VIETNAM | Solo Backpacking | Ep1: Saigon to Nha Trang

[@karlwatsondocs]

If you want the budget breakdown and itinerary for this trip, you can find them here: www.karlwatson.net/vietnam-budget-itinerary

[@karibakid]

@Rebecca Matthews Saigon is the preferred name by many ok

[@goutvols103]

Just for clarification, on April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese troops captured Saigon, and the city was subsequently renamed Ho Chi Minh City.

[@karibakid]

@Rebecca Matthews i have lived in Vietnam for 10yrs and good % still refer to call it Saigon

[@asdellera]

I cried in tunnel part ❤

[@ireland647]

This guy deserves his own Netflix series on travel

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks 😊👍

[@bsolo1998]

James HAS to come with. Perfect dynamic when James' boozy ass tags along

[@mattewkeily7962]

Yeah I agree

[@crystalr4703]

I totally agree! U should have ur own show on travel. It was different, like mark weins, Andrew zimmern, and connor McGregor lol loved ur style. Gonna keep watching

[@vichayes2970]

Completely agree 🙌🏼 Such amazing film making & story telling 😊

[@karlwatsondocs]

***THIS TRIP WAS FROM 27TH DECEMBER 2019 TO 8TH FEBRUARY 2020*** Just thought I’d put that here, even though the date is shown in the video and I go to an NYE party, there’s still gonna be some muppets making inevitable comments of “can’t believe you travelled during lockdown”. This was several weeks before any lockdowns happened (other than in China). ANYWAY, hope everybody enjoyed the first episode! Each one from this series is a little bit different, so I’m looking forward to everyone seeing the complete story. Next episode is out Friday 12th June, final episode is out Friday 19th June

[@BACKPACKTOPIA]

Nice try man, you clearly went last month and put old scenes in there to make it look like you were there for new years last year. They don't call you Karl "Kubrick" Watson for a reason. He faked the moon landing and you faked this.

[@joelandbecca6851]

loved this episode! Can't wait for the other ones 🙃

[@karlwatsondocs]

BACKPACKTOPIA you joke, but you know I am gonna get comments like that 😉

[@W.A.T.P...55]

It's just great to watch some great travel vlogs,,sometimes I forget we're under lockdown

[@W.A.T.P...55]

Hi fella can I just say your camera skills are top class...well made vlog

[@Mazaaa77]

I love Veitnam 😍😍 From Morocco 🇲🇦♥️

[@ciuvu859]

Vietnam

[@ker-kerobdamen]

i miss Vietnam...☺️ been to Saigon, Da Nang and Hoi An...amazing place...😍

[@hanhtrinhcuocsong1217]

Welcom to comeback

[@majtom5421]

@ompbotty I just loved Vientam

[@MurdauDumaw]

I did a similar journey last year! I was studying in Singapore and went to Vietnam with some friends I made. We went from Saigon to Mui Ne, Mui Ne to Dalat, and then finally Dalat to Nha Trang. Vietnam is so underrated :) As is all of Asia. Many people (Westerners specifically) see these countries as "playgrounds" for tourism when they are definitely not. They deserve more respect and I'm glad you give it a good perception :D I'm not Vietnamese, I just like the country haha

[@andywilk38]

Good points by both Marlin and John. Personally, I loathe the treatment by many, many visitors to any country as being a playground.

[@martinslavov4240]

Sad but true

[@huongnguyenpham7877]

Thank you

[@samtranbao5907]

Thank u for this nice comment! Hope to see u in VN again

[@haidu2113]

Thank you so much

[@DivandBenny]

Vietnam is without a doubt the best country we’ve ever been to. We’ve been looking forward to this since you announced it and it didn’t disappoint. Our favourite travel vlogger in our favourite country! Really looking forward to the next one. Thanks Karl!

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks very much guys

[@antifugazi]

I ❤ Vietnam, so much fun, so many great people, I could live there easily.

[@jonburrows2684]

Amen! I LOVE VIETNAM!!

[@michaelandersson4126]

This is amazing! I traveled through Vietnam on a bike from ho chi Minh too hanoi 4 years ago and visited most of the places you did. This brings back so many good memories. Thank you for that.

[@karlwatsondocs]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@leshermin]

did you rented a bike or you bought one ? I want to do that in january 2022

[@dannguyen239]

I'm Vietnamese, and obviously, I love my country very much as well as all things belong to it including people, beauty, and cuisine. When you travel to Vietnam, not only you have chances to discover the magnificent landscapes, human hospitality, but also you can try a lot of appetizing food which is incredibly cheap. I'm really into your video and thanks for introducing my country to friends all over the world so that they can know solidly about my country. Welcome to Vietnam.

