Vietnam Tourism CRASHES, Obsessed with FAKE Travel Awards!!

[@L3462-f1r]

Upon my arrival at Saigon Airport, I noticed that the customs line was moving quite slowly and the officer appeared rather unfriendly. It is important to remember that visitors come to Vietnam to contribute to the economy, not to ask for handouts. A warm and welcoming demeanor towards all visitors is crucial as it sets the tone for their overall experience.

[@name128ewa]

Vietnam has seen enough poor western begpackers, drunk ESL teachers and cheap charlie retirees They'll rather take the billions of dollars through foreign direct investment, rather than the puny $30 a day budget by your typical backpacker.

[@DouglasW-m9z]

Welcome to Vietnam 🇻🇳 ☺️ Vietnam got you, your wallet

[@_-_-.-_-_]

Maybe not you but lots of westerners come to Vietnam (a developing country) with entitlements and fake alpha mentalities.

[@VanTran-ne4yf]

what abot travel to france and cant speak French ? 10 time worst than Vietnam

[@777torch777]

@@L3462-f1r Unfortunately you are absolutely right - I am always shocked how government doesn’t give a shit what the first impression of their country is. SGN arrivals hall during Ted is a total zoo - I pay extra and get guided into line 4 though, but it should have to be that way. Nevertheless the USA, UK and many others countries are not any better

[@jimtso9802]

Corruption is the #1 issue that turned me off on Vietnam. Too many scams and corrptions!

[@honganlam2036]

Exactly! Very bad leaders ! 🤮🤮🤮🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳

[@chekim2]

Same here. I am fluent in Vietnamese language (having lived there for 10 years in the 80s) but still being scammed at many places. There are too many dishonest businesses and individual service personels, no one seem to take the lead to show them the long term benefit of doing business honestly. It's very unfortunate coz they really have a lot to offer otherwise.

[@qn5947]

VN should learn from Thailand and posts a scam hotline number everywhere so victimized foreign tourists can call in to report these price scams and gouging. It only takes one scam for most of these foreign tourists to never come back to VN.

[@L3462-f1r]

I was in Bangkok and people are more friendly and they are upfront for price. I feel my money is worth spending in Bangkok. I definitely visit Thailand again!

[@user-ik8wd9vm7r]

​@@L3462-f1rin Bangkok they rip you off upfront. Public AC buses are 40 baht, tuk tuk 150 baht for 2 km distance, food overpriced and 400 to 500 baht entry tickets to each museum or attraction. If that is not a rip off, I don't know what is

[@L3462-f1r]

That is not considered overcharging. The pricing reflects the standard rates in their locality. All prices are clearly stated and the decision to make a purchase or visit a location is entirely up to you.

[@xuanhuynh8429]

VN won't learn from Thai; they only learn from CN, and I bet they'll never get better anytime soon. After 1975, com propaganda, brainwashing, and culture revolution ( AK CN), it's in the blood and brain of its people. And I'm a VN boat person after 1975.

[@keangwooichoo6138]

@@qn5947 thailand is democratic monarchy, vietnam is communist. Are you sure a hotline can work?

[@paulduong5342]

I’m a retiree. I suggest that Vietnam should have a 6-month visa and extend up to a year. I plan to stay longer. I went there last year, and I travel from Ha Tien to Ha Noi. Vietnam is a beautiful country.

[@tokaitrading8335]

Less Visa renewals means less chances of taking bribes

[@Meomeosaigon]

You can buy a house to have visa 10, 20 years like Thailand did ❤

[@Gmail.comyama]

@@paulduong5342 looks like foreigners can apply for e-visa

[@stolennimbus]

I have never been to Vietnam and have been thinking about visiting. However, a few of my friends, including American Vietnamese, have warned me that a lot of locals (in the cities) would try to get you to pay as much as possible for everything and scams are everywhere.

[@garymacdougall4465]

Avoid

[@kevbrown1867]

You have to have your guard up the minute you walk off the plane . Be careful of people that are overly friendly especially the young girls those misfits are just scheming on ways to make your wallet lighter and clean you out .

[@Crypto-Jas]

Like in every city …… Vietnam is beautiful, your comment is slightly exaggerated as you need to be a little streetwise everywhere you go. Of course it happens but as I say it happens everywhere. Hope you are well. 👏

[@DevineOne]

I go to VN almost every year if I can. I love the VN people and food. I've learned Vietnamese due to my love of the culture and people. I do try and avoid tourist areas so it could be why but I never experience what your friends say. You're missing out on an experience. I'm guessing you live in the US but don't have a bad opinion of where you live? To give you an example, I could say I wouldn't visit the US due to shootings, zombie cities like Chicago, LA, New York etc... Also, I wouldn't visit London in the UK due to the stabbings, pickpockets and phone snatchings. These things can happen anyway in the world.

[@_-_-.-_-_]

The Vietnamese American mostly can't even speak Vietnamese let alone know about their country, culture and origins.

[@TerenceDuffy]

The visa application website is a nightmare!

[@markopolo945]

So true and then I tried to call and would get no answer for days.

[@garymacdougall4465]

Nightmare

[@bendigo1961]

Yes as a regular visitor to Vietnam I am astounded by the clunky visa process. Surely there must be a better way.

[@InvestingWithAdamK]

I couldn’t get it to work and ended up needing to use a company to complete the paperwork

[@DaveEPie]

I did mine in 20 minutes the first time About 10 minutes the second time

[@k.williams4925]

I agree totally. Pre-covid, I went once a year and I found the people more welcoming than in other Asian countries. I went again recently and found it very unwelcoming, especially the immigration officer. I'm a retired police officer from America with plenty of money to spend. I was hoping that by this time, Vietnam would have it's arms wide open for retirees. But sadly no. So I'm opting for Thailand's 10 year wealthy pensioners visa. Extremely easy to get.

[@siroliver8367]

They don't speak english , malaysia and philippines are more friendly

[@tomnguyen7112]

1) get rid of scam 2) promote discount tours 3) visa friendly

[@keangwooichoo6138]

My friend plus wife plus mother visited Vietnam this year. He told me food is not so good, travel and accommodation is expensive. He will never go back

[@keangwooichoo6138]

@@tomnguyen7112 discount tours? Like the 300 usd ha long bay tour? Or the cheaper version ones

[@armyguytravels]

@@keangwooichoo6138food is amazing, and it’s super cheap here. I don’t get it

[@tracyrreed]

I have been to Phu Quoc twice in the past 5 years. They have overbuilt. I saw lots of empty hotels and resorts which hadn't even opened yet. Too greedy.

[@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717]

Too much rapid over-development. They've destroyed the area between Da Nang and Hoi An. Used to be one long, pristine beach. Everywhere else, they want to constantly build, build, build and put resorts everywhere. It's an issue for certain.

[@keangwooichoo6138]

@tracyrreed I saw vlogs some beaches are polluted

[@tracyrreed]

@@keangwooichoo6138 Everything is polluted in VN. They don't hesitate to throw their trash wherever they want. It's sad.

[@ToTa-mh6re]

Going to PQ to see the fake Italian buildings.

[@tracyrreed]

@@ToTa-mh6re Exactly! The copycat European architecture is amusing. That's not what we go to VN for but the developers seem to think it is!

