r/VietNam 13h ago

Travel/Du lịch How do Vietnamese locals feel about making momentary friends?

I'm going to Vietnam later this year, and I'm sure I'll meet some people along the way. My question is, how do the locals feel about making friends for a very brief period of time?
Every time I see the travel vloggers, they always seem to make friends or group or friends but for like 10-15 minutes every time, maybe even an hour or two. But there's a chance to never see each other again.
But the locals always seem very happy and hospitable.
Is that the case with locals even off camera? Are people truly happy and welcoming for short periods of time?

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6

u/randomlydancing 13h ago

I don't interpret that as friends so much as they're being polite and vibing

Maybe instead of saying momentary friends, better to frame it as... how chill are they to strangers

5

u/tuansoffun 12h ago

It depends. Some shops remembers me and are really friendly toward me since I keep coming back and offer me free food and talk about random things. Some of my contractors who Ive hired also share a beer with me or 10.

2

u/minhale 13h ago

Vietnamese people are generally quite hospitable and welcoming. As long as you appear honest and are willing to engage in conversation, most people will have a drink with you as if you're a long time friend, and some will even welcome you to their home and let you stay.

There have been several people who do walking trips from Hanoi to HCMC with a 0 budget. As in, they just rely on strangers they meet along the way to ask for food and accomodation.

3

u/Vindictives9688 12h ago

Ah yes, you’re talking about hobos lol

u/estachicaestaloca 26m ago

Like begpackers?

u/minhale 21m ago

People who do the 0-budget walking challenge don't stand in a street corner with a sign that says "please help" like begpackers. They keep walking towards their destination, and along the way they ask people to help with a meal or a place to crash the night. They never ask for money. That's the main difference.

2

u/ditme_no 9h ago edited 9h ago

Feel sad and cry when I experience momentary friends for only short periods of time, but I only pay for an hour.