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks 😊

[@CatsInHatz]

One of the most underrated channels. Can't wait to watch!

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks

[@NomadShifu]

Vietnam is the place to go after this pandemic. We love to explore the country and experience the Vietnamese culture and the friendly people.

[@DGreen-c1x]

Fantastic work Karl, I have been to Vietnam twice and had to cancel our third trip because of Covid 😔 watching this is bringing back so many wonderful memories. Travel tip for those thinking of doing the Mekong tour and Cu Chi tunnel's , hire a prive tour guide and driver for the day, it's wasn't that expensive, I think our car and driver was only about $80 AUD. It is worth every cent and you could split the costs with 3 other people to make it cheaper, you can change where you want to go, there is no real set plan so much more flexible than being on a crowded tour bus. We always visit in May as it's very quiet at that time of year, yes you will get rain pretty much every evening around 4pm but we love that! There are plenty of good legit tour guide's around and they will find you a driver, you just need to ask. Our guide has become a great friend and we now visit his family when we go. Happy travelling everyone 😊

[@simplerway489]

Nice to see people who travel for adventures, have fun, and show some respect to the people and cultures they experience.

[@darrencarlson3664]

This has to be one of the best videos you have done! You are easily the world's best travel documentary maker. I love this episode, so much!

[@karlwatsondocs]

Cheers Darren, really appreciate it :)

[@justinrogers3282]

This is great! Vietnam is the best country I’ve ever been

[@grenoble11]

This is amazing! I love the honest content as well as the post-production. I spent a month backpacking in Vietnam (the last country I visited) and only saw a fraction of what the country has to offer. After backpacking through Laos, Malaysia, and Indonesia for months, I got burnt out, but the travelers I had met along the way highly recommended Vietnam and the Ha Giang Loop. So, two days before I was supposed to return to the US, I decided to extend my trip for a month and explore Vietnam from South to North. Can't wait to see the episode that includes the Ha Giang Loop. I wiped out on my motorbike (not an automatic scooter) winding around gravelly road along an area of road construction on Day 2 and have scars and a bit of PTSD still, ha. I will have to check out your other content!

[@Tackleberry666]

I have been to Vietnam back in 2016. This brings back the memories!

[@DDingle668]

Forget your Netflix marathons you need to have a Karl Watson marathon spent the last 2 days watching all your videos... absolutely superb, definitely got them wanderlust juices flowing now.

[@tintucautu-kinhte6993]

It was a year ago when came across this video, I have wanted to visit Hoi an ever since and I was finally able to this summer. I absolutely loved it, it was really the most beautiful city in the world.

[@jetsetjuliettravels]

A truly charming, unpretentious & informative series. Watson does something so many other hosts neglect: he actually shows you the locals perspective and doesn't make it all about him.

[@tuanpino1711]

Vietnam is such beautiful country with kind people. Dont forget to enjoy the food 🙂

[@kathymcmurray6312]

I like how he covers prices and information for visiting........without being a sleeze or narcissistic. Hope he does more soon. Needs a Netflix show, agreed.

[@vietphu9495]

As a Vietnamese watching a foreigner's travel experience, I'm so proud of Vietnam, especially about the war and the way you guys see us as guerrilla fighters. I have watched several videos from other foreigner KZbinrs traveling in Vietnam, but I can say you probably are the best. I'm living abroad right now and your video really made sense for me during this time when I am stuck here and can't come back to visit my motherland. Thank you very much for taking the come back trip to make a proper visit to Vietnam that you shared at the beginning of the video. That is the right decision ever for us, at least for you and for me :) Btw, at 9:48, I know they were trying to connect with foreigners, but it's so funny LOL. The combination itself is good, but look at her face, she's serious. I was a bit of shame during watching that moment.

[@gloojaam6756]

😂😂😂 you guys are LEGEND

[@meocanten8267]

Vâng

[@avabartlett1]

❤ love from Australia:)

[@HenryWrideExplores]

Your guide’s speech for the HCMC tunnels really makes you think about how lucky we are!

[@Mr.TravelKing]

Awesome video and amazing shots on this epic adventure! Vietnam is an awesome country!

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks! :)

[@AICompost]

I did almost exactly the same trip in 2016 :) Started in vietnam then, laos,thailand,malaysia,singapore,malaysia again, sri lanka, and finally india. Best times of my life! I still remember the coaster the wirecar to temple, crazy house... oh boy.

[@DOACClipss]

Even though I've travelled through all these places on my own travels, it's so cool to revisit those memories and live vicariously through another as well as hear your opinions on certain aspects of the country.