[@thunt1565]

Alright, Ken and other readers - let me share my reasons why I'm looking forward to moving OUT of Vietnam (again...). Background: I'm from the US, lived on Phu Quoc 2016-2018 as a co-owner of a restaurant there. Moved back to US in 2018, came back to Vietnam in May and married a lady I had met in 2017. I have traveled a fair bit around Europe, SE Asia, and the Caribbean/Central America. We moved to Da Nang based on previous visits to the area. Even here, which is about as good as it gets in Vietnam, it's less than ideal. Infrastructure - roads and all that goes with them (footpaths/sidewalks, parking, flow/control/signage, accessibility, etc.) are very poor (to be clear, I'm not saying all roads are in poor physical condition - some are, but the problems are deeper than just the quality of the build). Best road in the region is the one to Sun World's Ba Na Hills (about 25 km away from the city). It was privately funded and built by the Sun Group - NOT the Vietnamese government. Traffic? Beyond ridiculous. "It's their culture", used as an excuse to explain the lack of enforcement of any motor vehicle laws, lost all relevance after a week or so. Sure, I can drive and ride around like a local now, but it's a huge negative to anyone new wanting to stay here long term. Try walking around HCMC during rush hour - footpaths/sidewalks become another vehicle lane, and you'll be screamed at (or worse) if you don't move to let motorbikes take them over. Want to know the true number of traffic fatalities and injuries? HA! You'll never find accurate numbers as the government won't divulge them. Corruption and petty crime and bureaucracy - had to pay a few extra million dong to get the marriage paperwork completed in a timely manner - otherwise it would have sat on the desk of the little government pr*ck for many months. Friends have had many things stolen. All countries have hoops to jump through for visas, marriages, etc. - but the communist core of control and maintaining bygone processes is maddening. Shopping/groceries - I compare the largest Vietnamese grocery to an average US grocery, and it covers about 40% of the standard goods available. Malls? SE Asia is mall mecca! In Thailand you have multiple top rated mall chains - Central, Terminal 21, Siam (at least one, more in Bangkok, CM, Pattaya) in every major city. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand all have fantastic malls - any brand name you would want, huge, affordable & delicious food courts, polite and very friendly people working in them. HCMC and Hanoi each have only one top level mall. But, "customer service" is only seen at the higher end hotels or restaurants. Grocery store or retail shop? Great customer service is the exception, not the rule. Thank you, Thailand, for offering the DTV that easily includes your spouse. See you soon!

[@benpham8268]

You are absolutely right. They keep stabbing themselves in the foot.

[@truecentral718]

Only an American wouuld cite a lack of shopping malls as a reason to leave a country. That says a lot more about American 'culture' than about Vietnam. Personally, I see the lack of malls and mega-marts as being an absolute bonus.

[@EricP-sb1wl]

@@truecentral718 did you read everything he said ? Shopping malls is of the 10 reasons. You forgot about petty crime, corruption, stealing, bad roads….etc.

[@truecentral718]

@@EricP-sb1wlDid you read what I said? I said he cited it as A reason - not THE reason. Works both ways.

[@raygale4198]

Sounds like you will be happier back in the USA. I was just in Vietnam a month back. Saigon has plenty of shopping malls there are two or three multi level malls within 5km of Tan Son Nhat airport, how many do you want? The road system in Vietnam was layed out for ox carts and bicycles, a lot of Saigons roads are near 300 years old as is the city and inner suburbs. I was also in Danang same trip, the roads there are totally fine, wide footpaths, generally okay road surface and traffic safe enough for a mid 60's year old Australian to hire a scooter and ride down to Hoi An for an evening meal. I would never ride in Saigon, my reflexes are just to slow, I jump on a grab there. I don't know the most recent traffic numbers but the last time I asked when I was there in 2014 was around 1,700 fatals a year. Remember there are near 10 Million people in the Greater Ho Chi Minh City area, that's a city that physically is quite small, in Australia the land area would be equivalent to a mid sized country village. The problem and it's mainly an American thing, is you come to Vietnam and expect it to be just like America, or that Vietnamese should be subservient to Americans. You're in their country, play by their rules, respect their customs.

[@ILoveLibertyJustice]

You are 100 % Correct. I talked to thousands upon thousands of retired workers who have millions upon millions of dollars that they want something to do with and Vietnam is not a topic of conversation because of their poor visa or non existent retirement policies. Our millions of dollars only go where we are wanted, welcome, safe and hassle free. Great video. Obviously Vietnam is not ready.

[@venkateshdharurkar2100]

Dear, It's a very important issue highlighted. You took bold decisions to highlight the government openly.

[@ILoveLibertyJustice]

@@venkateshdharurkar2100 It is a very important issue actually. I have met many great great Vietnamese people here in the US that I love so dearly and have seen so many videos and streams of Vietnam and it’s very sad that allot of people will never enjoy the Vietnamese people in Vietnam or the beautiful country it self. I’m sure there is a reason why the government doesn’t allow foreigners to stay longer. I completely respect it but that doesn’t mean I cannot comment about it. I wouldn’t dare comment about it in Vietnam because my comments would not be valuable since it’s a communist country. I write boldly because I can think for myself and I am not restricted by any political or religious beliefs be it western or eastern ideologies. I write openly and boldly but I mean no harm or disrespect to anyone or any government. I only wish to express myself in a way that many others have in regard to the content of this video.

[@Scooter-y3e]

Your friends will come out of retirement and go works for Home Depot if they invest in Vietnam.

[@GiangHoang-hd8uk]

Ok, Vietnam will developer day by day. We no need fast due to rich not for all. Vietnam want Living with happiness. Look usa million people living in tent on street look as animals.

[@Scooter-y3e]

​@@GiangHoang-hd8ukAt least homeless in USA have a welfare services, hospital and shelter provided by the government. What does Vietnamese government have to offer to the homeless in Vietnam? It's only the Vietnam officials can get rich fast. The rest of the people are 3rd rate class citizens 😂

[@kennethnguyen6960]

I’m Vietnamese, and I was scammed in Can Tho. It was only about $15, but I don’t think I’ll ever visit Can Tho again. They assumed I didn't know anything, but I just didn’t want to get into a fight over $15-it would have ruined my day! Many people only think about short-term gains and quick money; they assume that since you are a tourist, you won’t come back. Of course, after a bad experience like that, who would want to return?

[@leeaznmode]

at least,you didn't have the cut and repair flip flop's scam when they see,stop you and say you have something with your flip flop in the middle of the street and cut your flip flop ,then repair at a crazy price....and you can't even do a thing except pay because you have no other shoes/flip flop with you

[@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717]

Nothing in Can Tho. Just a boring floating market and a long bridge. That's it. Heck, at least in Cao Lanh you can visit the tomb of Bac Ho's dad.

[@loctran5357]

@@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717 shit! who care about uncle Ho and hid dad!

[@fishbait007]

@@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717 what u talking about buddy!? Co Tho is super fun, it has tons of Beer Om.

[@tlmedia2016]

Bạn đi du lịch khắp nơi trên thế giới, thì việc tệ nạn nó cũng nhan nhản và mà mình nói vậy ko có nghĩ là đồng ý với tệ nạn. Nhưng vấn nhấn mạnh đó là những cái phụ. Đừng đánh đồng lên thành to lớn chứ. Sang châu âu, bao nhiêu nơi nổi tiếng cảnh đẹp dàn trận móc túi, trộm đồ mà.

