What It's Like Returning to the US After 7 Years in Vietnam
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- Опубликовано: 17 май 2024
- In this vlog, I discuss the positives and negatives of returning to the US after living abroad in Vietnam for seven years, and an idea I refer to as “Reverse Culture Shock”.
This video is filmed in Riverside and Manhattan Beach, California.
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#cultureshock #expat #vietnam
As a Vietnamese American, born in Vietnam and raised in America. I feel blessed to be able to go back and forth whenever I feel like it ❤❤❤
You must be back in Vietnam already 😊 … I’ve been back to Vietnam 5 times already on 3-4 week trips and whenever I return to the USA, I’ve noticed something Vietnam has that the USA lacks is the sense of community and friendliness of people around you, less anxiety and road rage, and less boredom in Vietnam….In Vietnam especially the cities, there’s always something happening around the corner, the streets are smaller and there’s shops on every corner or alleyway….every day is like an adventure…here in the USA everyone keeps to themselves, there’s less community among the people, more anxiety and road rage 😢
Same here. I also think its too many cars.
Especially the cost of living, people should be driving motorbikes and things more.
We have too many lunatics in the west though
Yeah right. Got into a moped accident on the streets of Saigon and you will find out which country will have a "better” sense of community and "less" road rage. The police don't give a fck in VN unless you "buy" a trip to a hospital from the traffic cop in bleached orange uniforms
lol there's a lot of road rages in Vietnam every day
Facts
Vietnam is a social society while the US is an individualist society. As a vietnamese living in the US, I miss the days where we just go to grab drinks and street food right after work, EVERY single day.
I'm an American living in Vietnam 20 years. I'm not looking forward to going back next month. I realized the culture shock decades ago when I was visiting.
I'm not ever going back.
Vietnam 🇻🇳2% obesity.
USA 🇺🇲 42% obesity 😂. I think you part of 2%
I'll be visiting VN in October to see if I want to retire there. One thing nobody mentions is the 90-day visa and having to leave, fill it out, and come back. If you don't mind answering. Is it difficult? That's it. I am sure it's a bit of a pain, but some pain is worth it. Thank you in advance if you answer. And best of luck.
I married into the tribe in 2004. At the time, I could get a 6 month. That eventually morphed into a 5-year visa exemption. But you still needed to leave and enter every 6 months. Now, after 20 years, I have the 3 year Temporary Residence Card. But there is no need to leave and enter. Renewing doesn't require leaving. There's no route or reason for citizenship that I'm aware of.
@@rb368370 Thank you.
Love living in Vietnam! When in the states, we lived in the mountains near Santa Cruz CA. Now we live in the mountains near Da Lat Vietnam. Had a beautiful life in CA. Now have a beautiful life in VN. Big difference about living here is a sense of freedom that is only touted in the US.
Did you notice the life on the street as you walked was almost non-existent except moving traffic. In Vietnam real people street life/activity is constant and communal. Huge difference👋
Do you know the population of VN? It is about 100 million people in a country the size of California. People have no choice but to pack like sardines.
@@GiangNguyen-mp8qfI was pretty over the whole communal street life thing in hanoi last time I had to stay there, streets are filthier than ever covered in garbage and compost with a constant smell of urine, absolutely disgusting
Fck VN traffic. Insane
@@MrNixity
There's poor waste management in Vietnam for sure and people keep tossing trash on the streets.
Vietnam has ghettos and rich areas. Saigon Phu My Hung/Crescent Lake is cleaner and more modern than most California cities. Same same Manila's Makati and BGC. Choose where you want to live.
Something that jumped out to me about your video: you walked all around town and I didn't see a single person outside of a car; I wonder if that contributes to that sense of isolation and anxiety you described. Great perspective and observations, thanks for sharing.
It is common to see very few people walking around.
Actually, it's strange to see people walking around the
neighborhood.
i saw a few people jogging, but it was in the background
its happend in vietnam too~ but only in 'tết' holiday
Exactly what I want to say as well. I'm here in Vietnam watching his video and for some reason I also feel the unsafe, isolation, anxiety that he mentioned...It seems like ghost town where people got kidnapped by aliens. I know that is because of that area but still that's probably why he felt that way.
Riverside is too spread out. It can be a 30 minute drive to a different part of the same town.
Returned to the U.S. for a month long family visit after living several years in Thailand. I literally could not wait to get back on the plane back to Thailand! Back home in Hua Hin now and won’t be taking anymore trips to the U.S. anytime soon. I never really saw how stressed out people were there before. It’s actually sad given the wealth the country has. People in Thailand only have a fraction of what an average American has but they are happy! Yeah $35 for a haircut there for me. $3.00 in Thailand.
No country is perfect or great and no government is perfect or great as well
Exactly how l feel, we live in Chiang Mai!
No country is perfect people in the USA is actually not as bad as people thinks they are and there are alot of people in the USA are happy and they give thanks for what they have as well just like alot of people in other countries are not thankful for what they have its just not a American problem
@@darryl.c7972 there are alot of people in the USA who is thankful for what they have just like there are alot of people in other countries who are not it's a problem all over the world the USA is actually not a bad country like people thinks it is and other countries are not perfect like people thinks they are and yes you can still find people in the USA who does care who is loving friendly welcoming helpful as well
@@John-fn2ln People in the US are the most talented people in the world. Problems is the illegal emigrants and gang and drug culture that is slowly destroying this beautiful country
I lived in Saigon for 5 years from 2016-2021 amd had to return to South Sacramento, CA due to the covid lockdowns. Words can't truly express how pessimistic and just generally unhappy i felt being back in California
This is spot on. I can validate everything he is saying. For me, I am born and raised in San Francisco. I went to Vietnam two times. 10 days in November 2023 and 3 weeks in March 2024. I traveled to Saigon and Phan Thiet to visit my wife. The parking lot story he was saying at the post office right. Over here in SF road rage if you honk your horn. Over in Phan Thiet if you honk your horn it common courtesy. And yes in SF I do feel people around here is much more stressed than over in Vietnam. In the US we make more money but stressed. In Vietnam they are poorer but they are more happy with a simpler lifestyle. Once thing he did not cover is the food tastes much better than in the US because all of the food over there is cooked fresh vs here in US the food is frozen.