[@jnrx2007]

Great series ! I went to Vietnam in November 2019, loved it ! Will come back again soon.

[@Princessleo_8571]

This is absolutely amazing! the editing and the footage you got made me feel like i was watching a fully funded crew BBC documentary! Well done you! can't wait to see more :D

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks very much 😊

[@vavilovasvetlana9044]

All your programs are not only super interestig and original but also attractive and educational.

[@james-r]

9:49 “traditional vietnamese music” okay lol

[@bamboo9666]

If You're Happy and You Know It clap your hands 😂😂

[@thefuture6570]

That part god damn make me crack up

[@tulu1688]

LOL. Vietnamese here. I cant stop laughing =]]

[@jaden6312]

But she didn't even seem happy when she clapped her hands...

[@eirameii17]

@@jaden6312 That is what makes it funny haha I guess they just want to show humor. Sorry my English is very bad >

[@aliemmanuel7020]

Sincerely this guy deserves more recognition

[@souravzhere]

I keep my expectations low for the 'hotspot country' vlogs, but you have done this one so well! With James or a group it is almost a given that the videos can't be flat, but achieving that as a solo backpacker is brilliant. Your storytelling with motion pictures was always top notch, but you've truly raised the bar again. Eagerly waiting for the second episode. Thank you!

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks very much, appreciate it

[@michaelely9467]

Perfect way to spend a quiet hour at work! The booby traps in the Cu Chi tunnels was confronting, but respect to any group of people that can come up with such ingenious ways of defending themselves.

[@karlwatsondocs]

Yeah that stuff was fascinating

[@majtom5421]

Hi Karl, I spent almost 3 months in Saigon which I really loved one of the best trips ever. was in Da lat for 4 day and Na Trang friends had to be back to work on Monday. The people were so wonderful and gracious. The food was amazing and the Center Square at night. I'm planning to move to Da Nang after travel/visas are available. Friends and family could not believe I would leave the US for VN.

[@BengalMusafir]

One Man Army 💪 Take Love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩 Hope you will vis our country one-day ❤

[@laurajeanrobins6995]

I loved this so much! Always enjoy your videos. Felt like you captured the experience perfectly. Looking forward to the next one! Your right I got told off for saying Ho Chi Minh and have since learnt Saigon. Vietnam is such an incredible place, I’ve travelled it a couple of times and live here now and think you never have time to experience it all. So lucky you met Danny, feel like things are always better when you can do it yourself, looks amazing! Xoxox

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks Laura! 😊

[@ollieh4785]

Makes me miss Vietnam so much! Awesome video mate

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks

[@adammaley2690]

Great episode, brought back memories of my own trip to Vietnam last year. Looking forward to the next episode!

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks Adam

[@CC-wr2yo]

Finally something positive in the world. Much needed!

[@karlwatsondocs]

Enjoy 😊

[@TakeTimeToTravel]

Great video! Can't wait to get back to travelling full time and return to Vietnam. Such a beautiful country.

[@caseycowles]

So good! I can't wait to see the rest of the videos!!! Definitely makes me want to go back to Vietnam.

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks Casey

[@NP-jy7qs]

You are good at this, at first I thought i was watching a netflix travel documentary, very professionally done! Good job Karl!

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks very much 😊

[@infinitibottle]

Danny looks like a chill dude to travel with.

[@karlwatsondocs]

He was

[@mellowllama96]

Had the pleasure of meeting Mr Peace last year, what’s an absolute legend he is, mad seeing him on KZbin haha

[@betoaguiar63]

Been there, done most of that... partner is Vietnamese... home advantage... highly recommended, great country, very nice people...

[@jonathanwang6099]

Love how genuine your documentaries always feel. Great footage and quality editing. Thanks for your hard work.

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks Jonathan 👍

[@delsonchong]

Fauzi was my guide for the very same tour back in 2017. Glad that he is still with the same company doing what he does best.

[@karlwatsondocs]

He was a great guy

[@mmohamud4131]

Okay I woke up early to watch this before I start my work!!! So excited bro, gonna bring back so many memories

[@karlwatsondocs]

Enjoy 👍

[@chinainmyeyes4117]

I do not watch videos over 20 mins very much, this is the exception. it brings my memory of 2011 back

[@pearlrodrigues6073]

Such an amazing episode!!!.Totally worth the wait... I could actually feel the vibe of the crowded touristy spots and also the relaxing amazing country side roads... So refreshing to watch in this no travel time..Only sad part is not seeing karl jump in any of the waters!! Anyways great job!! Eagerly waiting for the next episodes... :)

[@karlwatsondocs]

Haha thanks very much! 😊

[@elliottkeightley1425]

Been waiting on this for the longest time. It definitely didn’t disappoint and could be one of your greatest pieces of work. Makes me want to travel Vietnam even more. Can’t wait for episode 2

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks 😊

[@JolieHienHuynh]

It's beautiful Karl! I love my Nha Trang city but You had such a short time here . We could show you much more in 2nd chance ! Good luck and stay safe ! Love ya!