[@Harinisridharanca]

You have the guts to quote the loopholes of a communist country. Truly appreciate 🎉

[@Anonymous------]

Vietnam is not a communist country, it has no communism nor socialism, it's all capitalism with a lot of corruption in the government, just like India.

[@chrisowen184]

The government is communist. The people are capitalist.

[@GrantandShirley]

Looks like you have not been to Vietnam lol

[@Anonymous------]

@GrantandShirley But he spent a lot of his life in his mom's basement. 🥴

[@keangwooichoo6138]

He has balls unlike most vloggers

[@heresit]

Corruption put me off from vietnam, wasn't a very good impression of the country when your ask for bribe to pass the luggage check at the airport. Once you dwell deeper, you realise corruption is still truly everywhere in the country.

[@Obi_too_kenobi]

I know there is a lot of corruption but I understand it (ok ok not that I am a fan of it ) But the fact is it’s a poor country and the men retire at 60 years old, and if your income is not that high, then your pension will be even lower so in all those years till retirement, they need to grab as much money as they can for there old age remember there is nothing like a old folks home or something like Social Security

[@garymacdougall4465]

@@Van_TT 100% corrupt!

[@1.4billion65]

​@@Van_TTsame for everyone

[@hp4415]

Acting like Vietnam is the worst? How about you check Vietnam corruption ranking compared to neighboring countries like Thailand?

[@jimtso9802]

@@Obi_too_kenobi Poverty is no excuse for stealing. Corruption is stealing!

[@jackchan5784]

Retired Canadian here. I travelled Vietnam this year from Hanoi to Ho Chi Min City, and I must say I prefer other countries in that area over Vietnam. The VISA problem, along with scams and unsanitary conditions ensures that I will not return to Vietnam. I will be buying a condo in another country and will travel all the other countries but Vietnam is on the bottom of my list.

[@GiangHoang-hd8uk]

@@jackchan5784 ok, Vietnam not welcome retirement people due to the retires not usful for economy

[@letsrollbabe9174]

@@GiangHoang-hd8uk This is a dead wrong perception, retirees have a lot of money if you let them stay longer they only help the economy grow

[@GiangHoang-hd8uk]

@@letsrollbabe9174 no, in Monaco is right. But people want retirement/ living long time in Vietnam with old salary max 5000usd/month.

[@kimduong2332]

@@letsrollbabe9174 This guy puts words into his mouth, do not believe him.

[@nguyenkhue4021]

@@letsrollbabe9174 Like Thailand with their 2.3% grows right LMFAO

[@JOHNPoST-y4u]

The visa is always the #1 consideration. We do not want the hassle.

[@altran1125]

maybe they dont want you to stay long term? take the hint

[@ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh123]

@@altran1125 Then why did they extend evisas to 90 days? Thats quite a long time. You are just making stuff up, the reason the evisa system sucks is cause they dont bother redoing the website. Even Cambodia has a simple nice quick evisa website.

[@ritas3696]

​@@altran1125That's fine. Just don't complain about tourism affecting their economy 😂

[@EricP-sb1wl]

They put some stupid dumb ass to run the country’s tourism and that’s why they couldn’t compete with neighboring countries.

[@elias.knotman]

Noise pollution, aggressive driving and lawless traffic culture and garbage everywhere. These also deter some people eho find it impossible to relax when in Vietnam.

[@dancooper5741]

All of their scams are coming back to bite them. We all said it would & it has.

[@WilliamWee-h4d]

You're Honest & Truthful - 2000 - 2010 - Enjoyed Ha Noi - Sai Gon - Bia Hoi - An Ngon & 2024 - Expensive & Stressful - Modernized

[@Viajaconmigo23]

I just came back from Hanoi and I noticed how tourism has been affected there, I went to a 5 star hotel and we were only 5 people staying there, I felt sad for Vietnam because is such a beatiful country and I would have loved to stay longer.

[@ateam6486]

September 2023 i was the only person at the hotel in Panabo Philippines. I had the entire place to myself. Once there i only saw 1 other tourist.

[@noeminoemi1350]

@@ateam6486 Where is Panabo PHilippines?

[@garymacdougall4465]

Greed has destroyed tourism

[@1737time]

living in VN I know this consequence will happen 10 years ago. These weaknesses have existed for a long time and I know they cannot be fixed. They belong to the nature of social culture and the selfish, uncivilized character of the majority of people.

[@Phoenix-lx7hh]

You’re absolutely correct about everything and don’t forget to mention the lack of PUBLIC RESTROOMS. This is very critical because every time I went to visit VN, I always get food poisoning. No matter how careful I am and it really suck

[@lamcso]

After being scammed from the point I checked into a HCMC hotel, the hotel check-in receptionist stole all my USD currency in my passport holder, to our dinner table food bills overcharged by items not ordered, scammed in the city market square when buying Viet coffee, my friend lost his camera place in a decent Aircon souvenir shop while checking products. just too to lust here. We all told our families and friends to avoid these places as too stressful for vacations. Too any scams and thefts incidents to elaborate here. Every visitors came back with at least few scams incidents.

[@phunk8607]

Ummm mate this sounds like it’s on you. Very complacent mindset and air headed ness not a VN thing

[@ttran3444]

@@phunk8607 when visiting a country full of thieves, one must be mindful.....and NEVER to go there in the first place.

[@keangwooichoo6138]

Omg damn

[@philphan8802]

Great job for detailing the truth about the issue of declining tourism business. We just came back from Bangkok and the people their welcome foreigners with open arms and beautiful smiles! We were in Vietnam last year, and we do feel a difference.

[@HồnganhNguyễn-q1p]

Him not only criticizes but also give the solutions.Thank you, cảm ơn anh

[@hp4415]

Check your comprehension skills, not criticize? do you even understand stand English?

[@hmoobs1]

Thank you for bringing the visa issue up. I visited Vietnam 3 times in the last 10 years but trying to get a visa has always been my iffy question wheather I should visit Vietnam at all. Plus those bad taxi drivers at the Da Nang Airport that pretended to be both Grab Drivers and Taxi drivers at the same time...SMFH.

[@garymacdougall4465]

Taxi scams galore

[@TheBureauAsia]

The working holiday visa is a great idea, I took advantage of the Japan-Australia one in the late 90s which allowed me to stay for 18 months in Japan working and travelling, learning the language and culture, and so on, which left an indelible mark on me 🙌 One thing I'd like to see is the locals in Saigon not sitting around waiting for matters out of their control to change, there are many things they can do at hẻm level, street level, neighbourhood level, community level that can make the tourist experience better without intervention from above. Interesting vid, Ken.

[@sagepirotess6312]

I went to sapa for 5 days. I was the only tourist in all attractions excluding the mountain. It be like walking Disneyland, and the park was empty except for you.

[@reinerdesouza9438]

Every country in S.E. Asia gives EU visitors free stay on arrival including Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia. First thing it irritates me is Visa requirement. International travellers dont like to visit Visa required countries. Plus Vietnam tries to fleece tourists. I have experienced both in Vietnam. It is one country i just visited once.