I forgot to add the metric system is culture shock as well. Example: Weather they go by Celsius and in the US we go by Fahrenheit. Gas, we go by the gallon, in VN they go by liter. Weight they by kg. In the US we go by lbs. Traveling speed they go by km we go my mph. Height, they go by centimeters in the US we go by height and inches. All lastly, the traffic is chaos in Vietnam but they have no car accidents. Over here in SF there are stop lights on every block and there are road rages and accidents every day! Sometimes I think US is backwards and in other countries they got it right. Vietnamese people are very friendly compared to the people in the San Francisco Bay Area where I live all of my life.
Agree with making more money meaning more stress. However, as foreigners in Vietnam, you enjoy the safety , friendliness and many other apects the local Vietnamese do not. I will make a comment separately here on the topics.
You understand Vietnamese? Amazing.
@@LinhHoaTranthank you for saying this. I notice a lot of expats are cut off from reality in whatever country they decide to move to. The expat bubble of carefree comfort is real.
I'm currently retired in Manila, Philippines and because I know and interact with locals, I understand and have witnessed that they have many of the same issues we do in the West. Loneliness, depression, anger, frustration, financial stressors, crime, etc...... just like anywhere else in the world.
"they are more happy with a simpler lifestyle. " As an high tech engineer and vegan, you can save tons of money in the US if you cook for yourself and do not buy junks. I paid $100 for 1 year membership to play pickleball. Now I work part time and make much less money but stop buying junks such as clothes (I have 200+) then I can save some money. With the current saving rate I can buy 1 new car by cash every 2 years. But I put it in CDs, T bonds for bucket 1 emergency fund for 5 years, the IRA and stock options, dividend stocks for funds in bucket 2 for after 5+ years. Roth Ira and Rollover 401K, 401K in bucket 3 for more than 10 years. I bought Toyota hybrid in 2015 and paid cash and plan to replace it in 2035+. I changed oil every 5k and brake pad if necessary and other by learn from youtube. I knew 1 young guy with MS computer science got 250K salary in 2018 bought more than 1 M house in Silicon Valley and rented it out because he still live with his parent with free food & room and his only job to cut the grass and take the trash out (the same job when he was in high school)
The thing about a sense of safety in the US is that it depends on where you are. There are no go zones. Here in Thailand, city or country, I can walk anywhere anytime and not fear for my safety.
That way in usa is force to have car. Ford say car is freedom As long as you can finance it
It may have to do with ignorance in regards to your surroundings. In the US you probably have a better sense of which areas are safe.
@@monkut 7 years in Thailand and I have yet to inadvertently enter someplace that felt dangerous. You have to watch out for Soi dogs though
I’m 17 years expatriate to Thailand.
Lovely wife and family.
66, 2 pensions, 2800/month.
Haven’t set foot on US soil since.
No plans to return.
Here in Russia we have no "no go zone" )
thank you for loving my native Country Vietnam, and may God bless you well , friend. I hope someday I meet you either in Orange County or Vietnam ( Saigon).
Thanks for the video brother.
Vietnam a special place especially Da Nang, I'm from Scotland and stayed there almost 3 months on a tourist visa.
Most underrated country in South East Asia.
Shout out from Vietnam and Saigon!!!
Thanks Bentley for speaking good words about my home country
7 years is definitely something, it's long enough to develop serious bond for Saigon and Vietnam
Wish you the best for your journey ahead!!!
You should send a T- shirt to Tyler with the words “I Love HCM”. He will be pampered by the authorities more than ever.
as a 035 yr old I was looking for a serious GF
and marriage partner, looking forward to sharing
a nice home, car and making plenty of money,
that would bring me happiness I thought, I only became
a bill payer. we live
in a consumer driven society causing a lot of anxiety
and being anxious all the time. very little sense of
community here in the suburbs of LA. neighbors don’t
invite you over and vice versa...asian kids play soccer
with the same, Hispanics play baseball and soccer with same
, very little ethic mixing as if we are a different species.now the Internet
and social media is making us more detached and is a source of new mental health concerns.we only
think of tomorrow and you are not included. new social behavior
is being practiced , noticed how we no longer go to the malls to buy
like in the 90s? more items are being bought online! less interaction with humans, less people you meet
and people are not easy to be friends with, always leary of
you- like what is your intent?
we are always in a state of constant change and finding a niche is key that you are comfortable with...you like core family values?
that’s what is taught in the east and practiced. respecting parents, teacher’s, government...as the Asian sages taught.
then the Nam, China, Laos, Taiwan is for you... ie.
yah, my cousin’s want to get outta here too, they made money here and now want to GETFO....somewhere in Latin America is the destination...it has issues too. how will they sustain themselves I don’t know.
over here you can at least stand on one leg,prices are high there too.
finding a purpose in life after you are done with your career is a big plus, helping others help themselves is one endeavor. yah, I have gone down a rabbit hole and have come out of it and I’m going down into the vortex myself again a new reality awaits me...I’m alive and have choices something other folks don’t have at less developed countries. well dude, thanks for your thoughts because you made me think too ...kind regards, RG
That's one of the perks of living in Vietnam. There's a barber shop on every street corner. It's about $2 and they rarely expect tips.