[@yennguyen2951]

Welcome back to VN a second time. You did a fantastic job of recording the video. I am glad you explored all over VN. Great job Karl. You are REAL. :)

[@simonscott5104]

Thanks Karl that was really enjoyable. Can't wait to watch the rest. I hope you're coping with lockdown well. 😀👍🏻

[@karlwatsondocs]

Cheers Simon

[@nickodemis]

Karl Watson is the MAN…!!!!!

[@gigibonquin1616]

Reminds me of my trip there back in 2009!! I hope I can visit again.

[@jeffmatherly4105]

Those traps were badass and the guide was so grateful🙏

[@SahilPimenta]

Been watching your content since the Africa series, your videos have the magic of completely transporting me to that place, keep doing what you do, appreciate the effort you put in and it shows in the quality of your content. Cheers mate!

[@karlwatsondocs]

Cheers 😊

[@winstonsp4689]

I just visited vietnam last year. For me vietnam is such a beautiful country.

[@michaelorford1164]

Another well documented trip! Brought back a lot of great memories.....Good job Karl!!!

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks 😊

[@pebbles3852]

Great episode! Those words from the guide really touched me. We are Super Lucky

[@ghetto_cupcake]

Once again awesome content! You never disappoint Karl! I'm a night owl so I love when you upload videos it's like 1 or 2 am here in Texas! Gives me something interesting to watch! Can't wait for the next episode.

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks Megan

[@SubSonicsPixelators]

I’m leaving to travel again for the first time in 5 years and Vietnam is where I’m starting. I’ve been there for two 3 month motor bike trips prior and it’s crazy seeing all the places I’ve seen through someone else’s eyes

[@Tobezzz1]

Absolutely loved the Video, you inspired me and my mates to take a year off before Uni and spend 7 months in Asia after watching your HK2NY trip a few years ago, was literally the best months of my life. Cheers for sharing your adventures, defo the best travel video maker out there for giving you an honest, first hand view on what you will actually experience if you go there and do it your self!

[@karlwatsondocs]

Cheers Toby! Appreciate it

[@MM-kq8gc]

This is so professional and engaging.... I thought it was a commissioned piece that has already been on tv, Netflix but looks like it is straight onto this awesome channel!

[@Jack_of_Helsinki]

I was in Vietnam round trip last year and also spend some time in Hongkong. Btw.. 13:00 that must be an island called the Coconut Island. Good memories...

[@ClintThrust-e8r]

Another good film, cheers Karl. Danny was a top bloke, acting as your guide and co-presenter. 👍

[@karlwatsondocs]

Yeah he’s a great guy

[@stayautumm1328]

I love the tour guide. I love the girl in SG appear in your video. I just feel they are so Vietnamese same blood of Viet Nam people. I love my country.

[@bgmlibrary-freemusicforcre8198]

These videos put such a big smile on my face. and The BGM works well with the video content, making it easier to focus on it.

[@voodoochile8491]

This is TV quality, but better and more real. Awesome content!

[@sprgary]

this brings back so many memories from when I went in 2018. In Dalat i stayed in the hostel next door, stumbled upon the maze bar one evening, went to waterfall but didn't do the "rollercoaster" due to the queues, then ended up having all the locals wanting to take pictures with me and my friend. Dalat was one of my favourite places in Vietnam, second to Hoi-An! can't wait to watch part 2 of this!

[@karlwatsondocs]

Cheers Gary. Yeah wish I had longer in Dalat!

[@vichayes2970]

Kudos for giving the Viet Cong tunnel a go!! The claustrophobic in me was getting panicky just watching it!! Lol!! Another great vid 🙌🏼

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks 😊

[@glennheales5628]

I am a 62 year old Aussie and I reckon your travel docs are the best I have seen. Well done mate.

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks very much Glenn 😊👍

[@teaarmo]

I've been living in Saigon for the last three years and like many ex-pats I just can't bring myself to leave. Looking forward to seeing your perspective

[@mightymizzar9672]

Ho chi Minh*

[@socialreject2156]

@@mightymizzar9672 saigon*

[@khanhpham2275]

@@mightymizzar9672 If you respect South Vietnam people, please call it Sai Gon, not Saigon or Ho Chi Minh. Sài Gòn trong tim tôi, Sai Gon is in my heart. Peace!!

