The Vietnam War ended thirty six years ago. The country’s economy is developing rapidly. People’s life quality is also gradually increasing.

We are happy to see more and more foreigners coming to Vietnam to learn about the past and help build the future: not only those involved in the war but also the young generation born during peace time.

Sonya Schoenberger, an American exchange student to Hanoi, wrote a touching note about the Vietnam War and its consequences after her tour to the Ho Chi Minh City’s War Remnant Museum.

“In America, my generation can easily forget that a war in Vietnam ever existed if we choose to skim over sections in history textbooks. Neither of my parents nor any of my friends were involved in that war; it is rare to hear an American child speak even of grandparents involved in the conflict. Few Vietnamese teenagers have the same privilege. Every person in Vietnam over the age of forty was, if not directly involved, profoundly affected by the events of the Vietnam War,” shared Sonya.

Besides tourists, some foreigners have actually lived and worked in Vietnam. One of the expats is Eric from America, who has lived in An Giang province and now resides in Ho Chi Minh City. After four years living in Vietnam, Eric gave tips on how to adapt to a Vietnamese life: go out on the street, meet locals and talk to them.

“I also feel younger after talking to friends. I learned a lot about Vietnamese culture and lifestyle. Many people ask how I came to learn Vietnamese. I answered it is due to many “coffee breaks” with Vietnamese friends and colleagues,” confessed Eric.

Communication is indeed the best way to mix up with people around you. You get to understand the habits, customs and culture of the country you are living in. Another example is Stephanie Albert who learns the value of family and friends from her Vietnamese colleagues.

“Vietnam taught me that, as a tree derives its strength from the depth and complexity of its roots, love and friendship should seek depth and complexity in order to give it strength,” Stephanie talked about the wisdom she obtained in Vietnam.

Stephanie’s story has attracted several comments from expats and Vietnamese:
“ It is funny how self-centered we are in the west as we struggle to gain our independence, yet we don't realize the fulfillment of being able to rely on others and having others rely on us until we have been healed by Vietnam,” wrote Christopher Blank.

“I have been living in the USA for 20 years, but I still love Vietnamese cultures. The way, a Vietnamese treats friends, co-workers, relatives and parents does not the same way as an American (sic)” remarked Bao Pham.

“I am so proud of cultural properties in my country after receiving your favorable comment on the value of Vietnamese family and friend’s relationship. In fact, it is not exaggerative to say that Vietnamese people highly respect family and friend relationship. As a result, members in the family have the interdependence,” commented Nguyen Thi Thu Ha.

While some expats try to get into the Vietnamese mind, others try to get into the Vietnamese stomach. Vietnam is a famous destination to find healthy and delicious cuisine.

Michael happily shared about his cheap but satisfactory lunch takeaway, which costs merely three dollars.

“It's become routine for me to walk 40 feet down the alley to get a com dish for lunch, and then walk two blocks down the street to get bun thit nuong for dinner, all for just VND60,000. [...] Perhaps I'll overcome my trepidation soon, but I'm not really in a hurry, given how much happiness $3 can buy me,” Michael talked about his eating habit in Vietnam,” wrote Michael.

Life in Vietnam after April 30 1975 has changed a lot in a better way. If you are living in Vietnam, we hope you enjoy life here to the fullest. If you plan to come to Vietnam, keep checking City Diary to find tips and sharing from expats. Probably we will see you in Vietnam one day…