Final thoughts on Vietnam

I'm wandering around Saigon on my final evening reflecting on my 19 days here. Stretching my remaining dong to the max (!), I settle on a cheap pho bo for dinner, the quintessential Vietnamese dining experience. I choose the simple beef option - the enhanced Chinese beef penis variant doesn't quite do it for me. (I know, I know - I've said it pays to be adventurous, but there some things I just can't stomach).

But my homeland is calling as well, and I recall seeing a New Zealand Natural ice cream shop just down the road from my hotel. I set off at a trot, and am enjoying a tub of vanilla ice cream for less than I would have paid for it at home.

I've really enjoyed my stay here, and would recommend Vietnam as a travel experience to anyone sooner rather than later - while it retains its charm and before it gets too commercialised.

Only got a week? A tough decision, but spend it in the north - Hanoi, Sapa and Halong will deliver a Vietnamese experience second to none.

Got another week? Spend it in the south - Saigon, Cu Chi and the Mekong delta.

The luxury of a third week will allow you to see central Vietnam - Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Dalat. I missed the latter two due to weather and time issues - perhaps next time.

I've dwelt enough on some of the problems Vietnam has as it pulls itself into the 21st century. And I have no doubt it'll make it due to the industriousness of its people.

But what has it got to offer the west?

I'm continually impressed by the safety aspect of Vietnam. No problems walking around alone in the evening, even for women.

No sleaze, no prostitutes, no massage parlours, no pornography, no graffiti, no gangs, no hoons, no boy racers, no alcohol or drug problems, no racial, sexual or religious differences, no menacing comments, no street fights, next to no beggars, no destitutes, no ostentatious wealth, no road rage, no MacDonalds.

People just get on and do stuff. It's quite refreshing, and a million miles away from the racial grievance industry, nanny welfare state, and P, alcohol and testosterone-fueled violence that characterises the worst of New Zealand.

Perhaps we should become a socialist Buddhist society? Perhaps more Kiwis should travel to places like Vietnam to see how well off they really are?

I don't have the answers, and I doubt I'll have them by the end of my trip either, but I'm interested to hear everyone's opinions.

Tomorrow morning I catch the bus to Moc Bai, and cross the border to Cambodian Bavet where Fi will meet me and take me on to Svay Reing. Great! Looking forward to a whole new set of experiences.

Thanks for your comments and feedback on my blog, everyone. I'm glad you're enjoying following my travels. I hope when Fi and I are travelling together we'll have time and opportunity to keep you similarly updated.