[@johndexterZ]

this is one of the most well made travel vlog/doc ive seen dude! big props one the editing:)

[@UrsHippelein]

Amazing mate! I liked the music even more on this one! Makes me wanna get out on the road again so bad...

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks

[@CanisiaThe3rd]

As a child I've been on holiday to Vietnam and visited many of these places (I'm half Vietnamese so we often went there), but I plan to revisit all the amazing sites in a few years time with my friends

[@katherinecudilla3000]

Done watching while at work, that was awesome episode of Vietnam. Keep up the good work Karl, we support your channel. Stay safe and God blessed you. 😀

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks 😊

[@geleengrospe5811]

I am planning for my trip in Vietnam which will be my first solo travel and I am so happy to came across with this video. It's my first time watching almost an hour vid without skipping!! haha your documentary is amazing, it made me more appreciate Vietnam, it's people and culture.

[@chuck8772]

Cannot wait to have normalcies so we all travel more. Love how this video has so much food which is what SE Asia is all about haha. Love it

[@karlwatsondocs]

Cheers 😊

[@harvey2609]

What a discovery you are. Off to Vietnam in February. You will kinda be my guide. Thanks

[@oliverdonoghue1124]

Let's go lads, I haven't watched it yet bu I already know it's gonna be a banger 😂💪💪

[@NaenMarkTravel]

Vietnam is open at the moment and we can't wait to get there soon going to be amazing to vlog and live their.

[@styx814]

So many memories. Did pretty much the same last year. But I have to disagree on one thing: those rice fields did not look uber green at all to me (dry season) haha Go during the rainy season and it is so bright green that it is literally blinding you. Great job

[@AnhHoang-mm7sz]

Karl: They'll entertain you with traditional music Them: *If you happy and you know it, clap your hands*

[@domingopartida5812]

35:55 Danny is so cute 😍😍, that smile, those eyes 😍😍😍

[@Zenboy23]

I'm so glad I chose a cheap, chill, 15 guest boat instead of a party boat with all that frat vibe nonsense at Halong Bay...

[@marcd1977able]

I stayed at that hostel in Saigon about 10 years ago... it used to be called: Ngocthao GuestHouse

[@umashankarlath2872]

I wish you get an opportunity to make a series for NETFLIX...you deserve it man ! Awesome cinematography and top class content !

[@karlwatsondocs]

Thanks, me too! 😉

[@AwkwardFreeSpirit]

I was there a week before you. This is bringing back so many great memories!

[@billyruben6540]

As always, great work, man. That next episode looks like it'll be a good one.

[@karlwatsondocs]

Cheers :)

[@ItachiUchiha-uc5hc]

this is the only vlog you need if your planning for a trip to Viettnam. excellent work dude. looking forward for your next travel

[@dillon.p8629]

I loved how you described Nha Trang, I was there last year and described it almost the same way, it is a very boring city in comparison to Ho Chi Minh City

[@Micke12312]

Yeah i was there 2010. Hated the place, and that was before the russians. A bit frustrating to read about it on tripadvisor and it kinda seems like the best place in vietnam.

[@mrfrano100]

So nice to see something without corona. But now I want to travel even more. But I can’t. Guess I have to live in Karl’s videos. Thanks mate

[@karlwatsondocs]

Cheers :)

[@paulscott775]

Only lately found your Vlogs. Wow.. Impressive work. Fascinating stuff. Great mix of insights and travel. A joy to watch.

[@karlwatsondocs]

Cheers Paul, thanks for all the great feedback :)

[@kateho1608]

I am vietnamese, i have watched your video and have read a lot of of comments First of all, thank you for all the friendly and nicely comments that you guys have spent for vietnam, it is such an honour to me Secondly, you guys have inspired me a lot on travelling, and i'm 16 now, just more than one year to be old enough to explain my beloved country:))

[@youvsyou1849]

So Awesome watching you again dude. I remember watching you and your friend travel in 2013. You were one of the first travelers I followed and eventually led to me traveling myself. I was just in Vietnam around the same time you were and made a few videos. Thank you for making this awesome video and reminding me how amazing Vietnam is!

[@karlwatsondocs]

Cheers appreciate it 😊

[@RizzoSheff]

Almost at 100k! Well deserved Karl. Can't wait for the rest of the videos int his series.

[@karlwatsondocs]

Cheers Jack