reaching out to people.

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blog 4 - meaningful engangment

Climate change has considerable environmental, economic, and social impacts. Vietnam is one of the most significantly affected countries by global climate change. The runoff negative effects of this are manifested in the daily lives of the people of Vietnam.

The vast increase in sea levels, temperature and weather changes have impacted farming practices, this especially evident in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam as salt seawater is increasingly penetrating into inland areas through rivers and ditches and destroying rice harvests. Not only is climate change an imminent threat to farmers but as the worlds second-biggest rice exporters,  the agricultural industry still accounts for around a quarter of Vietnam’s GDP.  

Thereby indirectly this is affecting all residents of Vietnam with their national economy plummeting. Individually as tourists travelling through the country, we are able to meaningfully connect with the issue through work and collaboration with international conservation programs with CIFOR which conduct agricultural conservation in order to protect farmers and conserve the Vietnamese agricultural economy. This is a much more conscious manner of engaging to help improve climate conditions in Vietnam as it utilises and emic approach which prioritises the perspective of native people of Vietnam and places their needs first.

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blog 3 - place essentialism (assess)

Place essentialism is a way of thinking about a location's personality. It occurs when an overarching trope or stereotype of some kind is applied to a location, typically at the expense of the region's nuance or breadth. Vietnam is frequently essentialized by propaganda western movies like “Apocolypse now”. In these movies, Vietnamese people are pigeonholed as people are docile and meek, this is not only rooted in racist colonial beliefs which are highly reductive and discriminatory. Such depictions degrade these nations and their inhabitants to half-true stereotypes, reducing the country to a form of faux essence. When such essentialist views are accepted by the masses, entire nations and individuals become subjected to a stereotype that frequently does not accurately represent the country or its people.

In a recent advertisement for a Vietnamese chicken burger, Burger King mocked the use of chopsticks in Vietnam by depicting Westerners attempting to eat a burger with chopsticks a key example of place essentialism.  In this environment, this advertisement, which intended audience is foreigners, perpetuates a completely false and mocking idea of Vietnam and its culture. It is an example of how the country has been reduced to a simple cliche or caricature, as it fails to demonstrate the country's hybrid character and all it has to offer, painting it in a "primitive" light. Consequently, this is an instance in which location essentialism is highly problematic and undermines the genuine nature of the nation which is a diverse and multicultural country. To stop this, it is important learn about Vietnam through engaging directly with locals, rather than outsider perspectives. This is the best way to travel considerately and with empathy for others.

Join in, play a game of Xiangqi, with the locals.

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blog 2 - street art (assess)

Vietnam has a large underground street art movement. Urban art in Vietnam is young compared to Western countries. In a society that has increased censorship, graffiti and murals that criticised the Communist Party or its officials were outlawed. Street art in Vietnam avoids political topics to avoid controversy with the government. In spite of all of this, street art has already become widespread in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

 In the city of Ho Chi Minh, there is a young graffiti artist who goes by the name Kong.  In a culture that places a high premium on conformity, the young artist's piece depicting a monkey with its hand on an aerosol can is an act of defiance. Many people see the spray can itself as an instrument of rebellion and use it accordingly. As a result, this covert act of spray painting is a rejection of the restrictions imposed by a nation in which artists are required to get their work authorised prior to displaying it and in which art shows are frequently closed down. However, the young artist is wise enough to know to refrain from becoming involved in political matters, and instead chooses to focus on creating amusing illustrations which appeal to a wide audience.

Works like Kong's and other street art are not well-known or popular tourist attractions, yet they are highly recommended for any visitor to the nation due to the fact that they showcase the underbelly of the country and provide a voice and outlet for the young people of Vietnam. A direct dialogue with a new generation, it is a great way to interact with social issues in Vietnam in a considerate manner.

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blog 1 - symbols (assess)

The non-la is a common sight in Vietnam (The Vietnamese conical leaf hat). Vietnam is immediately associated with the non-la, which is an iconic symbol. I chose this symbol not only for its notoriety but also for the way it encapsulates various aspects of Vietnamese culture.

Vietnam's traditional symbol, the non-la, has a folkloric origin. This legend relates to the history of rice cultivation in Vietnam, another essential aspect of Vietnamese culture. The story begins long ago during a torrential downpour of rain that lasted for weeks, inundating the rice fields, all lands, and people's homes. At that time, the goddess descended from the heavens. On her head, she wore a massive hat comprised of four large leaves sewn together with bamboo sticks. This hat was so large that it shielded the people from the rain; she dispelled the clouds and rain, enabling the people to resume their normal lives.

Since its first appearance thousands of years ago, the non-la has woven itself into being an integral aspect to Vietnamese culture. The non-la is used as a shelter from the sun and rain, a market basket for vegetables, or even a bowl for quenching one's thirst when near a well. Nowadays, on dates, it was not uncommon to see young couples concealing their kisses from onlookers beneath this traditional headwear. This symbol of Vietnam transcends age, gender, and racial distinctions. Despite being reproduced for tourist purposes, the symbol is entirely ingrained in Vietnamese culture, young to old wearing it day to day, as it has evolved with the country. Now knowing the history behind the non-la and its importance wear and use it respectfully!

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bà - grandmas

Vietnamese culture emphasize the importance of family and community. Its core values, which embrace the principles of Confucianism, are harmony, duty, honor, respect, education and allegiance to the family.

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about me

I love to travel, to see and try different things. As a traveller I hope to experience new stories, different cultures and above all learn more about the cultures I traverse and the people I interact with - but most importantly to do so in a manner which is considerate and is respectful of the local populations. Below is an image of me amongst the masses in Tokyo, Japan.

“So, travel, for many of us, is a quest for not just the unknown, but the unknowing; I, at least, travel in search of an innocent eye that can return me to a more innocent self.” - Pico Iyer 

In traveling we do not just learn about the nations which we traverse, the cultures which we embrace, and the history we read but it is also a process of unlearning. I really enjoy this excerpt from Pico Iyer’s reading, I agree with its sentiment that a large part of traveling is forgoing rigid and engrained ideas which we’ve developed over time into adulthood - it is a return to childlike innocence wherein we can embrace new things with an open mind and an open heart. When abroad in a new unfamiliar place it is beneficial to search for a more guileless sense of self.

Hence this blog will explore a considerate, eco-touristic angle on traveling through the country of Vietnam. The beautiful country is not only renowned for its breathtaking scenery and extensive history but also its amazing, kind, and welcoming people. What interest’s me most about Vietnam is its culture which is generous and incredible to embrace. I want to seek to learn more about the people and traditions of the country. I therefore want to be able to demonstrate to others how someone can visit and embrace the country for all its beauties in a mindful and sustainable manner.