#driving in vietnam

[one-time-i-dreamt]

I was going out to visit a museum in Vietnam, when I realized mid-drive that I had left my phone back at my friend’s place.

[sanasanakun]

Jimithon Mouthwashing is such a good representation of untreated, enabled NPD like it makes me want to squeeze the life out of him. I'm endlessly fascinated when watching him interact with his crew, surroundings, and himself because he's so fucking lost in his own sauce. It's insane. If I'm being real, it makes him my favorite character in the game.

It's a little scary to say, but watching Jimmy is like seeing a mirrored version of myself two years ago before I truly committed to treatment for my NPD. He's like a shadow. The opening line "I hope this hurts," which I believe comes from Jimmy right before the crash, is such a poignant statement. It's a simple line, but I can tell you from experience that the desire to hurt others when in a narcissistic rage is overwhelming. It's such a good line to sum up Jimmy's character in that moment. Luckily, in the real world, I had my friends and family there to catch me when I hit my lowest, even though I'd hurt them so many times. Jimmy probably could've used friends to force him into therapy (cough cough Curly cough cough)

[aiiaiiiyo]

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[rpfisfine]

OKAAAAY

[fistfuloflightning]

More Thuận Thiên from NBTK bc his design’s so fun

[awesome-casuallyfamouscollector]

We've Had Our VinFast VF8 For 6 Months! Here's How It's Going

[schlock-luster-video]

On May 18, 2015, Sharknado debuted in Vietnam.

[purenguyening]

I don’t usually poke my head into Vietnamese politics that much but I do think the meme and the context that lead to this meme is very based.

[rabbitcruiser]

Miami Beach was incorporated on March 26, 1915.

[fieriframes]

[(Guy) AND CHICKEN WINGS FROM VIETNAM.]

[lsundarinfo]

Exploring Vietnam on a Budget

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most budget-friendly destinations, offering an irresistible blend of vibrant cities, lush countryside, stunning beaches, and fascinating culture. Whether you're drawn by the bustling cities, serene mountain landscapes, or its rich history, Vietnam is perfect for budget travelers. With a bit of planning, you can explore its diverse regions without breaking the bank. This guide takes you through cheap places to stay, must-visit villages, exhilarating mountain passes, night-life hotspots, must-try foods, and the best solo road trips and camping spots. We’ll even touch on the driving rules and requirements for international travelers.

Affordable Accommodation: Where to Stay on a Budget

When traveling through Vietnam on a budget, you’ll be spoilt for choice in terms of cheap accommodation. From hostels in the heart of cities to budget homestays in rural areas, you’ll find something that fits your wallet.

Hostels and Guesthouses: In cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, hostels are incredibly affordable. You can find a bed in a dorm room for as little as $5–10 per night. Some popular budget-friendly hostels include Hanoi Backpackers Hostel and Saigon Youth Hostel, where the focus is on comfort, cleanliness, and a vibrant social atmosphere. You can also find budget hotels or guesthouses offering private rooms for as low as $15–$20 per night, especially in lesser-known cities like Nha Trang or Hue.

Homestays: For a more immersive experience, try staying in a homestay in the rural areas or smaller villages. Not only will you get a taste of local life, but meals are often included in the price. In places like Mai Chau or the Mekong Delta, you can find homestays for around $10–$15 a night.

Villages to Visit: Discover Authentic Vietnam

Vietnam’s villages are where the country’s true heart lies. If you want to experience the unspoiled beauty of Vietnam, make sure to venture out of the big cities.

Sapa: Located in the northern highlands, Sapa is famous for its rice terraces and ethnic minority villages like the Hmong and Tay communities. Hiking through the mountains while visiting villages like Ta Van or Cat Cat offers breathtaking views and unique cultural experiences. You can find affordable homestays and enjoy local hospitality for a few dollars a night.

Hoi An: While Hoi An is now a popular tourist destination, its surrounding rural villages like Tra Que (famous for its organic farming) and Cam Thanh (known for its coconut groves) offer a tranquil escape. Rent a bike and explore these peaceful areas while staying in budget guesthouses or homestays near the town center.

