My life in Vietnam / Passport, money, visa, Q&A

[@NikiProshin]

It's been a while since I posted a vlog not related to Russia. Hope you found this interesting too 🙏 stay happy, cheers from Vietnam

[@ninemoonplanet]

It's certainly a different way of living, I hope you're doing well, and don't get caught up in the bribery/corruption system. Phó is eaten here, some of it is delicious, some just average.

[@boydjensen3161]

I was in Da Lat in 1972 with the 177th Ordnance Detachment of the US Army. Da Lat is in the Central Highlands, and it has much cooler weather. Da Lat is like Aspen, Colorado in the US. They had big lumber mills there, even grow Yellowpine trees. Go see Tiger Falls, a local water fall. I loved Da Lat, similar to the mountains Idaho. They probably have many million dollar homes there, is it quite expensive to live there, compared to other areas. The terraced Fruit Tree farms are also, beautiful.

[@GRILL332]

One of your better videos. Love to hear you talk about your expenses vs income. Now tell us what you do for fun and travel there.

[@robertobonani4631]

can you explain better this lifestyle?? like what would mean to live for 300 dollars? (I've been in Bali and Myanmar, and i know is possible but) thankyou

[@tzenzhongguo]

I wish you could stay in Taiwan.

[@tarzan12345]

Nikki, I have some good news for you. Vietnam’s National Assembly just passed a new law to update a few things related to visas and immigration matters. 1) your visa free entry into Vietnam (with your Russian passport) will be 45 days, tripled from the current 15 days. 2) e-visa will be multi-entry 90 days, instead of single entry 30 days as it is now. This law goes into effect on August 15, 2023 and it will make life so much easier for you and anyone wants to come to Vietnam.

[@NikiProshin]

Yes! I've heard about it and now just waiting

[@cdnsk12]

That's great news. Vietnam is moving into the modern age. I'm pleased to hear this!

[@bombaybeach208]

But that's hardly long term...how can you plan on making it a home?

[@SilverforceX]

@@bombaybeach208 Be employed, work visa. Be a student. Marriage. Like most other nations.

[@randymoran67]

​@bombaybeach208 you never been to Vietnam it's great there

[@lissamullen3331]

Nikki, you are much happier than you were a few months ago. Good to see the happy Nikki again!

[@chezmanya]

The weird leaf you had in your spring rolls is called perilla, and it is a cousin of the Japanese Shiso leaf. It definitely has a distinctive taste, and it features prominently in Korean cuisine. now I have learned it is part of Vietnamese cuisine. It’s hard for us to source this in America but I am sure that some shops carry it. Good for you for trying new things!

[@NikiProshin]

This perilla and shies leaves look very similar. I tried perilla at a Korean BBQ for the first time and just had a a small bite before I let my friends finish the rest of perilla. Now I like it :)

[@translost]

If you wanted to tray it is possible to buy in Korean markets is USA!!!❤

[@tv3051989]

I think you can replace perilla by other leaf in your local.

[@tarzan12345]

Vietnamese/asian markets often have it. I know the H Mart near my house always does.

[@ghlscitel6714]

I grow "Shiso" in the garden here in Germany. Just mailorder some seeds online from Japan. I have 3 versions of Shiso: Green ones, red ones and green-purple ones. Slightly different tase. Once you started with growing them you always will have them. They are coming by themselves each year.

[@DonaldGislason]

I am blown away by the honesty with which you reveal the details of your life, both the good and the bad. This is what makes your channel so watchable over time. I appreciate hearing about the cost of things, and I really love the "food porn" !

[@NikiProshin]

Thanks Donald!

[@jane._.v-y7q]

Đà Lạt is amazing :)) hope you’re enjoying your stay. As a Vietnamese student who is living abroad for study, all i can say is homesick hits me hard haha

[@Myria83]

I appreciate how transparent you are about your situation and your sources of income.

[@claudiakenworthy6050]

Love, love, love when you do these kind of videos. Opens up a new perspective to the way others live and the cultural differences also learning about food etc. Great job

[@NikiProshin]

Thanks Claudia, glad you learned something new from this video :)

[@duylai7705]

As a Vietnamese I welcome to Vietnam. I hope you will have a nice time in the country :)

[@NikiProshin]

Cám ơn!

