“Vietnam’s landscape is breathtaking, but it’s the kindness of its people that leaves an everlasting impression.”
Exploring Vietnam on a bicycle is more than just a journey; it is an immersive experience, unveiling the warm hospitality, boundless generosity, and profound love ingrained in Vietnamese culture. In October 2023 I completed my third cycling trip to Vietnam, where I pedaled from Nha Trang to Vũng Tàu and then across the mesmerizing Mekong Delta, memories etched in my mind that go beyond picturesque landscapes and smooth roads vividly recall the unforgettable kindness bestowed by the Vietnamese people.
The genuine warmth radiates from the passionate greets, cheery waves, and genuine smiles of the school kids, as well as encouraging thumbs-ups and honks from passing drivers, transforming the cycling journey into an incredible adventure and creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
A little girl’s sweet gesture in Ninh Hải, beautifully captured Vietnamese generosity. She hopped off her mother’s motorbike, offering a donut, a simple gesture that echoed the heartwarming nature of the locals. Subsequent days unfolded with more acts of kindness, as people generously offered bottled water, energy drinks, and succulent fruits, transforming each ride into a banquet of goodwill.
Instances of fortunate assistance further exemplified Vietnamese kindness. In Mui Ne, a group of boys went out of their way to repair my cycle’s broken pedal, showcasing the prevailing willingness to extend a helping hand in this beautiful country.
Unexpected surprises added an extra layer of charm to the journey. This time too, I received not one but four “đề nghị hôn nhân” along the way, emphasising the love of the Vietnamese people.