[@blipblop92]

Welcome to communism. We have to check if you gonna be bringing in anti-communism 😂

[@Anonymous------]

​@@blipblop92 Vietnam is NOT communism nor socialism, it is capitalism with heavy corruption in the government, like in India.

[@hugueslecorre4893]

EU nationals get free 45 days visa exemption, to renew, you must step out for 30 days. I do this continuously alternating with Thailand.

[@DevineOne]

I get 45 days on arrival free. I just went in Aug.

[@DevineOne]

@@hugueslecorre4893 You only need to cross the border and can come right back in with a new 45 days visa.

[@Liveforfood9394]

I love Vietnam and want to go there while we are cold in the winter. I traveled from south to north the last time I visited. Here are few suggestions they could do better to draw more tourists. 1 food hygiene 2 not enough public washrooms. I can eat multiple time a day, but can't fine a clean washroom. I don't mind to pay for a clean washroom each time I use, this way we will have cleansers to keep it clean. 3 visa free for 90 days will help the economy. 4 vendors should try to be more relaxed and a smile. I was being criticized in Ha Long Bay for checking prices and didn't buy at the fruit stand. Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are for friendly. 5 have to tip at the airport to go through faster or you could wait for a long time. 6 could not tell the things I paid were the fair price even when I did haggling😅 There were not a single airport in the world that I visited had the same problem. I'm not upset at all, just don't feel comfortable and hesitate to visit again.

[@keangwooichoo6138]

One more. Typhoon country too

[@kimpoindexter1481]

I as an American can get a 90 day visa. My wife is a Fijian can only get a 2 week visa. Therefore we go to Cambodia for a long term stay and just visit Vietnam for short visits. Vietnam healthcare is wonderful, but when my wife can only stay two weeks, hospital surgery becomes infeasible.

[@user-qz4mh9cg5b]

Go to Thailand or Singapore instead. You don't need a visa and the healthcare is much better.

[@OpoOnTheGo]

The kingdom of wonder is always a safe choice, never fell in love with a place and it's people so quickly. Hope to spend a fair bit of my future there

[@harrikangur]

Been trying to get the visa as a tourist. Denied already 3 times for random and incorrect reasons. Seen multiple reports online from other travelers who have had their visa rejected multiple times as well. Neighboring countries have VOA or visa exempt. No wonder hotels and restaurants are empty in Vietnam.

[@garymacdougall4465]

And each time it's another fee!

[@DesertCoyote-t5k]

As an American, I’d love to come visit Vietnam. I’m even looking for a country to retire to. The problem is that I can go to Thailand, that I can go to Malaysia. I can go to these two countries to visit without having to apply for a visa. I get a visa on entry. These countries also have something called a retirement visa, like the Philippines, Thailand, even Cambodia..

[@fishbait007]

What’s the difference? Capitalism vs communism

[@danny24042002]

That's not a problem sir. That's a relief for people here

[@DesertCoyote-t5k]

@@fishbait007 I don’t care about politics these concepts are out of my control. I follow the rules of the country I reside. I respect their culture. I spend money to support the country that graciously allows me easy entry. I would just like easier entry into Vietnam and options for retirement, which currently don’t exist IMHO.

[@beaverish]

@@DesertCoyote-t5k The country wants your money but doesn't want you here long term.

[@Anonymous------]

​@@fishbait007 Vietnam has no communism nor socialism, the people live in capitalism with heavy corruption like in India.

[@vinhnguyen6720]

Vn just wants ur money and cares less the rest . Tourists visited vn and never come back the second time . Really bad business practice. Too bad .

[@davidtran337]

Scams are everywhere you go. It was a scary experience. Never want to come back.

[@flashmedia8953]

You are a weakling. No back bones

[@kylekost8947]

Good video and excellent points. Vietnam is one of the most difficult places to enter as an American of any country in the world I've visited. On my first entry I was hassled at customs. They were trying to get me to pay hundreds of dollars for something made up. Luckily when I showed them I had almost no cash, they let me pass through. Not a great first impression. I love Vietnam and travel there often, but they don't make it easy. And I've never seen Vietnam travel advertised in the US. Most Americans have no idea how beautiful the country is and the wide diversity of places to visit.

[@FenceSitter-ei3cv]

Totally BS... Look at the video! It's stitched together. I bet he's not even in Vietnam.

[@chrismichaels6928]

@@FenceSitter-ei3cvI live here … he’s definitely in Vietnam. All videos on KZbin have editing. 🤦🏻🤣🙄

[@altran1125]

not sure how long ago that was but I haven't had those problem and most people I know it been awhile since that happen.

[@kylekost8947]

@altran1125 about a year ago. Only happened one time and I've been back multiple times since with no issues

[@FenceSitter-ei3cv]

@@chrismichaels6928 Nah.. it looks likes he's pasted in.

[@vnnesq]

long lines at the airport, scams as soon as you hit the curb, no mass transit, not walkable, lousy weather, air pollution, food safety, trash everywhere, high prices for 5 star hotels and resorts compared with Thailand and Malaysia

[@garymacdougall4465]

💯

[@altran1125]

lousy weather? what a moron

[@kevod09]

Yep Totally agree👍

[@Suns236]

Bingo

[@kimduong2332]

No worry, on the rainy day you can swim everywhere.

[@norbertschmitz3358]

You are spot on!!!!! Being a 68 year old Australian.....I was very keen to spend X-mas in VN. But having to supply a photo...as an elderly person with little IT knowledge....and all the rest....I decided to visit Indonesia instead! My 5000 AUD spending money, including locally spend money on accommodation, will be very welcome....I'm sure of that. Sorry Vietnam.....get your act together!

[@flashmedia8953]

Nice!

[@name128ewa]

Ok boomer. Vietnam attracts billions of foreign investment dollars, not your meager 5000 AUD.

[@chrismichaels6928]

I’m laughing. I’m a very young 52 years old from the US but I really struggle with IT shit. I had to at least have a friend provide emotional support during my application process for an E - Visa. To be fair, there were no issues and I was granted my 90 day visa 3 business days later. I’m now living in Da Nang. Side note - my asthma in the States was all but non - existent. It’s been raging since I got here. 😢

[@garymacdougall4465]

Wise choice

[@sbui66pip]

Stay in Australia mate.... foreigners think they can own our country because you flash a little cash around. Go to Thailand instead - Vietnam will grow without you

[@sonotleong]

Well said, they need to stop the tea money bullshit from officials and do their job properly.

[@Hoangsa74]

Did you mean "courtesy money"?

[@sonotleong]

@@Hoangsa74 Don't be so kind with their terminology. Tea money, coffee money, do your job cause I aint giving no money officials.

[@xevenau]

As a viet born in America, I had high expectations of what it would be like to visit Vietnam for my first time. I can tell you this, there are an abundance of good food, but their lack of hospitality, their hygiene, and how they operate as a country is just beyond me.

[@PTL4179]

This is a communist country running by a group of old people, people development to make their citizens smarter wasn’t their goals.

[@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717]

You are American...not Vietnamese.