No wonder you are not welcome by the merchants in the States.
Doesn’t matter to me I’m bald
Vietnam has the best barber shops in the world. Go to a nice, clean place, not the one in a shack. I am a difficult guy yet I always came out of the shops pleased with my new look, unlike what the hair cutters have been doing to me all of these years.
I lived 15 years in Paris, France. One of the most important things I had to adjust to when returning to the US was the overstimulation. The constant billboards, the traffic, the loud conversations in restaurants, the colors and bright lighting of supermarkets and stores, and even the harsh sound of the English language. All of this causes a rise in stress levels that’s rarely relieved.
And there was also the “under-stimulation.” The complete lack of interest in hearing about life in another country was shocking. No one asked even the simplest of questions or were curious about how things are done outside of the States. It was my frame of reference, but I was hesitant to talk about any aspect of my life in France for fear of “showing off” or being unrelatable. In France it is common to have long, animated discussions over a meal “remaking the world,” with everyone contributing their life experiences and observations as reference.
If you think the US is overstimulating you've never been to Asia. What were you in Times square the whole time? The entire country is full of wide open spaces and the most friendly easy going people. Try making friends with French people...they're known for complaining for a reason.
This is one of the most ignorant comments I've read by someone who hasn't traveled much but thinks they have....
@@whodat9198 Why are you so insulted by someone else’s experience? There’s obviously much more going on with you. Angry much?
@sharonlahaye5803 I'm not insulted. I'm embarrassed by your ignorance spreading your minor isolated experience as general universal truths. You know very little about the US or the world by your comments. I'm glad narrow-minded people with your limited experience have left because you are impressed by medieval cultures that developed before electricity was discovered. 😂
We certainly don't need your arrogant ignorant type in the actual nice parts of the country. Thank you!
@@Pangcah88 exactly!
Moved to Saigon in 2011. Spent a glorious 7 1/2 years there before moving to Japan, and then eventually China. My girlfriend is Vietnamese. Look forward to going back every chance I get. I plan to move there permanently. My favorite country, favorite cuisine, people. Reverse culture shock is intense. I moved back to North America for 2 years. Man things are intense, regardless of your politics, it's so heated. Grateful to be back in Asia.
What are your thoughts on China compared to Vietnam and Japan? I’m in China now visiting the country for the 1st time since my wife is from here, and I really don’t wanna go back home to the US 😅, China feels so much more advanced and safer than US to me. I haven’t yet been to Vietnam or Japan
@@aidanschram9652 good question. Each country has their strengths and weaknesses. China in the tier one cities is a marvel of a well thought out integrated systems for payments and traveling in the city. The convenience of WeChat and Alipay cannot be overstated. In the states when I bring this up. People quickly dismiss it and say, we have Venmo. It’s the same. No it’s just not there yet. Cashless payments in the states are much more clunky. Sorry, it will get there. But it’s not there yet. Also Hello Bike and those of its kind coupled with an affordable metro and taxis make for a better way navigate large cities without a car. Salaries for an ESL teacher are extremely good if you have experience. Agreed. In the tier one cities China has a better infrastructure than the states right now. Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, or Guangzhou definitely have overall safer cities and in spite of the complaints about the overreach of the surveillance state, it’s only helped me thus far in the couple legal disputes I’ve gotten into here.
As for Japan. Osaka is just a cool city. Great food, wonderfully warm, fun people in that region. Convenient travel with the metro and accessible to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe. The metro is unfortunately cost prohibitively expensive. So are taxis. And salaries in Japan are not competitive with the cost of living. Living there was a nice life experience, but it’s not a place to build a future for me. There is also as a non tourist a palpable sense of overwhelming sadness that permeates the entire country. I could feel it every day in the older generations that still remember the economic miracle times of decades past. It haunts the country in ways big and small and eventually my ex and I had to leave.
Vietnam for me has the best balance of lifestyle and convenience in terms of cost, culture and cuisine. I’m biased. I just love Vietnam and will happily spend the rest of my life there. Problems with Vietnam in bigger cities like Hanoi and Saigon include pollution, bad traffic, and a host of other minor annoying things. Motorbike accidents, routine flooding, getting electrocuted commonly enough by ungrounded wires and a non functioning post office. But the good so outweighs the bad for me. If you haven’t been I highly recommend it. Vietnamese people have big hearts, are extremely extroverted and welcoming and there’s a feeling of vitality and just an overall sense of optimism there that’s just so undeniable. I don’t understand the Vietnam Thailand debate, because for me there’s no competition . I like visiting Thailand, but it doesn’t feel like home and for me Vietnam did 3 days after I arrived in 2011 and still did after I left in 2018 and even more so coming back after Covid to visit in 2023.
It can’t be overstated. It’s feeling thing. You either get it or you don’t. Doesn’t mean one place is better than another. They all have their strengths and weaknesses as I said. I also enjoy that Vietnam has a romanized alphabet and compared to Japan and China Vietnam in developed cities has a strong grasp of English, they might not think so, but on average the level of English in Vietnam is extraordinarily high. I don’t have the expectation that people should speak anything other than their mother tongue, but it’s a nice luxury to read a menu in both Vietnamese and English.