[@kevinpham5507]

I just visited Da Lat 2 weeks ago! It is honestly one of an underrated spot for most international folks. Welcome to Vietnam!

[@TheRebornofSocialVietSub]

Ghost story 😂😅❤

[@luongo7886]

@@TheRebornofSocialVietSub Ghost story?!?!?

[@thuytruong-do7xr]

Underrated spot? You look like Vietnamese but it seems you don’t understand much all about VN.

[@anhkhoanguyen8562]

well no? Da Lat is literally one of the most well known tourist cities in Vietnam, maybe behind Nha Trang, Ha Long, Hoi An, but that's it. It's totally in top 5 tourist spot at least. It's very popular spot for Vietnamese to travel there in summer to escape the summer heat due to the mountainous climate. I wouldn't say it is underrated. You may think it's underrated because it's not very populated, and it's exactly because it's a tourist spot, not a city to find jobs, unless you are in tourism or agriculture (Dalat plants, vegetables and flowers are very popular in Vietnam)

[@louyht7]

@@luongo7886 Da Lat used to be famous for ghost stories because of abandoned French mansions

[@d.n.8919]

You should definitely check out Taiwan if it's possible for you. I lived there for nearly two years as an American and I quite enjoyed it. It is a super free and democratic place full of beautiful nature and lots of historical sites.

[@davids7009]

Isn't it about to become ground zero though for WWIII?? 👀 I'd be way too nervous living there. Wouldn't want to have a situation similar to those Indian students in Ukraine who had difficulty getting out during the invasion.

[@deliciousnoodles5505]

@@davids7009 no that's bs, WW3 happens the whole world will be engulfed in nuclear war, there won't be WW3

[@d.n.8919]

@@davids7009 unfortunately that is something that has been brewing for a while. It’s just not known if china will actually try anything

[@denniscompton5800]

I live in HCMC and have thought about Da Lat for the weather but one downside is the amount of tourists it draws on the weekends or national holidays. Glad to see you are doing well and I hope you have a lovely time in Vn.

[@NikiProshin]

Yes, every weekend so many tourists come here (but they are also the reason that Dalat has lots of great daily life spots that I enjoy during the weekdays)

[@charlenejones68]

You should write a book about your travels and include photos from each destination. Including the food from different locations/countries. I think you could do really well. I would buy a copy of your book.🙂🤗✌

[@NikiProshin]

Thank you Charlene! I'm saving quite a few stories and photos from my trips across the globe

[@delilah28100]

@@NikiProshin Agree with OP, why not try Kindle Direct Publishing for your travels.

[@formica.]

What's a book? GenZ doesn't do books. They vlog.

[@Cryosxify]

10:08 Vietnamese coriander from wiki also known as Persicaria odorata, with common names Vietnamese coriander, rau răm, laksa leaf, Vietnamese cilantro, phak phai, praew leaf, hot mint, Cambodian mint and Vietnamese mint

[@darrellspraggins7966]

Nikki I really enjpyed your video on Vietnm. I have always wanted to travel the world to include Vietnam. I was actually in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War but had duty assignments in Korea and Germany. I had a praying mother and I fully believe her prayers kept me from going to war. I have also watched your videos in Russia and have come to the conclusion that you are one of the most positive and happy persons I have ever viewed. You always have a smile on your face and you really have the gift of gab (a compliment from me)! Please continue your videos!! A fan from lower Alabama U.S.A.

[@hueyngo]

I found your channel right at the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I am so happy you are doing what you love and found a country you enjoy living. I grew up in Vietnam and seeing your video makes me want to move back home. (I am from the US). Best wishes

[@NikiProshin]

Thank you Huey! Hope you'll get a chance to visit Vietnam again!

[@joepeach997]

Niki, I am so happy for you. I can always get an honest, accurate assessment of a subject from you. It would be nice if you could live in America for a while. There are places with good people and affordable living, but it does take planning. Well, wherever you go, I know I can find you. Safe travels.

[@NikiProshin]

Planning is my weak side :)

[@HandleOne]

@Nikki, Have you ever been to the USA? Would be great to hear your opinion about America.

[@e-spy]

It is not difficult to watch any of your videos. Just love your honesty and enthusiasm for other cultures! I wish the entire world were like you in that respect. Thank you for making these videos. I feel they are very important to remind us that humanity is alive and well in the world. Best wishes for your future travels! Love from Minnesota, USA.

