This article may make some readers choke on their pho, especially those thinking, “Doesn’t this bald, weird guy with a goatee love Vietnam?” The answer is yes, he does. However, after spending 12 years living in Vietnam, deeply immersed in Vietnam cultural norms, and even obtaining Vietnamese citizenship, he believes he has earned the right to be completely honest about a few things that seriously frustrate him.

This is Part 2 of the things he hates about Vietnam, and some readers may find themselves hating them too. In the previous episode, many agreed when he said you cannot truly trust anyone in Vietnam. But if that sounded bad, there is worse news. According to him, that was only the beginning of the problems many foreigners face when navigating Vietnam cultural realities. At the same time, not everything is negative. To keep things fair and balanced, he will also point out a few positives.

Holiday Madness

At first glance, it may sound trivial, but Vietnam’s habit of everyone going on holiday at the same time is deeply rooted in traditions in Vietnam and creates serious disruptions. Instead of individuals choosing flexible vacation periods, the entire country effectively shuts down at once. For anyone living in Vietnam, the result is widespread business paralysis, severe congestion, and avoidable consequences.

From a business standpoint, everything stops. Supply chains freeze, offices close, and productivity grinds to a halt. For companies and professionals, especially any expat in Vietnam running a business or managing operations, this is hardly a competitive advantage in a global economy that rewards speed and reliability.

From a practical standpoint, daily life becomes exhausting. For both locals and foreigners living in Vietnam, traffic turns into a nightmare, with roads resembling parking lots rather than highways. Hotels routinely double their prices, transportation becomes scarce, and simple trips become major ordeals.

More tragically, the consequences extend beyond inconvenience. Every year, more than 10,000 people die in traffic accidents in Vietnam. While not all of these tragedies are holiday related, many could be reduced if the system allowed people to stagger their time off, as is common in other countries. This is a reality many expats in Vietnam only fully understand after experiencing major holidays firsthand.

Vietnam’s collective vacation culture may sound charming in theory, promoting unity, celebration, and national spirit, all of which are central to traditions in Vietnam. In practice, however, it often feels like chaos on a fixed schedule.

That said, there is a positive side. Vietnam’s geographic and cultural diversity means international travel is not necessary to enjoy a proper holiday. For those living in Vietnam, cooler mountain escapes like Da Lat offer a refreshing retreat. Those seeking dramatic landscapes can head to Sa Pa, endure the cold, and admire its breathtaking rice terraces. Despite the madness, the country itself remains the reward.