Wow, how interesting that you live in Vietnam, Japan, and China. Would be interesting to get your take the pro/con of the three.
@@leona1351 Happy to answer any questions. I will say this, all three have really strong points and negatives and one certainly isn't better than another. They're all very different in good and bad ways, happy to share any info you want.
I would say it is intense here in America because half of the population wants to use force against the other half. When people seek to use force to get what they want it creates a great deal of tension in society. It became more pronounced during the pandemic farce, and has only continued.
I have been in Vietnam in 1994. I stayed in Hue for 1 week, and Saigon 1 week. I will go back there when I have time. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. In my opinion, Vietnam is safer and more fun than Canada. It's very cold and there is so much rain 🌧 in Vancouver in the winter. It makes me feel so bored here. Thanks for sharing again. Hope you have a great day 👍👍👍😮
Your video is a big hit! Keep it coming. All the best to you friend. 👏👍💯
One of the most shocking aspects of living in most of the US cities is the lack of people walking on the sidewalks. In many places, sidewalks are basically empty, like in this video. The only think you see around are cars, the neighborhoods are practically ghost towns because you don't see people around. Many hosues are behind security gates and tall walls, you cannot see them from the sidewalks. This fact makes you feel isolated, with no sense of community whatsoever, no human touch. No wonder people in these cities are more stressed, lonely, depressed, unsecured and unhappy in general.
100%
exactly
Great video. You reinforced the realty of America right now. Having grown up in San Diego, I don’t have any desire to go back for obvious reasons. Do what’s best for you. Follow your heart.
Great video. Well done. As an expat this is good content to digest.
You articulated so well on sentiments that I shared with. Having lived in America for 16 years, I feel that I’m turning into a robot and every thing is treated as a transaction. Can’t wait to go back to Vietnam one day
Vietnam very much treats you like a transaction. And at least you can breathe fresh air outside of Vietnam.
When the Vietnamese see you, all they see is dollar signs. The price of goods goes up.
Kind of global issue now
@@GiangNguyen-mp8qf yet it’s still way cheaper than America.
@Warzonegaming4life yes, and that is why you and foreign corporations go there to take advantage of the cheap cost.
👍 n sub'd. My wife and I are Viet Kieu U.S. citizens. We've lived in California, now in Texas. We understand your feelings exactly. We're retired and will be selling our home in Texas to retire permanently at our other
home in Vietnam. For us, it's mainly the lack of family support, which we have in abundance in Vietnam. We've been traveling yearly to Vietnam since 1992. The overall economics and quality of life in Vietnam is so much better for us. Btw, I do feel much safer in Vietnam. In the U.S. I feel compelled to carry pepper spray and a 9mm everywhere. In recent years, America seemed to have changed. There's a culture intolerance and less civility toward each other.
Why you came to US then ?
@thanhbarrett4965 Do you mean, why DID I come to the United States? It wasn't my choice. In 1971, I was 7 yo.
And you?
@@kizzik That explained why you think VN is more safe than the US. You never experienced how it was living under communist after it invated the South. Be grateful for your past.
@kathychu6006 We remember the past, live in the reality of the present, and hope for the future. Our large family in Vietnam has both Buddhist and Catholic. We have family members from both the North and the South. Who should we hate?
You probably spent way too much time watching the news, my friend. I'm Vietnam American myself. I lived in Texas for most of my life in America.
It is way safer here then in Vietnam from my perspective. To everyone himself, if you are enjoyed life in Vietnam, then do what you feel right for you.
Thank you, brother. I very often wonder why I miss Myanmar so much having been there for 3 years. I know things are not right there now but how crazy is it to long for a worn torn country after being back in Pennsylvania for almost 3 years? You hit it on the head when you spoke of the stress of every day life here. It’s not conducive to happiness. Thank you for your heartfelt and relatable feelings.
Listening to your words, I understand you are missing VIETNAM, with friendly, approachable people, along with many delicious and cheap street food, hope you will come back soon, VIETNAM ,
I have been abroad my entire life. I left LA in 1985 and am now sett in Belgrade, Serbia. I feel like its home as you do of Viet Nam. I wish you happy experiences in your life.
I totally understand why you feel the culture shock. It’s great that you had some bonding time with your family!
Yup, when I was in VN this april, yes there was honking but none of it seem malicious or full of anger!
Honking in Vietnam means Hey! I'm here. Watch out. In US or Canada, honking most of the time is WTF you're doing? Are you blind? Something like that.
Honking in US is equivalent to flipping a bird.
@@MrNamvo Totally!
@@thumtlnguyen3626 That's true...LOL! We been here for a month and love it!!!
Quote, "Driving on the freeway [in the USA]...it is scary". LoL. I lived in England back in the 1990s and did nothing but walk for two months. When I got back to the US, I was driving 50 mph on the freeway and it really did seem very fast. People were honking and flying by. Took me three for four days to get used to driving that fast. In any event, thanks for sharing your observations. Great video.
Great informative video, I’m planning to visit Vietnam soon.
Cool videos bro! I been to Vietnam 4 times now and it’s so weird coming home to California… keep up the videos!!