[@NikiProshin]

Thank you, and best wishes from Vietnam!

[@Feier_Salamander]

John Saboe just said in a YT short, that VN will extend the 30-day visa to 90-day. The 15-day visa exemption will become 45 days exemption. Should take effect on 15. August according to him.

[@NikiProshin]

Yes, that's what I heard. Now just waiting for Aug 15 to see how it actually will work

[@PortsladeBySea]

Excellent vlog. My former NHS colleague went on a guided tour of Vietnam in 1980 and fell in love with the country. He loved the people, who made him feel very welcome, which surprised me as the Vietnam war had only ended 5 years earlier 🇻🇳🙏🕊️

[@quanganh1368]

Việt Nam chào đón tất cả mọi người nếu không gây hại cho đất nước và người Việt Nam. Hy vọng một ngày bạn sẽ đến thăm đất nước xinh đẹp của tôi.

[@chamamemestre]

Don't bother about the hate comments, people are either: 1) offended on behalf of the whole human race... 2) people we are suffering in Ukraine and they feel the need to vent at someone or something (understandable, even if not the right thing to do), 3) just dumbass*es. Either way, keep being you and keep us informed. Vietnam and its people are great. Love everything about it.

[@actua99]

The background noise is fine, it adds flavour to the video. So keep up the good work, and enjoy yourself in Vietnam!

[@lynnc.5807]

Hi Niki, Thanks for this video about daily life in Vietnam. The small things are very interesting-food, shelter, money etc. I am always curious how different cultures can have different ways of handling daily life. Keep traveling!

[@NikiProshin]

So true!

[@grandslapper]

Happy travels! Enjoy Vietnam. It never does what you expect it to do. It is a land of surprises.

[@selmahare]

OMG it is lol That is so true XD

[@franzeliz]

I love fresh Vietnamese spring rolls! My fav snack in Vietnam. Enjoy. 😁

[@TheColdViking]

If you can travel to Phillpines it would be a better option when it comes to visa. You can stay there for three yars just extending your visa without leaving the coutry, and if you like Dalat, maybe Baguio City is a good alternative for you :)

[@NikiProshin]

Saved that Baguio City for my future visit :)

[@PsychicLord]

@@NikiProshin Do not miss out on Cebu, an historical city with plenty of culture.

[@bethan.gruffydd]

Happy that you have arrived in Vietnam and are settling into life there. I really enjoy all your content and I'm glad you are able to produce it.

[@NikiProshin]

Thanks Bethan!

[@david_lifeandgames]

Please come to Malaysia bro. It's cheap and you'll love it! Will earn yourself many new fans too! Singapore is expensive but worth a visit too. A few days is good enough.

[@janicelaurin7263]

Hey Niki, I commented earlier about the weather. I am in Phoenix, Arizona, USA and we are having a major heatwave. It will probably get up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit by the middle of the week. Just awful. Very dry heat. Could you maybe discuss the weather there with the humidity factor and how you handle it. I hope you have good air conditioning in your home there. The news states temperatures have increased globally everywhere this week. Thank you.

[@NikiProshin]

Dalat is humid but most houses here don't have air conditioning since it's not hot here. It's common to use dehumidifiers here and I have one. It's also common here to use heaters during the winter because it gets quite chilly at night

[@roland-friedrichstricker4027]

Danke!

[@NikiProshin]

Danke, Roland

[@birdsong63]

This was so interesting! It's fascinating to me to see how other cultures live. Their food is quite healthy. Thank you for giving us a personal view of your life there.

[@thienwinchester]

Da Lat is actually my hometown but now I'm living in Finland. Welcome!

[@justchantell1]

Hello Dear @NikiProshin! I hope you are doing well! Seems like you visiting "Nam" is a good idea while things are heating up in UA. News tonight, 9am their time, anti-air missiles blew up part of a bridge believed to be the Kerch Bridge. Please stay safe my friend and may God Bless and keep you safe, Blessed and not stressed!!!🙏💓🙌✝Love from US! 🫂

[@marymachado3732]

Great video today, sorry I miss the live, but still watch you later. I think you are living the life you are happy with, and to me is the most positive thing you can do for your happiness. Lots of us are upset with what happening with the Russian country, but we all can't do much help. Just glad you look happy and you are happy with your new spot. Live healthy and safe

[@chris.tran.travels]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, friend. My wife and I also just moved to Vietnam. We are Vietnamese American and we have an extra layer of challenge because our parents were refugees leaving the country and still have a strong hatred of the government. We love Vietnam and we made the decision to live here for this chapter of our lives because it makes sense for us, but our parents are not happy and every day they send us anti-Vietnam propaganda and project a lot of their fears. Anyways, it's just what it is. We're adults so we have to just reassure them we're still alive. Anyways, thank you for your insights

[@NikiProshin]

Hope you're enjoying your life in Vietnam no matter what challenges you're facing!

