Backpacking Vietnam: Hard, Beautiful, and Intriguing

Vietnam is difficult, beautiful, and intriguing. Six weeks of travel from the Mekong Delta in the south to Hanoi and Sapa in the north have revealed these themes to be consistent and unwavering. Difficulties arise with a dense language barrier, an erratic transportation system, and uncertain relations with locals. The challenge can be enjoyable, however, and the reward is access to a country that knows no bounds to its beauty. Where the scenery is lacking, a bizarre and fascinating culture is on display and doesn't allow for a single dull moment.

Not being proficient in the local language is generally not a problem in well traveled foreign countries. English, the international language of tourism, along with a few key phrases in the local dialect, are often sufficient. However, the smaller (and more interesting) towns in Vietnam are not well traveled and very little English is spoken. The little Vietnamese I learned was helpful, but pronunciation is very important in a tonal language and inflections seem to vary by region. While I had to do without some niceties on occasion, lodging and food were always managed without too much effort and the challenge really can be enjoyable. It's more fun when you have to work for it!