Having lived in Thailand for 25 years, and only occasionally heading back to the states (about every 10 years for a few weeks) I completely understand everything you are saying. Especially the weather. SE Asia has a lot going for it. The soul crushing, hot, humid weather is not one of them. One thing you did not mention is the politics. In Asia, that aspect of life is simply absent. As foreigners, we can't really participate in it, so we just tune it out. Back in the states, this simply isn't possible. You can only avoid political discussions for so long, before they begin accosting you at every turn. I visited my sister in Oregon and it permeates the atmosphere. Tent cities...everything locked up due to crime...it was crazy. You get used to people living in run down shacks in Asia, but it just seems to blend in much better in the dirt and grime. The contrast of what is happening in the US right now is shocking. The other thing is how easy it is to return something in the US. Buy the wrong thing or a broken thing in the store, and it is a simple process to return it. There is a reason you need to test all your appliances in SE Asia before leaving the store with them.
The Reverse Culture Shock is so real but most friends can not understand. After living in Japan for 11 years and finally returning to SoCal I felt a real loss and emptiness that took about a year to process. In fact after working in the states that first year I took another job back in Tokyo for a year while sorting it all out. It’s definitely a process and there’s no quick fix… you’ll find your way. ❤
Having been all over Vietnam, and spending two months in Saigon, the thing I realized the most after returning to America was how quiet my little subdivision is. Saigon noise does bother me so I don’t know if that’s a positive or negative just so different. I’m a lot older than you so I worry about getting sick or something when I’m in Vietnam, so that’s a positive when I’m back in the states. Please do a blog on best way to learn Vietnamese, both while I’m there and in the states. I plan on moving to Vietnam probably Saigon but I found its mandatory that I speak the language at least enough to have basic conversation. And I promise I’m going to give you some help I’m trying to get a PayPal thing going. Thanks for all your help Tyler you have made my travels easier because of your videos
Hi, I can teach you Vietnamese by phone. I live in Vegas and have experience in both languages.I left Vietnam when I was 18.
I can also teach you Vietnamese, Chinese, and English, and Klingon language by phone and online hehehehe 😜😜😜👍👍👍💕💕💕‼️ love my awesome and beautiful China always 💕💕💕🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳 love Vietnam 💕💕💕🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳 love Russia 💕💕💕🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺 and love Thailand💕💕💕🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭.
I can also teach you Vietnamese, Chinese, and English, and Klingon language by phone and online hehehehe 😜😜😜👍👍👍💕💕💕‼️ love my awesome and beautiful China always 💕💕💕🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳🇨🇳 love Vietnam 💕💕💕🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳 love Russia 💕💕💕🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺 and love Thailand💕💕💕🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭.
I'll be visiting VN in October to see if I want to retire there. I'm using Google Translate and Duolingo to learn Vietnamese. It's working out okay. Some days I'm lazy though, you have to be diligent. Just try learning two sentences a day.
You are spot on with the safety. I feel the same way
My son, who is a few years younger than the gent in the video lives part-time (about 3-4 Months of the year) in Hội An. My son would add "the rats" to the Vietnam downside list, but other than that he feels the same way about Vietnam being home. Which is surprising as, although he was raised in America, he lives the other part of the year in Vancouver Canada. I think if it wasn't for us (his parents), he would have renounced his U.S. citizenship long ago.
Interesting. There are many Vietnamese people in my city of Toronto, Canada. I love travelling to the U.S. and have many friends in there, but I would never want to live there. Division, lack of healthcare, and safety issues are the main reasons.
He will change his mind when he will be your age. Trust me.
@@skatingcanuck9837Do you mean that in the US there is no security and lack of healthcare? So why people from all over the world want to move to the US legally or illegally?
@@skatingcanuck9837noone shoots you in Vietnam 🤣
I lived in Hue, Vietnam 28 years and have lived in London for 30 years
I love both places
Hope you got along with the non native British and immigrants in London
So happy to know you have had great moments in Vietnam. ❤
Hi Tim, it's such a great humble and Honest feelings you have experienced in both countries. I'm originally from Đồng Tháp province in the Mekong delta in southern Vietnam. Now I've been living in Las Vegas for decades. Just like they said ( where you live is Not as important as who you live with). Finance and Relationship are the most important things in life no matter where you are. You are a humble person and I wish you a fun adventure ahead.
đẹp trai - You almost say it right. Thanks for trying to speak Vietnamese. I'm glad you like Vietnam bro.
Wishing you spending times with your family and friends at hometown….🥰😘❤️
This is so true.
I experienced it the time I got back from Indonesia.
Now that Ive been in Vietnam, Thailand for many months, I am mentally preparing for it when returning to Australia
I was in vietnam for 2 years 2022 - 2024 got back in February ( ho chi minh ), and it makes sense that the prices are different. We make more money here. If you get a job in vietnam, you are considered wealthy if you make 1000 a month... if you travel a lot, you will see that the dollar is strong in most places. Feeling special definitely will not happen to you here either. From what I experienced when I met other americans in vietnam is that they are there to date woman or invest. I met one there and married her 😂❤ Saigon #1 🎉 I miss walking around the city center
I've been single all my life, why do I want to ruin it. ;) Going to VN to see if I want to retire there. All I am looking for is, nice and friendly people, good food, and just walking and enjoying.
@@Mr.DJones I suggest Saigon since is more pro American, Hanoi is pro China. People from Saigon do not like people from Hanoi just FYI.