[@Midnighter1886]

Funny. I was thinking similar things whenever I come back to the US. Abundance of good food, but also ABUNDANCE of fat people (including fat Asians). Dressed like bums in sweats, t-shirts and shorts at airports and churches. Houses are messy and shoes (with crap from the street) worn inside the house. Trash on the streets. Graffiti everywhere. Road rage and gun violence all the time. How they operate as a country is just beyond me. Savages.

[@xevenau]

@@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717 thank god

[@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717]

@@xevenau I dunno. At least, in Vietnam, these folks care about their families and aren't buried in a $100,000+ of debt just to breathe air.

[@dhhbtd]

The Vietnamese might be friendly but NOT the government officials.

[@keangwooichoo6138]

Communist

[@sheldonstack9740]

Metro rail- 15 years delayed, New airport 10 years delayed, no work permit for foreigners married to a Vietnamese person just effectively a 3 year tourist visa. - overall Vietnam lacks focus

[@duongglobalbusinessconsulting]

Foreign citizens married to locals can get a temporary/permanent residence card. No SEA countries offer work permits based on marriage.

[@NDemanuele1]

I hate to bring up the Elephant in the room, these issues have a lot to do with the Government interference unfortunately. While the other countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia have different government structures which is far easier to setup its marketing and branding identity to tourism.

[@keangwooichoo6138]

Indo china is communist

[@BaoNguyen-rg5ve]

I love Vietnam but.. The very first impression after you land is the long lines at custom. The officers are not friendly or welcoming. Very poor first impression.

[@theyhateme8763]

@@BaoNguyen-rg5ve immigrantion in Japan takes hours. Vietnam seems pretty fast and when you're leaving you can buy pass the lines of you're a resident or citizen .customs I lost often then not get waved through .most times the song even run my things through the machine. Just waved through..I find them effective

[@user-qz4mh9cg5b]

I don't think they get pay much so they don't really want to be there serving us. They are also very jealous of foreigners. They are grown up in a communist country and most of them have never been to a Western country.

[@kimduong2332]

Long lines at custom because no ones would put a US$5 note in their passports.

[@kennethnguyen6960]

If you are Vietnamese, you may appear less friendly than foreigners.

[@hineang5927]

​@@kimduong2332this practice needs to stop

[@VK-tq4il]

Mr. Ken, I think you should present this speech to the government house. Lack of tourism, business failures and the scams in Vietnam I am surprised you did not blame the Chinese !!!

[@hypocritehater1673]

Blame others for your fault,i know it,s typical for people like you,shame on you harebrain😂

[@pvantran82]

Please explain why blaming the Chinese? I'm intrigued.

[@VK-tq4il]

@@pvantran82 If you watched the previous shows, ken always blamed the Chinese bad influence in Vietnam.

[@chrisowen184]

The Vietnamese are generally not pro-China. There were riots a few years ago when the government proposed allowing "foreign" business to invest in economic zones. The government backed down. The same happened when the population got fed up of lockdowns. The government backed down. The government knows that it walks a very precarious line because the population does not like the government. Unless the population is behind you, you can assume that anybody suggesting changes will be given 5 minutes and then shown the door.

[@jt6231]

@@VK-tq4il the government encourages anti-China propaganda. He didn’t mention wave of mainland Chinese visiting Thailand and Malaysia due to their government friendly out reach. He wants the western visitors but those are not enough to make up for the loss. West rather visit their own type of cultural(US to Europe and vice versa).

[@HankLuong-l9g]

I got scammed in Viet Nam . I will not visit again

[@BillyGringo]

Would you mind sharing how you got scammed, please? I was planning on visiting but I keep reading comments like yours.

[@ay_ya404]

Spill the bean please...

[@siroliver8367]

It's your fault

[@Ronster528]

I love Vietnam alot, its friendly and welcoming people, the chill vibes on the streets, safe environment (petty crime is prevalent everywhere in the world but Vietnam has one of the lowest *serious crime* rates). Just one thing I dont like is the immigration gates at the airports, my wife who is a Vietnamese and I have had been asked for *coffee money* twice while clearing customs. It puts quite a dent on the happiness of starting a holiday. On the topic of scams I feel its a touché topic as every country has it as well even in Singapore. But on the topic of Visas I agree with Ken and many others that Vn can do alot more to promote not only tourism but investments and retirement visas as well.

[@Jeff-sm8of]

It's a hassle to bring money in and impossible to take money out. At the airport xray machine I put my wallet through but on the other side a few 100k dong was missing. I let it go. Didn't want to miss my flight.

[@kimduong2332]

In the Osaka airport Japan when changing money I forgot US$500 on the counter, one staffman chased me returning me the forgotten money.

[@CASADELSOULVIDMIXTV]

I was just there for a month last Summer. These were some things that stood out for me... - The big tourist attractions like BaNa Hills, Sa Pa, etc are like the Disney World of Asia. I understand why they do it but it doesn't make sense unless the rest of the infrastructure is set up to handle that type of tourist. Way too Disney-fied now, the Vietnamese charm and amazing culture is lost. - Ha Long Bay was a horrible experience now (compared to my last visit in 2008), you are forced to go through a giant gift shop at the exit of the caves, there were boats bumping into each other for photo ops, etc. They don't even have the classic boats in the Bay like the Red Boat Fish Sauce logo. Also, the negative impact on the natural ecosystem is so great that you are no longer able to visit the floating fishing villages. - In the beautiful mountain city of Dalat, it was sad to see so much trash everywhere; even off the beaten path on the mountain roads, there was trash everywhere. - It was very annoying to deal with people in Northern Vietnam. I didn't know people do not believe in using lines. Everyone pushes their way to the front which comes off as very rude in other cultures; especially if it is a long line with a lot of people/tourists. - 100% agree about the bureaucracy. Dealing with paperwork at the airports was overly complicated and took way too long.

[@BernardCollins-qb3hf]

I can’t help but feel these comments whilst are generally a true reflection of Vietnam they are a bit harsh. Thailand also has many problems and have you been to the US as a tourist lately don’t get me started on San Francisco drug ridden, dangerous and dirty. Having travelled the world and lived and worked in UK, USA, NZ, The Middle East and South East Asia I have chosen Portugal and I love everything about it.

[@duongglobalbusinessconsulting]

Excellent choice! Portugal is a great place to live and we have been recommending it for years.

[@keangwooichoo6138]

Vietnam and thailand should never depend on tourism for the economy. Dangerous

[@LarryChilcoat]

Ken you’re so correct. So many people that enter vietnam through immigration they seem to never say anything not even Welcome to Vietnam. Why they took away 1 year visas for Americans. They used to do 1 year visas. Why the change. Maybe there is a reason ? Not know. Many visitors tell me they feel they’re not welcome when coming through immigration.

[@garymacdougall4465]

Taking away 1year American visas is one of the very few good things they did!

[@LD-Orbs]

@@garymacdougall4465 Why do you think so? Also, do other nations have one year tourist visas?

[@garymacdougall4465]

@@LD-Orbs no one wants 'Merikans!

[@10mudpuppy]

I was in Vietnam in March for 3 weeks this year. The ETA is no big deal I really enjoyed my time there. There is plenty to see and do the only 2 problems that I can see is, not a lot of people speak English and the motor scooters park on the sidewalks making people having to walk on the side of the road in the cities. Go between January and March.