Ha Giang: The northern province of Ha Giang, often overlooked by travelers, is home to spectacular mountain landscapes and ethnic minority villages. Stay in Dong Van or Meo Vac to experience this remote beauty and explore traditional markets and stone villages while enjoying some of Vietnam’s most scenic roads.

City to Explore: Vietnam’s Vibrant Urban Life

Vietnam’s cities each offer a unique charm, whether it’s the bustling energy of a metropolis or the more laid-back atmosphere of coastal cities.

Hanoi: Vietnam’s capital is a budget traveler’s dream. From wandering around the Old Quarter to visiting the serene Hoan Kiem Lake and exploring the bustling night markets, Hanoi offers a balance between historic and modern life. Try local street food for under $2, and visit cultural landmarks like the Temple of Literature or the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum without spending much.

Ho Chi Minh City: As Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) buzzes with energy. From historical attractions like the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels to the lively Bui Vien Street for affordable nightlife, this city has plenty to offer for travelers on a budget.

Da Nang: Located along Vietnam’s central coast, Da Nang is a great hub for exploring the nearby Marble Mountains or Ba Na Hills, as well as the ancient city of Hoi An. It’s also known for its long stretches of white-sand beaches. Accommodation here is affordable, with plenty of beachfront hostels for under $15 a night.

Mountain Passes: A Journey Through Scenic Landscapes

For those seeking adventure, Vietnam’s mountain passes offer some of the most thrilling road trips. You can rent a motorbike for as little as $5 a day and hit the road, discovering spectacular views along the way.

Hai Van Pass: One of Vietnam’s most famous mountain roads, the Hai Van Pass runs between Da Nang and Hue. The winding road offers panoramic views of the coastline and the jungle-clad hills. Rent a motorbike and take in the sea breeze as you navigate one of the most scenic routes in Vietnam.

Ma Pi Leng Pass: Located in the Ha Giang province, Ma Pi Leng is one of the most breathtaking passes in the country, known for its sheer cliffs, deep valleys, and river gorges. If you're an experienced rider, this is one of the most thrilling drives you’ll find in Vietnam.

Nightlife: Party on a Budget

Vietnam offers plenty of options for nightlife, especially in its big cities, but you can still have fun without overspending.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter: The heart of Hanoi’s nightlife, with cheap bars and street-side bia hoi (fresh beer) joints. You can grab a beer for as low as 5,000 VND (about $0.25) and enjoy live music or dance at the affordable Binh Minh Jazz Club.

Ho Chi Minh City’s Bui Vien Street: The backpacker hub in Saigon, Bui Vien Street is lined with budget bars, street food stalls, and clubs. You can party all night without spending more than $10–$20.

Da Nang’s Beach Bars: In Da Nang, head to the beach for some chilled-out bars and enjoy cocktails for a fraction of what you'd pay in Western countries.

Must-Try Foods: Vietnamese Delicacies on a Budget

Vietnamese cuisine is both affordable and incredibly delicious. Here are a few must-try dishes for budget travelers:

Pho: Vietnam’s famous noodle soup is hearty, flavorful, and typically costs around $1–2 from local vendors. Try Pho Ga (chicken) or Pho Bo (beef) at small street stalls for an authentic taste.

Banh Mi: This Vietnamese baguette sandwich is a perfect on-the-go snack, filled with ingredients like grilled pork, pate, cucumber, and pickled vegetables. You can find it for less than $1 from street vendors.

Bun Cha: Popular in Hanoi, this dish consists of grilled pork patties served over noodles with fresh herbs and dipping sauce. You can get a delicious portion for just $2–3.

Driving in Vietnam: Rules and International Licenses

If you're thinking about hitting the road on your own, Vietnam offers the perfect environment for solo drives. However, there are some rules to follow:

Best Solo Road Trips and Camping Spots

For those who crave solitude and adventure, Vietnam has plenty of scenic routes and camping locations.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for nature lovers, with vast limestone caves and lush greenery. There are affordable campgrounds, or you can arrange camping with locals for an authentic experience.