That’s a great video. My family lives all over. But where I moved from. My sister lives in sc, my niece lives in Kentucky. Another niece lives in sc. A nephew lives in sc. I have cousins in Virginia. And in Ohio. But my banking is in nc. That’s where I
Used to live. And don’t have family there anymore. I am due for a visit. Been here since October last year. But Vietnam has become my home now. With a new wife. And a new family. My daughter from my first marriage lives in Asheville nc. I have friends telling me to stay in Vietnam. America is just not the same anymore. Although that is where I am from. And proud to be born and raised there.I’m loving this country as my new home. 😊
Much love from the US, been back in SoCal since Covid after living there almost 4 years. Driving is probably the worst part about here because of how far everything is
Totally understand the stress and anxiety comment. Maybe it’s to do with time, expectations for when things should be done. Love your post
This guy is genius. I am from east coast Maryland. I go to china, india, japan, singapore, indonesia, epic super far journey.
You don't talk like you're from Maryland
@JJ-si4qh Born hour away from Washington DC. Grew up in sc. Nowadays everywhere is getting "fancy, non southern" accent. More like epic New York or California!
@JJ-si4qh US Marines went iraq, Ethiopia, Norway, Afghanistan. We have friends all around the world.
I grew up in Riverside too before moving to Thailand in 92! Lived on Rancho Escondido rd. Went to Woodcrest Elementary & Gage Middle school and prob would have attended Poly HS if we did not move to Sunnymead for a bit.
It was nice to see in your video that Riverside looks the same as my memories. Except no more orange groves-so sad. I used to go hiking a lot around our old house. Love to see more of Riverside if you have the chance.
I'm Australian Vietnamese, my hometown is Saigon and I have the same experience.
I’m just glad I’m Australian, but still; I t’s not all rainbows and sunshine here either.. hence my plans to move to SE Asia. Thx for the vid bro👍🏼
Keep going brother. I believe you have better life and more fun in your life than your friends ❤
I lived in Thailand for 5 years. I visited my faimily back in Canada and everything you say about the culture shock is true. I was also shocked by the fewer children I saw in Vancouver and the high number of active seniors.In five years I had not driven a car, vaccumed, used laundry machines or a dishwasher. I want to move back to the Land of Smiles but my Thai wife is resisiting. We shall see...
Good luck. ;)
Expat living in Thailand 15 years. Went back to the UK in November last year. The cost of everything was shocking. Weather was depressing. Couldn't wait to return.
I appreciate this video very much. Thank-you for your shared experience.
Glad you enjoyed it!
The reverse culture shock is no joke. Canee wait to get back out to Saigon in July 👌👌
We have found our home away from home in the U.S, and we are so grateful for the abundance of love and opportunities that have come our way since we migrated here in 1992. As a close-knit family of 100 members, we have created a new home and community that we cherish and love. Though we have visited Vietnam a few times, our hearts remain here in the U.S where our family is.
Nice Vid Tyler,
I miss Phú Quốc island quite a bit,
I feel safer in Vietnam too, I live in the bay now as I mentioned for 45years, haven’t lived in Vietnam since a lil kid, but life here in Us is
More dangerous on a daily basis.
Lifestyles in Vietnam are what foreigners envy looking to have a better life and future. Ya future is looking bright T, yr mind and soul are at peace. Keep that peace and all will be well,
Take it easy T ✌️
thanks Oranguthanh!
I'm glad that you can spend good times with your friends and family!
Thanks for sharing your experiences. It’s not just you who have a reverse culture shock but it happens to me too. I was born in Saigon in 1963 and came to America to settle in 1980. I experienced culture shock in my first year in America too but it is all good now. On my first return to Saigon in 1992, I again experienced culture shock despite of the fact I grew up at young age. But I caught on pretty quickly due to my years living in Saigon before I escaped communism by boat. I am now planning to retire in Vietnam once I reach 62. Again, thanks for sharing.
VN is so crowded especially in the city so you almost never feel lonely there and people are friendly sometimes a bit nosy but in a good ways. big city never sleep so u can have night snacks as much as you want and different varieties too. during the day it is hot there but night time is the best
I totally resonate with your experiences. I received the same type of 'reverse culture shock' when I came back to my ethinic country in SE Asia after 35 years in the US. I recall saying the same things you said in the video to my new colleagues in this country. Interesting hearing the same experience from a Caucasian returning to the USA as I felt returning to my ethnic home, however, you are a part of the country when you are in the US. As a minority, even when I return back to the US, I am forever a minority. Essentially a foreigner to the world.
Great perspective!
The streets you're walking around remind me of Perth, Western Australia where I lived for twenty years. When I went back there after four years living in Japan, those streets felt empty, soulless and devoid of life. Perfectly manicured and squeaky clean but so boring. Nobody walking, just cars passing. Totally lifeless. I've been in the Philippines for the last seven years, where my street is bustling with color, music and life, friendly and safe (and nobody is going to bust me with a $200 fine for drinking a beer in the big, wide and empty street). That, and the fact that the cost of living here is a fraction of the insanely high cost of living in Australia, which I know is on a par with California.
I've thought about retiring in the Philippines, but for some reason, have stayed away. Maybe I listened to too much news.
Agreed. In Adelaide and same for Melbourne
Been winging it for almost 5 years in Cambodia now. Always thinking of perhaps returning to South Africa but after hearing your perspectives which I can relate to I don't want to return soon. Cause it's the same in a way just a lot less safer in South Africa and honestly the safety out here is what truly sets it apart. The peace of mind when going anywhere can't be bought. Great video thanks for sharing.
I live in Toronto Canada. Here I have a strong feeling of "home" and when I travel I start missing it after a couple weeks. Curiously, when I've visited Vietnam and more specifically Hanoi (I've been twice and I'm going back in November) I've experienced a strong feeling of being very at home, even though Hanoi is so incredibly different than Toronto. Just something about the vibe that feels right.