[@tko8218]

Japan previously had a complicated "red tape process" to enter the country about a decade ago. Former Prime Minster Shinzo Abe removed those barriers and tourism has since taken off. Vietnam can look at Japan as a case study.

[@tonyphantom2299]

lol, yeah right. That’s never gọing happen.

[@limitlesslylizzy]

Been to Vietnam twice and scammed both occasions by taxi driver, never going back there!

[@binhNguyen-mv6bx]

you lucky you didn't get scammed at the airport

[@limitlesslylizzy]

@@binhNguyen-mv6bx no actually I was scammed by taxi drivers from the airport, in Hanoi airport , hoi An and in Ho Chi Minh , it’s their daily bread.

[@grantperkins368]

​​​@@limitlesslylizzyget a grab or a set price taxi ticket from inside the airport. There's also a public bus which costs 14:17 way less, like about a dollar with all your luggage, in hcmc

[@tripkulas2054]

For Vietnam, there is something broken, but in the philippines, the system is totally broken. If you think this situation in vietnam is already worst, you have not yet seen the situation here in the philippines. Nothing could go worse in this country

[@duongglobalbusinessconsulting]

Please let us know. more what is broken in the Philippines.

[@ay_ya404]

Spill the detail please. Waiting...

[@Mark-sr3dk]

Đường...you made a lot of great points. Please kêep up your great work.

[@tanmai6035]

I am Vietnamese and I'd say the street seller scams are horrifying even to Vietnamese domestic tourism. And when you are in restaurants in Saigon or Ha Noi, it's more expensive than in Thailand because we have real estate bubble that we don't really know when it will pop but it makes everything expensive and hard for everyone. Let's market it as the land of scams. Thailand makes it easy for all kinds of tourism: individuals, groups, digital nomads, retirees, conferences... If there is something they can do to attract tourists they will update new laws constantly. Allowing same sex marriage also makes gay tourists come to Thailand and spend and even live there longer.

[@00BK00_Knights_Templar]

I am so happy you are bringing this up and out into the light, you are so rite about all of the content. I only hope things change soon for the vietnamese economy ❤

[@forreal8014]

It is what it is, can’t teach an old dog a new trick. When I mentioned the problem of the scams? The local people would tell me if I don’t like, go somewhere else. Per-half, they don’t look at it as a problem, so I go to Thailand and Malaysia that is more foreigners welcomed spot.

[@paultownsend8443]

The first timg on arrival is the horrible treatment at immigration long lines and unfriendly staff Scammers at the airport I live in Vietnam 6month a year and love the people Singapore Changi 4 took 4 minutes from arrival at immigration hall i was out great system, Vietnam has the talent to do the same but don't care about tired travellers

[@garymacdougall4465]

Sim card and taxi scams! Singapore immigration and Vietnam immigration - chalk and cheese! Singapore is professional!

[@Ghekko-kw3zz]

​@@garymacdougall4465Changi is the best in the world, 90 days on arrival, $5 train straight to the city in 25 minutes, zero scams, wide price spectrum.

[@EricP-sb1wl]

Those custom agents look like they hate their jobs. They should train those stupid agents to say welcome to Vietnam to all tourists.

[@raygale4198]

Tan Son Nhat is overloaded, I arrived there about 11.00 pm just a month back and the immigration ques were back to near the airbridges. Hopefully the new airport being planned over near the Di Anh area will relieve the overload. That tied in with the new train/tram line that will run elevated from the airport back to the Saigon river where it goes under ground and joins into the new metro underground should make it less stressfull.

[@garymacdougall4465]

@@EricP-sb1wl they're paid peanuts!

[@leo5869]

First of all Saigon is one of my favorite Asian cities. I have been there many times on business and as a tourist. One suggestion is for the Vietnamese government to study the Thailand tourist visa system. As a US citizen, I can go there for 60 days with a visa free entry and no fees, with a 30 day fee based extension. For Vietnam, I have to apply for a 30 day single or multiple entry fee based visa ($25 or $50)...and the web site is clunky and not clear. I have to enter my First Name with both my First and Middle name to match my passport. This not clear at all and is a common mistake where a redo is allowed, but will cost you another 3 business day delay in getting this visa. I don't mind paying this fee, but other countries are much easier to enter, so why bother with Vietnam's clunky online visa system when other alternatives are so much simpler. Been to Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore without any extra visa applications or fees. Vietnam needs to observe what is working for other countries and compete with them to get those tourist dollars to come back and enjoy all the great things about Vietnam.

[@MichaelCollinge-r7d]

Visa requirements to enter communist Vitnam will stay and will never be abolished like in Thailand or other Asian countries. Why? Because a lot of extremely corrupt communist officials in the foreign ministry are getting rich from pocketting the visa fees from foreign tourists and overseas Vietnamese. No communists will ever say no to such free money. The only way that overseas Vietnamese and foreign tourists can force the communists to change their corrupt ways is to stay away. Visit other Asian countries. Do not bitch, moan, complain. Communists do not give a damn about your complaints. They only care about pocketting your hard currencies. And if tourists and overseas Vietnamese are not coming to Vietnam any more, then the communists will change their way. If you all stay away from Vietnam for a few years, the communists will miss your hard currencies and will have to change their way of making money to welcome you back.

[@andrew.l.5493]

Excellent video and correct in everything you say. Having travelled to Vietnam a number of times and loved it, I was always put off by the visa process. Visa on arrival should be standard and as I am nearing retirement age, Vietnam is not on my radar as possible place to live permanently. Countries like Thailand and Malaysia have far better infrastructure for tourists and retirees. Even Cambodia has improved a lot in recent years. A number of my expat friends are all considering going there now. Vietnam never even makes an entry into conversations about long term stays for foreigners. Subscribed and liked.

[@tran936]

6 months visa is ideal for temporary stay without dealing with renewal. I’ll vote Ken to be next prime minister of VN to get the economy moving. 😊

[@TMP-1956]

How? Ken is not a member of the Communist Party. I don't think he even has Vietnamese citizenship, but American citizenship.

[@tran936]

@@TMP-1956 It’s just a joke. We all know that Ken has dual citizenship.

[@tandaniel5298]

You must be joking...Vietnam is a communist country....The people do not get to choose their represemtatives..

[@Heshhion]

Vietnam's visa is it's weakest point.. EVERYONE is going to Thailand. Such a shame because Vietnam is amazing!

[@dancooper5741]

Was amazing.😆

[@sanhtu77]

nah i like vietnam how it is.

[@nguyenkhue4021]

They can go to Thailand for all we care, Tourism is not an essential part of the economy to take more priority than other like manufacturing, if you have good tourism, good for you, but if not then meh

[@penguinpringles]

@@nguyenkhue4021Ho Lee Fook are you Pho real? Vietnam was built on tourism

[@nguyenkhue4021]

@@penguinpringles Tourism was 7.0% of Vietnam total GDP in 2018 and it shrinking lol, you might mistaken Vietnam for Thailand though

[@alfredvierra4122]

Thank you. I always look forward to your videos. The 90 day is a positive step. Beginning the last week next month I will spend two and a half months in Vietnam through and beyond the Tet holiday. I was there for two months early last year on a 30 day visa which necessitated a day trip to Cambodia so the 90 day visa is a blessing. This will be my fourth trip to Vietnam in the last seven years. It would have been at least one more had it not been for covid. You are correct, not only is the country beautiful but so are it's people. I had intended to move there but without a retirement visa I would be required to leave every six months. Things will work out one way or another. Again, thank you for your work and info produced in your videos.