Cat Ba Island: A part of the famous Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Island offers stunning coastal views and the opportunity to camp by the beach. You can rent a motorbike to explore the island’s secluded beaches and set up camp along the coastline.

Bach Ma National Park: Located between Hue and Da Nang, this national park is perfect for hiking and camping. With waterfalls, dense jungle, and wildlife, it's an adventurer's dream. You can bring your own tent or rent one at designated campsites.

The Happy Ending: Budget Travel in Vietnam is Worth Every Penny

Vietnam offers the ultimate budget travel experience. Whether you're sipping bia hoi with locals in Hanoi, exploring the winding roads of Ha Giang, or camping under the stars in Phong Nha, this country is filled with rich experiences that won't burn a hole in your pocket. With affordable food, budget-friendly accommodations, and incredible natural beauty, Vietnam is a dream destination for those seeking adventure on a shoestring budget.

[fluidstatick]

When I was little, my dad hired a Cambodian refugee called Jack to help him drywall a dining room ceiling. Jack spoke very little English; he'd recently gotten a part time job in a little Asian deli not far from our home and needed to pick up some extra work. He was very kind to six year old me and my exhausted mom; he brought us day old leftovers from the deli counter often, and liked to tuck the knuckle of his index finger into the dimple in my cheek whenever I smiled at him.

He soaked up construction skills and other information like a sponge, and by the time he left my dad's tiny construction company he'd gotten his GED, learned to drive, reunited with his sister and her family, and had begun remodeling a vacant business on the rich side of town into a Cambodian restaurant. He invited us to their grand opening on lunar new year, and I'll never forget when he gave me a red envelope with five dollars in it and told me, "tonight I am the luckiest man in the world, so this will bring you luck, too."

Years later, my dad told me that Jack had witnessed his parents' murder during the khmer rouge, and was immediately separated from his sister. He had to cross the killing fields at Choeung Ek alone, on foot, eating grass and insects to survive. He somehow made it to Cam Ranh on the coast of Vietnam, where a distant friend of his father's put him on a boat to Seattle. Jack was nine years old.

I tell this story because, even though I haven't seen Jack or any of his relatives in thirty years, I pray he's well and happy and eating like a king tonight with everyone he loves, celebrating the long overdue demise of the pestilential sonofabitch who tried to wipe them out.

Fuck Henry Kissinger's pathetic ghost, and fuck all those who praise him. Fuck Imperialism. Fuck the genocidal war machine. Drink deep for the freedom of all souls tonight, my friends. And tomorrow, keep fighting.

[chiharuokuyama]

Light house

[electroniccollectiondonut]

every day i wake up and think about the fact that twenty years from now i'm going to be teaching a history class about today's current events

[badjokesbyjeff]

One day at the end of class, little Johnny's teacher asks the class to go home and think of a story to be concluded with the moral of that story. The following day the teacher asks for the first volunteer to tell their story. 

Little Suzy raises her hand. "My dad owns a farm and every Sunday we load the chicken eggs on the truck and drive into town to sell them at the market. Well, one Sunday we hit a big bump and all the eggs flew out of the basket and onto the road." When the teacher asked for the moral of the story, Suzy replied, "Don't keep all your eggs in one basket."

Little Lucy went next. "My dad owns a farm too. Every weekend we take the chicken eggs and put them in the incubator. Last weekend only eight of the 12 eggs hatched."; Again, the teacher asked for the moral of the story. Lucy replied, "Don't count your chickens before they hatch."

Next up was little Johnny. "My uncle Ted fought in the Vietnam war, and his plane was shot down over enemy territory. He jumped out before it crashed but could only take a case of beer, a machine gun and a machete. On the way down, he drank the case of beer. Then he landed right in the middle of 100 Vietnamese soldiers. He shot 70 with his machine gun, but then he ran out of bullets! So he pulled out his machete and killed 20 more. Then the blade on his machete broke, so he killed the last ten with his bare hands." The teacher looked a little shocked.

After clearing her throat, she asked what possible moral there could be to this story. "Well," Johnny replied, "Don't fuck with Uncle Ted when he's been drinking."