[@hoangnga290]

Tôi là người Việt Nam ở trong nước … không biết sao đọc cmt của bạn làm tôi xúc động … thế hệ trước đã trải qua nhiều đau khổ khó khăn … chào mừng bạn trở về quê hương …

[@bryanrotchell1565]

Good luck Niki , nice to see that you are okay 👍

[@debbyschweighardt5810]

I love learning about other countries. The background noise was not picked up, so you sounded great. Thank you for posting. Love your videos!

[@jeffreystarits2783]

I would bet that goes a long way in Vietnam, im glad for you !!!!!

[@jeffsnider3588]

I enjoy seeing the local culture from countries that unfortunately I will never get to see. Traveling and recording/editing/uploading videos is work and I appreciate what you do.

[@tapiolehto5312]

Greetings from Finland, nice to see you there giving knowledge to us. Keep up the good work.

[@williamtell5365]

I'm an American living in Ho Chi Minh City. I actually moved here because my wife is VNese, but I do think it's a pretty attractive place to live for several reasons. Adapting to the climate is one big issue for a lot of foreigners here.

[@QuantumBlu9x]

Dalat is colder than HCM city.

[@williamtell5365]

@@QuantumBlu9x sure da lat is an anomaly

[@cdnsk12]

@@QuantumBlu9x DaLat is a topical city not a tropical city like Saigon. DaLat's elevation causes the cooler weather.

[@joedellinger9437]

Lots of Vietnamese living in Houston, Texas, supposedly because the climate is similar… at least for much of the year. Houston can get below freezing for a few days a year (and if the cold lasts, everything breaks!). So Vietnam probably would not be that hard to adjust to. :-) Vietnamese is one of the 5 languages you can vote in, in Houston. Along with Hmong, another language from Vietnam.

[@cupidok2768]

How can I make money like u

[@sshaw4429]

Very interesting. Your mother must miss you terribly.❤❤❤❤

[@m.r.3510]

Watching this video. I'm glad your enjoying your life and travels. There's alway various people that question others lifestyle. I wish you happiness throughout your journey in life.

[@clam371384]

GREAT price for food… really enjoyed this vid

[@dianeirvine1384]

Very interested in your content. Good Job. I love to see the normal everyday life of the people of the countries you visit. And the things you get up too. The cost of things and the lifestyles.

[@Lucre993]

Thanks!

[@NikiProshin]

Thank you!

[@wespeakforthetrees]

I hope to go to Thailand and Vietnam sometime in the next year or so. Maybe I can have a coffee with you. I've been a fan since before you left Russia.

[@saolálainn]

Good for you Nikki, nothing but respect for you. I have travelled Vietnam from North to South (twice) but a long time ago now. Best of luck to you x

[@NikiProshin]

Best wishes from Vietnam! I guess you enjoyed your trips around here

[@rjeckardt8863]

Very happy that you are happy. You deserve it, especially for what is happening back home and in Ukraine. Not any easy situation for sure, but thankfully you are a seasoned traveler and love it, so hopefully that makes it a bit easier. :) Enjoy beautiful Vietnam.

[@ruffleduffle]

Enjoy your time in Vietnam, Niki! I've always been interested in exploring Asia and it's great to see your down to earth insight! Da Lat looks awesome!

[@lorisheheen2198]

Niki I enjoyed hearing all about your stay. You seem to adjust quite nicely to new surroundings. The food looked really good and very affordable. Love where your staying. Seems very relaxing and peaceful. Happy to see your doing well and look forward to your next destination! Thank you for sharing this and as always....Best wishes, be safe and Many Blessings. 🙏❤❤😊

[@NikiProshin]

Thank you Lori! Best wishes from Vietnam

[@lorisheheen2198]

@@NikiProshin ❤️❤️❤️❤️😊

[@mariannestrandeng6489]

Thank you for sharing Niki. :) And thank you for answering my question! I hope you get to meet your mom soon!