[@garymacdougall4465]

Ken, I first visited Vietnam over twenty years ago. Lived and worked there for iver fourteen years. Seen it all. Used to be the number one VIP at Majestic hotel. Once the GM invited me to Dalat to collect their award. Domestic air travel is killing tourism also. Greedy insanity. Shooting themselves in the foot. Visa application is a nightmare as us immigration at HCMC.

[@kimduong2332]

Tourists are their money tree.

[@Ronald-de9yj]

Vietnam is worth visiting, but once done, no point in going back.

[@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717]

Lots of good things in Vietnam...and you could spend years exploring it. You just need to stay out of certain places like HCMC. Also, the areas with high foreign tourist traffic are pretty bad...because that's where the criminals congregate.

[@keangwooichoo6138]

That is what most travellers told me

[@Mary_InesP]

That´s only your point of view.

[@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717]

@@Mary_InesP Obviously, Princess Obvious.

[@jimb3093]

I will be visiting next month first time. Staying three weeks.

[@chweehar]

Another area that needs improvement is immigration at the airport. When we arrived in Saigon last July, it took us more than an hour and a half to go through, which, compared to other countries, would only take 15 minutes. The arrival hall was small, and with many airlines arriving at the same time, the officers were slow in processing. That definitely needs to improve.

[@kimduong2332]

No money no honey.

[@DaveEPie]

I went through immigration 3 times in the last 4 years. It took me 15 minutes each time. Upon returning to LAX , it took me about 1 hour 25 minutes- there was almost a riot at lax because people were so pissed off.

[@samsun7314]

@@DaveEPie Great story

[@Kevin-xz4jq]

I finally took the plunge and moved to Danang for six months. I was shocked when i got extorted by the police TWICE! I asked my local friends what the heck was going on..they said "oh, we all know you have to feed to pigs" This was a huge redflag for long term stay or doing business. 99% of my experience was fantastic..and the people and businesses i interacted with were so professional and polite. But corrupt cops shaking down tourists is worse than embarrassing.

[@knightsbridgehouse]

Visa requirement for South Africans costs over $250 to get a visa. Simply too expensive.

[@theyhateme8763]

@@knightsbridgehouse fix your country

[@SHADO3DMC]

what happened?

[@777torch777]

Same thing happened to me when my Vietnamese wife got pulled over driving car in Saigon - she had to pay equivalent of $200 for “making an illegal u-turn” or lose her license and car on the spot - no ticket or receipt of course… I was about to sign papers to purchase a nice apartment in Nha Trang couple of days later, but I realized that I rather go somewhere else than coping with BS like this (usually I don’t take stuff like this quietly, but my wife asked me to stay completely out of it). Nevertheless Indonesia is probably worse. I like Vietnam, but the chaos at the immigration at SGN airport is always a turn off - I pay the extra $ to either fly in business class on VietnamAirlines or pay the “expeditor fee”. Besides the corruption problems, the insane traffic in Saigon and the visa/immigration topics, tourism is a no brainer - the beautiful country, the awesome people and the food speak for themselves.

[@darshuetube]

Hmmm, it is either bribe or have the license withheld.... Bribes are bad but people break law and bribe the cops because the alternatives are worse.

[@GoldGunsandGolf]

Great video, thank you!

[@QuinnPrice]

Excellent analysis. I'm a retiree in Ecuador as we speak. I would love to live in Da Nang if they could make the visa easier.

[@jbrown-acuity]

Vietnam is not international conference and festival friendly. This is a critical issue.

[@DiscoDrew]

Everyone I meet seems to have an issue with the online 3 month visa application .

[@greenroads2524]

As a tourist, I found two issues; The first is the short length of visas. The other is the litter and public urination everywhere. While walking in sidewalks, I would often smell urine and see guys openly Pee in the streets or tossing garbage. This took away from Vietnam's natural beauty and gave visitors a bad impression. I hope the government will implement policies to address public urination and garbage. Educating citizens and installing more public restrooms …... Clean streets and proper sanitation are important for attracting tourists. Vietnam is a beautiful country with very nice people and it has a lot to offer... if these minor things eliminated it would be the best place for tourist and definitely generate a lots of money for Vietnam to help the economy. Thank you for your video

[@peter-o6f7g]

I love your content about Vietnam. I hope we will meet soon. I have already contact your staff already 😅

[@adayinthelifeofadrian]

You brought up some interesting points and I would like to add to this list. In the west, many countries like Australia 🇦🇺 America 🇺🇸 and the UK 🇬🇧 are going through a massive cost of living crisis and people simply don’t have the money to travel like they use to before the pandemic 😷.

[@ruthmaloney4378]

While your points are valid, you fail to mention that more than 60% of tourists to Vietnam are from Korea, China and Japan, and the average length of stay is less than 7 days. Vietnam is still out of reach for many Western tourists because of it's confusing visa requirements, and extremely dodgy visa issuance (so many mistakes are made by immigration). Vietnam also does not have the health infrastructure to support retired westerners. In my 6 years living in Vietnam, i have seen many unfortunate westerners end up in local hospitals with chronic conditions, unable to afford decent care, and relying heavily on local friends to support them. Vietnam has a very long way to go before it can be compared with Thailand or Malaysia as a retirement destination. But yes, cleaning up the visa process and cracking down on scams would go a long way

[@DuyDi-rj5rk]

🤣🤣🤣The Vietnamese government is afraid that tourists will stay in Vietnam forever. What's a joke!

[@hineang5927]

yes they are afraid that ppl might overthrow them.

[@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717]

...with good reason. If policies were relaxed, VN would be turned into yet another over-priced Western hellhole, complete with hordes of old pdf files, gheys and an assortment of other strangeness.

[@MrBojo-jv4qq]

Not everyone wants tons of tourists or long term stay pensioners from the west. It's not all about money. Some people treasure peace more.

[@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717]

@@MrBojo-jv4qq Yuppp.

[@DuyDi-rj5rk]

@@MrBojo-jv4qq tourism is the main reason of Thai welcoming to Westerners

[@amarcuard]

Correct on 💯% Getting scammed every corner, Sapa in North worst example of places visited, children exploitation laying on floor begging all over place. never again. Thailand free of visa, safer, cleaner.

[@traveller711-q6f]

I got sickness twice in vietnam. In hanoi its air pollution that caused me pneumonia. On the train from da nang to saigon I got diarrhea Tap water in vietnam is heavily polluted. In saigon there are too much noise and garbage everywhere. Moisquito bited me daily.

[@NathanDrake-hm6li]

Vietnam was colonized By foreign invaders for thousand of years. They welcome foreign guests but don’t want no long term foreigners . It makes sense

[@freesweets3243]

Colonised for thousands of years? Really?

[@thelastmohican-k6x]

@@freesweets3243 1000 years by china

[@carolfischer5264]

26 Oct 24. I am currently in Vietnam, with a 3mn tourist visa. (Currently able to reapply for same, altho must leave country & return. One can do this unlimited times - not restricted, as in some countries, to # months within a year).

