Recording summary · January 2023
Why I left Vietnam
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Overview
Daniel returned to Thailand from a week-long visa run to Vietnam undertaken after a 90-day Thai tourist visa expired, receiving a 45-day entry stamp without questioning despite lack of a visa.
Vietnam was evaluated negatively compared to Thailand due to heavy moped traffic, sidewalk blockages, lack of mass transit, noise, pushy street vendors, and unexceptional food, though Daniel enjoyed the war museums, tunnels, and history.
Daniel chose Vietnam over regional alternatives due to previous travel, relative development, and curiosity regarding changes since a 2012 visit, spending nearly £1,000 while a female companion contributed around £60 or £70.
Current plans involve extending the stay in Thailand by 30 days to save money over two months before heading to Japan, while navigating an unintended serious relationship and avoiding repeated visa runs.
Themes
Visa run to Vietnam and return to Thailand
Criticisms and impressions of Vietnam
Trip expenses and relationship dynamics
Future travel plans and Thai immigration considerations
Developments
Daniel completed a week-long visa run in Vietnam and traveled back from Ho Chi Minh to Thailand.
A vendor in Vietnam handed Daniel a carrying stick with coconuts and sliced them open, leading Daniel to pay.
A seller shouted across the street at Daniel and a girlfriend after handing them a strawberry advertising card as they exited a park.
Thai immigration officials inspected Daniel's passport and issued a 45-day entry stamp without questioning.
Uncertainties & gaps
Whether Daniel will choose to remain single in Japan or return to Thailand to continue the relationship is undecided.
Daniel does not know the exact procedure that takes place when denied entry into a country.