[@donnaprice3148]

Very interesting video. Love learning about new cultures and how to make a living on you tube. You have a great personality. It doesn’t help Ukraine in any way whatsoever if you are sad.❤

[@vincentsolon3216]

I hope you will visit Cebu Philippines soon!

[@tsuchan]

Thanks for the great video! By the way, that's not background noise, it's 'atmosphere', 'immersive experience'... I like it. And your audio is super-clear.

[@IyamNadanumber]

Thanks!

[@NikiProshin]

Thank you!

[@GM-cq6ez]

Wow, you look much happier now, Nikki. The puppy may have something to do with it? Dalat looks like a lovely place - you chose well. I like the new relaxed look. Congrats. Enjoy your new surroundings.

[@christinabingham1477]

Thanks

[@NikiProshin]

Thank you Christina!

[@marylou6765]

Great to see you enjoying yourself. You work hard and deserve every penny you earn.

[@melquiadeshayag7634]

Niki when you go to the Philippines, never miss seeing your countryman the Baylosis Squad. She's also a vlogger. The have good life her with her husband with businesses

[@DoRightMuse]

Another enjoyable video. Show us around the city and go to some shops such a grocery, bakery, electronics place, street vendors and so on. Chat with some locals for us. Thank you!

[@NikiProshin]

Slowly slowly will do such video too :)

[@joannharrington2279]

Hadn't seen any of your videos lately. Glad you are healthy and safe in Viet Nam.

[@jbowerdel]

I was amazed by the scooter/motorcycle traffic in Vietnam-it was difficult enough to cross the street as a pedestrian, couldn’t imagine trying to negotiate it on a scooter! Loved the video. There are many Vietnamese expats where I live and the restaurants they have opened are wonderful. Enjoy seeing how you are fairing.

[@albertogodas1013]

Grazie.

[@NikiProshin]

Thank you!

[@EASTSIDERIDER707]

Vietnamese people and food are reasons enough. I live near a large Vietnamese community, though I haven’t visited lately a few restaurants and stores are in my neighborhood.

[@johnsullivan2563]

I really enjoyed this video Thank you. I hope you do not have difficulties renewing your passport

[@SilverforceX]

Dalat is perfect, not too hot or cold. Not too busy and surrounded by fresh mountain forest!

[@qdh9339]

Your the few food & travel vlogger that I actually enjoyed listening than get annoyed. Keep up the good work.

[@williamrandall1415]

I’m so glad you are safe from the war

[@johnsullivan2563]

it is great you are open about what you earn. You earned it my friend

[@donnabaird3059]

Always interesting, keep it up Niki. Come visit Cape Town after your Vietnam stay.

[@hannah1943]

just wanted to say I truly enjoy your videos

[@willydytico396]

Enjoy Philippines Niki…last time I visited home was 2016. Currently living here in California since mid 70’s.

[@BTinSF]

I live about 3 blocks from "Little Saigon" in San Francisco and we have pretty much all the same foods although they don't make you roll your own spring rolls. I'd estimate the prices are maybe twice as much.

[@formica.]

How IS the Tenderloin these days? Getting pretty bad press!

[@doodahgurlie]

There are a million iterations of the goi cuon (spring rolls) there. Nem nuong is popular in the Central region and is something you roll yourself. There are so many different combinations of protein, greens, herbs, dips, etc.

[@lottat6420]

Vietnam is such an interesting country. I'm going to explore Southeast Asia when I retire.

[@CasiyKNguien]

Eattttt as much as you can because food here are around 1 dollar per meal and they are deliciousssss. I hope you enjoy your stay Niki.

[@Dan8254]

I have been your subscriber for awhile now. You are really an honest KZbinr who is always describing your situations openly including your position on the Russia's invasion to Ukraine. You made uncomfortable choice to get away from your own country. It takes lot of sacrifices. I salute you for that. Wishing you nothing less than continuous success and happiness in wherever country you are in. Please continue making those interesting videos. Thank you.