[@GiangHoang-hd8uk]

You smart. Some guys claim only not find the way with a little money

[@nikkirosenbek5471]

Vietnam's 3 month visa sucks, but it's still much better than its 30-45 day visa last time. Anyway, Vietnam's delicious cuisine, breathtaking scenery and friendly people are absolutely irresistible. Its delicious street food including Pho, Bun cha, Bahn mi; and spectacular scenery of HaGiang loop, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay; as well as unforgettable Son Doong Cave, Hoi An and Golden Bridge are incomparable. Unlike any other country, exotic and beautiful Vietnam with its rich culture and long standing history, is absolutely worth visiting again and again. Every year, my family and I always come back to Vietnam, particularly the amazing ancient town Hoi An. In fact we have already booked a flight to Vietnam for a 3 month vacation to escape the winter blues.

[@chrismichaels6928]

Agreed! Living here now. It’s not for everybody but I love it!

[@jason.phan23]

compare to other countries, vietnam has poor public transportation and bad sidewalk for tourists who want to walk. Most of time you will have no choice but to walk on the street , cause motorbikes invade all the spaces in sidewalk. And you will have to take grab bike or taxi , if want to visit places. In Bangkok , Singapore,.. U can easily try MRT/BTS, they cover almost landmarks, tourist attraction around city. Services are also poor and having high scam alert. They want short term money but they will have to pay heavily in the future.

[@mfj2648]

Thanks for this update Duong. Vietnam needs to make its move NOW. Why? Thailand has changed its taxation rules for when we bring money into Thailand and now it can be taxed as assessable income. This is a BIG no no. I am currently retired in Thailand but as a result of this Thailand tax change I have decided to live in nearby countries for more than 6 months in year 2025 to avoid becoming a tax resident in Thailand. Consequently, I will spend 2 months in The Philippines and 4.5 months in Vietnam by using the 90 day tourist visa - then leave the country and re-enter visa exempt with my Italian passport for 45 more days. There are MANY upset retirees here in Thailand with this surprise Thai government change in the taxation rules, and if Vietnam were to introduce the 36-month resident visa that was requested to be evaluated by Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính back in February 2024 - this could be a GAME changer for Vietnam. Duong, can you please talk to us about the status of this initiative = Government leader made the order in Directive 08/CT-TTg ??? The Vietnam Prime Minister asked that the report be submitted to him in the second quarter of 2024 and we are now already in the final quarter of 2024.

[@brainteasers8]

HI Mr. Duong, I completely understand the context of your video. Way to go! Vietnam has to attract more YOUNG FOREIGNERS...Cheers

[@philsummers9931]

Everything you say makes sense Ken! Vietnamese Government needs to sort it out.

[@garymacdougall4465]

Never happen

[@GiangHoang-hd8uk]

Im Vietnamese and we support government keeping tourist not fast due to we don't like culture change

[@philsummers9931]

@@GiangHoang-hd8uk Fair enough, I can appreciate that, but would retirees change your culture or just enjoy it? I think that it is important for a government to look after its own citizens first, just asking if increasing tourism from retirees would be a good compromise. After all, if they don’t behave you can kick them out.

[@GiangHoang-hd8uk]

@@philsummers9931 change culture is lose country. Usa cheating only. We don't want become Ukaraina.... You understand.... what's I said?

[@bernard2012kiwi]

Great unbiased informative video as always Thanks for all your time and effort

[@duongglobalbusinessconsulting]

Much appreciated!

[@godowdy6]

Extremely well presented! Vietnam has been on my bucket list. for quite some time BUT after watching this video, I think I will just return to Thailand or go to one or two of the near by countries. I am too old to go through any hassle!

[@garymacdougall4465]

Avoid Vietnam I lived there for fourteen years

[@tonyk7943]

The country needs to make it easier for people to travel to the country without compromise follow suit from Thailand and how they’re managing their tourism industry.

[@Coyoteanimations]

Vietnam is a good country but it has a serious problem: the VCP.

[@luther_beckett]

I breezed through immigration when I arrived in Da Nang. Just came back to the area. I moved back to Hoi An. I know some locals who run businesses. Ken's talk about local businesses resonated with me. Still... Hoi An is a great place to be. Good people in local shops, markets, restaurants, etc. I was happy to see who is still in business.

[@walking_in_the_shade]

Do something about the scams would be a start! I visited Hanoi for a few days earlier this year. Within hours of my arrival, a scam was attempted by a guy telling me my sandals were coming apart and needed glueing and he just happened to be carrying a bottle of super-glue (how fortunate for me eh?). I knew there was nothing wrong with my sandals as I had only purchased them the week before so I told him to p*ss off and stop bothering me. It just soured my day and my experience of Vietnam.

[@garymacdougall4465]

Taxi scams galore

[@Drifterteetea]

I've been told that my flip flops need waxing and polishing by one of the shoeshine guys 😂. I am still mind blown years later.

[@DaveEPie]

Just tell them no thank you- the shoe repair people are basically living on the street- just out trying to make one dollar so they can eat that day. Try to look at them with compassion- a firm NO will keep them away

[@tonyphantom2299]

That’s not a scam .You can say No and keep walking. Its a scam when you say yes and they charge for other stuff on top.

[@tonyphantom2299]

@@garymacdougall4465 Take grab!

[@218Mike]

Ken I really appreciate the information you share on KZbin. I love your country and would absolutely love to retire there. I have visited three times since I retired here in America. If you ever get a retirement visa I will be one of the first to come there and I will definitely spend money there.

[@chriss7213]

A great commentary and I agree with your points.

[@koufax174]

Excellent content! I love Vietnam. I’m a SE Asian slow traveler. If Vietnam had a retirement visa Vietnam would be my home.

[@christiandad6410]

Vietnam government should offer you the job because you sure understand what's going on.

[@RichardMyers-w1b]

Moved to Phu Quoc a year ago from UK. Visa/admin nightmare. Living here long term very difficult due to beaurocracy and lack of control of scam sites. Also pollution levels huge due to run off from towns due to lack of investment in drainage systems, and massive levels of plastic pollution. Government needs to re think Phu Quoc. Change of use for abandoned buildings// tax haven like West Indes or Monaco???

[@DanniChan_Worldwide]

Concur fully! I'm an American expat living in Thailand on a long term retirement visa, and heard great things about Vietnam. The Vietnam visa process was PONDEROUS, and upon arrival, I left a day early.

[@name128ewa]

Good. Too many retirees and ""digital nomads""" (guy who spends $1 a day on coffee but spends 6 hours at the coffee shop) will ruin Vietnam. Vietnam is good as it is.

[@anthonynguyen1701]

​@@name128ewayou must be really dumb to even write such nonsense

[@garymacdougall4465]

​@@name128ewamost expats will spend hours trying to find a beer fifty cents cheaper!

[@sanhtu77]

​@@name128ewaexactly right

[@sanhtu77]

​@@name128ewatoo many "expats" think other countries should worship the ground they walk on

[@duypham76]

I've always known that tourism in vietnam has dramatically gone down since covid started. Knowing how Vietnam is, you would know they will cover up anything that will not benefit the country.