In Vietnam, the pavement is never just for walking. It’s where the country eats, drinks, laughs, and lives. If you want to understand Vietnam beyond our glorious history, and more in-depth with our culture, then try to grab a small stool, order an iced tea (or coffee if you are in the South), and observe how the city unfolds before your own eyes.
A First Glimpse of “Chaos”
At first, the sidewalks might look overwhelming—motorbikes parked everywhere, vendors setting up their shops, kids running to school, and someone fixing shoes or cutting hair just a few steps away. But give it a moment. That “chaos” is actually a rhythm, all of this noise creates an orchestral that is, yes, noisy but oh so lively.
Food Best Served on the Sidewalk
No matter where you are—Hanoi, Huế, or Ho Chi Minh City—the best meals often come with tiny plastic stools and wobbly metal tables. Mornings mean bowls of steaming phở or plates of sticky rice, eaten quickly before the day starts. Afternoons bring street snacks: crispy bánh xèo, fresh spring rolls, or a simple iced tea. And evenings? That’s when the pavements glow with grills and sizzling skewers, families sharing rice dishes, and friends gathering over bia hơi (draft beer) or iced coffee.
The Social Side of the Street
Sidewalks are Vietnam’s meeting points. Old men play Chinese chess under shady trees. Vendors know their customers by name and joke with them like family. Teenagers sit for hours sipping iced tea, and adults make million-dollar deals right on the street (Yes, it does happen). The street doesn’t just connect one place to another—it connects people.
How to Experience It Like a Local
Don’t be afraid to sit down. If you see stools and a crowd, that’s your invitation.
Eat what everyone else is eating. You don’t need a menu—just point and enjoy.
Try different times of day. Mornings are calm and fragrant with broth; evenings are noisy, smoky, and full of energy.
Be open. Strangers might smile at you, pour you a cup of tea, or invite you to clink glasses—accept it, that’s the spirit, and who knows? You may make a life-long friend then and there!
Vietnam in Its Purest Form
If you ask me what is the real Vietnam, then I would point to its sidewalks. That’s where the country’s character shines: lively, warm, resilient, and always ready to welcome you in. Sit on the pavement for a while, and you’ll find that it isn’t just where people walk—it’s where Vietnam truly lives.