[@darylfortney8081]

vietnam is a great country... friendly people, good food, low budget, high quality. you are absolutely right though there certainly are lots of little annoyances

[@ossimar2005]

This is an amazing video. You are very precise at pointing out the positive e negative points. I've been to Vietnam twice and share the same opinion you have. BTW, I am a Brazilian follower and think you should consider visiting Brazil. We have a special visa for KZbinrs.

[@NikiProshin]

Brazil is like a different world for me. Someday I'll visit there. I've never heard about a special visa for youtubers but I think Russians have 90 days visa-free for Brazil

[@ossimar2005]

@@NikiProshin The special visa grants you the possibility to stay here for a year.

[@ossimar2005]

@@NikiProshinIf you like nature, Brazil is the place.

[@EdjieboaNova]

Your food reviews are a fast favorite

Love your content Niki and happy to support you 🫶

[@ATRestoration]

Really nice colors! What camera and lens you are using?

[@WillowWandering]

Awesome editing in this video! I enjoyed it a lot. I really liked the music you chose for your motorbike trip! I got a real sense of what it is like to be there. I have many questions. How many hours a month do you put in to your content to meet your financial goals? How many videos a month must you post to maintain your monthly income? How much money do you invest in equipment? I noticed your motorbike in the background. Is it customary to store it indoors? Would it be stolen outside? Glad you’re enjoying your travels.

[@bonnieikamas1201]

So very happy to see you again!❤️🙏🌹

[@ironbark88]

I've been to DaLat... Lovely city, great climate and yes fascinating history.

[@Caerigna]

ty for sharing some of how you support yourself as a youtuber. It's interesting to learn a little of how it does, and doesn't work.

[@brianredman9347]

I really like your video about Viet Nam. Makes me want to take a trip there. I wish you all the best. Take care.

[@danielbelasco4661]

One of your best videos. Greetings from the Bahamas!

[@daviddoan68]

Tourist visa will extend to 3 months starting August. Good news.

[@abeabraham7733]

Hey Niki. I really like the content on your channel. I find your travels interesting despite the situation in Europe. Really hope for the best for your situation. удачи

[@TheArchie1112]

Hey Niki!, Big fan from NZ - I 'm sure I walked passed you in Hanoi in March!, but had nothing unqiue to say other than Hi and that I think you make great videos, and I was in a bit of a hurry so I didn't say anything. But I was in the last country of an 8 month backpacking trip mostly in Europe and was on my way home, I was not expecting to see you in such a place haha. Anyway, I think you have made a great choice in Vietnam!, the people, landscape and food are among the best in the world - And you should be well looked after :) wish you well.

[@NikiProshin]

Hope you had great time in Vietnam! Next time if you see me just say hi no need anything unique :)

[@The_Matador]

I've been a silent viewer, liking content on occasion. However, your honesty, transparency, and good nature has earned a subscriber. Best of luck and looking forward to more personal adventures and insight into Russia/Ukraine conflict.

[@NikiProshin]

Thank you and welcome to our tiny community!

[@julieb750]

Love this video. I love hearing about the places you are going to because I’ve never been anywhere near there. It’s also interesting to hear about how you figure out how to live in a place, not just as a tourist. Good luck!

[@Islandlifefornow]

I wouldn't worry about people who think travelling is wrong during the Ukraine/Russian situation. I'm pretty sure there are million of people around the world travelling right now. If people stopped travelling, the workers in tourism would have difficulty surviving. Niki, you do a terrific job sharing your travelling experience. Your videos aspires me to travel the world one day. Keep it up!👍

[@clam371384]

So glad to hear that you are growing your channel as well as personal growth. Keep on growing….

[@sigridmeyer9667]

Thanks for the information about Vietnam and Content creation...both themes were very interesting

[@m_r---123]

Loved your video - so very interesting!! Thank you!

[@davidlang1125]

I’m not sure I could feel secure without a dependable and regular income. But very happy you’re doing quite well from your YT income. Love your videos. Really enjoy the information and tips. Vietnam looks great especially the food! Stay well Nikki.

[@tom-was]

how content creators earn their money and your insider's knowledge of this subject would make for a fascinating video

[@willbygosh4887]

Niki,you're enjoying life and that's good!

[@21jlxi]

Wow, Vietnam looks so different to when I was there in 1999, but I'm sure the people are still as nice and welcoming as ever. Great place to stay a while. Personally I think you've made a great choice to stay away from the coast.