Monday, January 19, 2009

What is Vietnam like? The surrounding ...

First and foremost, I must say that I am glad to be a Malaysian after visiting Vietnam. Its not like everyday I would have said that for your information. If you are a Malaysian, you'll know what I mean.

Before this trip, my perception of Vietnam was rather hazy. But yet, I can imagine Vietnam to be something like Thailand.

When I reached Vietnam, my perception was confirmed. Vietnam did look a lot like Thailand in some ways. But, Vietnam was unique in its own ways too.

The first thing I found out was the amount of motorbikes on the road. I was like wow! ... were there that many motorbikes in Vietnam.

Look at the number of motorbikes ...

In Malaysia, traffic jam = caused by cars. In Vietnam, traffic jam = caused by motorbikes. The number of motorbikes were way too many till the point car drivers had to be super alert in maneuvering their car. Another skills I haven't got the chance to learn eh. Not planning to anyway ...

Roads were full with motorbikes too

I was told by someone that crossing a road in Vietnam is crazy. I can assure you that now. Crossing a road in Vietnam is not only crazy ... it is insane. Somehow, I manage to master the 'Vietnam road-crossing' skill :)

This picture was taken while I was crossing the road ... look at the distance between me and the motorbikes and cars ... it's insane

I am a skillful road-crosser now. But, I'll just leave that behind at Vietnam. If I were to perform the skill right here in Malaysia, I could be killed ... like seriously.

In Malaysia, a person will certainly get angry when he/she is honked ... right! Well, not here in Vietnam. Honking on the road is like a necessity. The rules are so weak in Vietnam that you'll see cars and motorbikes from every direction ... even when the traffic light is red!

So, the usage of honk is obviously to warn/inform people that you are right on your way. Honk! Honk! Mind you, get out of the way !!! ;) I told my friend that there may be a possibility one of Vietnam's driving lesson's priority was to learn how and when to honk the horn. There is certainly a need for that.

Vietnam's electricity wiring are a little strange for a reason unknown even to the locals. Wires ... more wires ... mindless wires. There are so many wires between each pole that you'll be wondering how the hell the electrician will be able to differentiate which wire is to which.

Crazy electricity wiring ...

I think that is all for now. While Vietnam's surrounding is a little chaotic, Vietnam sure do have its own charm as well.

Will be posting more stories on Vietnam soon. Food and place of interest is right on the way ...

Cam on va chao (Thanks and goodbye)

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7 comments:

м裏.jëиz said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
м裏.jëиz said...

you you you...

same same.

i miss vietnam already.

='(

when shall we go again?

NickTay said...

Your post makes me miss the years I worked in Saigon and Hanoi

Annoymous said...

Vietnam will have motor gp soon with all the bikes

Anonymous said...

Yay Vietnam . . . told you the motorists there are pros . . . okay i commented like you wanted . . . now give me my souvenir . . . hehehe

lina said...

wow, really scary man looking at those bikes on the road. Even here in Malaysia, I got scared seeing all those motorbikes zig-zagging on the road.

jasonmighty said...

You you Miss jenz, buy...cheap cheap...lolz...very cheap...hand made...good good

Nicky Tay, so you have been to Vietnam before. Yeah, I kinda miss Vietnam too...

Harmony, you are right. They can basically host a motor GP. Their riders are expert...having been maneuvering it every single day with thousands of motorbikes on the same road..lol

Anonymous, or rather Johnney, thanks. Souvenir ...hmmm...hehehe

Lina. It is scary. I waited several minutes the first time wondering how was I gonna cross the road...lol...it seems that I can just walk...the motor will look after me..or else they will honk (oops...secret skill out) :)

Thanks for all the comments people.