Different strokes for different folks, follow your heart
déjà vu :)
I left a job in tech to move to Vietnam 6 years ago to teach ESL. I could just never justify to returning to the US. I still live abroad, but teach high school Computer Science now - best of both worlds.
awesome!
You are a wonderful person! you are speaking the true and you are lucky to experience 2 cultures!! All the best for you!!!
Thanks so much!
After 29 years OCONUS (Japan, Hawaii, and Taiwan) I've been trying to repatriate to the US for the past year. I'm experiencing "culture shock" too, but I don't consider it "reverse" because my real home and my heart are in Asia. I was in Taiwan the past 6 years and I miss it everyday, but can't return for a few years while kids are in school. You're feelings are shared and for myself I would emphasize the food I miss (taste and price) and the shared sense of belonging to a community, that doesn't feel the same here. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts and experiences and look forward to watching your channel. Cheers! 🍻🏝
Very true observation Tyler.
thank you
@@BigTimeBentleyI travelled to Thailand Malaysia Russia Kazakhstan .. I feel America is more similar to Russia..
@@manjunathmnm interesting. How so?
Lots of people got annoyed by the honking and karaoke noise . I am not only annoyed I hate it so much, I am not sure if I can live there especially in the big cities. But once I traveled to smaller village life, it was amazing easy to adapt. Years ago, smaller cities did not have enough roads, hospitals, parks, amenities... but now, Vietnam is more developed and capable to provide comfortable living if you have enough $$$ to spend to enjoy all the amenities you want. However, you can have that too in your own country. It's just a matter of choice, less comfort more money saved.
That's right, there's different strokes for different folks. It's a honest video post though. Great job
Great video 👍
Great video!
My husband and I are leaving our American life and moving to Koh samui Thailand.
How ironic I just bought 2 large suitcases from your cousin Rande in Big Bear. We’re neighbors.
Can’t wait to visit Vietnam! I’m gonna reach out.
The motorbikes, open front cafes and restaurants, living rooms and people in them visible as I walk down the street all create a sense of people and safety in Vietnam. Normal people all around who keep each others accountable. The USA has big cars, roads, giant parking lots, yards, and houses all creating a distance from others. If I am walking through a stripmall at night in the USA the people lingering will be less normal and more shady as a whole.
Its very interesting to hear your thoughts on these differences. I do live in Denmark Scandinavia , have been visiting Manila for holliday but the main thing is the firendlyness out there and more relaxed life , at least this was my experience.
Yeah I love the Phillipines too. Really nice people
Welcome back and your right
thank you for being honest !!!
Thank you very much for sharing your experiences in Vietnam, Mr.Bentley! I just came across your channel by accident and fell in love with it! It touched me and made me cry when it happened that you visited my hometown, Phan Rang!😢😢😢 I spent my childhood there until I was sixteen years old and left it to resettle with my family to Baton Rouge, Louisiana in July 1991! We had homesickness! Everyone cried for months every night in a strange promised land, except my father with his own bravery. We left about 100 family relatives behind and no one was sure if we could see each other again since there was no normalization or diplomatic relation with the US since Vietnam War was over in 1975. Thank you for bringing me back with childhood memories. I could not even recognize the old street I used to live named “Thống Nhất” (Unification) because of new construction developments since I left. I admire your excellent Vietnamese speaking skill! I am surprised when you pronounced “Phan Rang” exactly like a native Vietnamese speaker! I also admire the English speaking skill of your beautiful girlfriend, Trang! I studied English for seven years before departing for the US but I had a heavy accent and could not understand what my American teachers asked me! I had to give them paper and pencil to write it down then I could understand what they meant! Lol! I am glad that you have a very supportive father who traveled a long distance to visit you in Vietnam! God bless you and your family with good health and longevity! I could relate to your culture shock as it happened to myself thirty three years ago! Viva America!🎉
If you live in Vietnam and have decent income life is good, same for developed countries. No money means shitty outcome regard where you live.
I agree with everything you said. Especially about the biget which is very common in asia even in public toilets. Does wonders for preventing piles.
Thanks for sharing 😊
Im from Germany and have lived abroad for many years, over a decade, but came back for Xmas usually. I am back in my hometown for over a year now, but plan is to leave again. Can relate to most of your points.
I'm 70 and Germany (Nuremberg/Zirndorf) is still the best place I have ever lived. I've lived in Australia, Maui, and several US states. Some of my best memories and best people.
The heat and humidity in VN is what would get me. Especially the summers in Saigon. SoCal weather is amazing.
You can say the same about the texas and other states. Gets really humid and hot..
Not in Da Lat, Vietnam. Highlands area.
I used to think so also coming from the Pacific NW. I got used to it pretty fast. Just need to embrace swimming as a form of exercise.
I can relate to these sentiments strongly. After an immersive trip to the Philippines, I can definitely relate to your experiences of “reverse” culture shock
Hey Bro I’m 100% Agreed. Hope u get to go back to Vietnam soon better 👍👍
Everything you said is exactly how I feel after living in Taipei for 4+ years.
Vietnam is a special place - it entices you ❤to
Here in Japan, I am so used to not needing a car. Life is so much more interesting in a non-suburb type of country with walkable streets. Cars are so monoculture, people in them miss so much nature and details of the world. And dealing with cars is expensive and boring. I wish America would rezone their suburbs and make little walkable towns with tiny shops inside the houses. Would be so cute and fun.
We've got many shops inside houses here. Cafes, vets, bakeries, dentists, restaurants, etc. Saves gasoline, saves time.
Excellent video, I live in Koh Samui Thailand for 16 years, Iam ex pats from Australia.
I love Thailand, I visited Vietnam 6 years ago for 18 days, I had a wonderful time.
I do volunteer work in Cambodia helping students with English and computers.
The problem is Iam 77 years old it’s getting health insurance very difficult and expensive, I wish you luck in the future
Look into safety wings
Health care in USA is MEDICARE and totally unfit for anyone who knows other methods.
As a 70-year-old who is thinking about relocating to Vietnam and seeking health insurance as an expat, the process can be quite different compared to obtaining insurance in the USA, where coverage for pre-existing conditions cannot be denied. In many other countries, you might face challenges with pre-existing conditions, which can be a significant drawback if your health is not in good shape. Additionally, there is often a waiting period before coverage for specific issues begins, which can be particularly stressful if health problems arise within the first six months to a year of having your policy.
@@synovium I'm checking out VN in October to see if I want to retire there. I will be 70 in January but am pretty healthy (pickleball 4 nights a week). But for me, I'm a vet so my medical has been free all my life. It will be interesting to see what happens. Thanks for the info.
@@JacobJacobson88 they cut off at 70
Living in America is now a nightmare. No one is actually happy here, everyone keeps to themselves. The vibes suck these days.
Agree 1000000000%
I think there's a lot of people happy in the US, it's usually men in the US that are not happy. My male friends who went to VN once wants to move there or have already moved there. My female friends who went to VN want to stay in the US. It's quite interesting really.
No it's just you. Perhaps you should check yourself into a mental hospital.
@Warzonegaming4life then take it or leave it. There is no obligation.
America is a very car suburbs environment so it’s hard to connect with people. You can connect with people if you’re in jail though since everyone there is lonely
Love your videos Vietnam and Vietnamese need people like you. Thanks for sharing your feelings. I love Shawshank redemption movie too but please don’t hang yourselves
I go to VN every year... This year 6 months in VN.... What you said is so true.... I prefer living in VN
it's a great place to live
It is great to live if you have the dollars, and you can leave anytime you want, like a vacation. But if you live there as a citizen earning the local currency, you will think differently. Why do you think people try to emmigrate VN every year? They go back to visit regularly, but they will not stay.
@@GiangNguyen-mp8qf What you say is true.... I could never live in VN and financially struggle... I am always giving to those in need in VN.
@@GiangNguyen-mp8qf
It's great to have choices of where to live. There are different strokes for different folks. We as Americans have more freedom to choose.
@danleinvegas then why are Americans opposed to other people's freedom to choose where to live here? Is that freedom only reserved for Americans?
The huge difference between the US and Vietnam, nobody should have access to gun in Vietnam except the police (công an) and military personnel (bộ đội)
If you don’t control the possession of guns in VN like in the US, you will be surprised that lots of bad people will chose VN as their Final Destination.
I was away from the US in countries where I didn’t understand the language for three years and I liked so much that I didn’t know what people were talking about. Much lower stress as you said. And some other things you said were true for me as well.
Canadian and have been living in Thailand for about 20 years. I can relate to most of what you say.
True story, early this week I went to the dollar store after work, I saw this young tall guy in his 20s, I was shopping, he was shopping, but he got out first and stood in front of the store next door, I passed by and he yelled "can you get someone to talk to around here" .....I was dumbfounded. If it was Vietnam I would come and asked what happen? But here I didn't feel safe, I imagined he could be a psychopath with knife or gun, and his accomplice would drive by and kidnap me, and I carried a heavy bag, would be hard to run. It was a big plaza, double plazas running 2 blocks with Home Depot, Wendy and everything, sunny afternoon, there were less than 10 people around but in far distant. People here are very stressed, busy, and isolated ....People in Vietnam are nosy, gossipy, lunatics at best, but they help distract your sadness and anxieties.
I have had a similar experience returning to Canada on holiday last summer after working 6 years in Hanoi. Good video.
Question, please. Do you like Hanoi? Some might think because you lived there for 6 years it's great, but not always. Thank you for your time. I'm checking out VN in October to see if I want to retire there.
@@Mr.DJones I do like Hanoi but the city is not very pedestrian friendly as the sidewalks are usually blocked and motorcycles follow no rules. But the people are super friendly and the weather is cooler and multi-seasonal.
@@scogginsscoggins Thank you very much.
I lke your commentary. It's quite sensible.
Im a Canadian living in Australia for 27 years. I missed my parents throughout the years and when I saw them it was special. I could go on But I really get what you.
're saying buddy
If you have a job I'm Vietnam and earn salary in US dollars, you will live comfortably overthrew and will not want coming back to the states. One more thing to add is medical cost is so cheap and easy to access. Here in the States, medical systems are horrible, dealing with appointments, insurance, fighting for the out of the pocket bills is Nightmare. I usually flight to Vietnam for health check up every year and it can be done in a day and the cost is amazing. Long short story I agreed with you everything that mentioned in this vlog. I plan to retire in Saigon as well, just hanging here now because kids need to go to the college.
Nice to know about the healthcare. I'm a veteran so have free healthcare in the US. Going to visit VN for a few months to see if I want to retire there. Really hope it works out as I am looking for nice friendly people, good food, and that's it. :)
Yeah, I tend to agree that people here go about their day with more angst, which I think is fundamentally the reason for more road rage and violence in general… sigh.
On a separate note, it sounds like you need to find an apartment in Dalat to escape that 34° SG heat 🥵
I would love an apartment or house in Da Lat. ❤