How to Survive your First Day in Hanoi

How to Survive your First Day in Hanoi

It was our first day in Hanoi and Justina and I were keen to get up early and explore the city. The night before, Chris recommended an early morning walk to the lake. "It is about 5-10 minutes from here. It’s really easy to get to, just go down the street and take a right, then follow the big one-way road right to the lake,” said Chris

“Perfect, thanks Chris!” Justina and I replied in unison.

As self-proclaimed “seasoned travelers”, an early morning stroll to the lake was going to be a breeze for us…or so we thought. Once we reached the lake, it didn’t take long for us to find ourselves lost in the city of Hanoi. Relying solely on Google maps and the advice of well-meaning (but non-English speaking) locals, we attempted to navigate our way from the lake, back to the hostel.

 Trúc Bạch Lake, Vietnam

After 30 minutes of wrong turns and following our Google map through a sea of motorbikes with no familiar landmarks in sight, the panic began to set in. With every new street appearing identical to the last and only 10 minutes until our morning meeting, we began to worry that we may never find our hostel. Luckily we were able to catch a ride with a cyclo driver who (eventually) got us where we needed to be. In hindsight, there are many lessons to be learned from getting lost in a new city. Here are ours:

1. Bring a physical map

Google maps can be a great resource for making your way around a new city, but following a little dot on a small screen can prove to be challenging in certain situations, especially when walking through side streets or paths off the beaten track. If you are keen on using Google maps, make sure to have a physical map on you, and have your destinations plotted in advance. This can help with avoiding mishaps like the one we had today on our mini-adventure.

2. Know the local language

When traveling to a new country where the local language is not your native tongue, communication is key to a smooth experience. Understanding basic words and phrases, including directions, can prevent you from miscommunications that could lead you in the wrong direction. You’ll be surprised at how much time and energy you can save by knowing how to say phrases like “where can I find...” or “I want to go to...”.

3. Agree on your price before getting on the cyclo

Riding a Cyclo in Vietnam

Our cyclo driver today happened to be extremely kind and honest, but that may not always be the case. When travelling in countries where bartering is commonplace, proceed with caution by agreeing on a price with your driver before jumping into any vehicle. This will ensure that you are not left to pay a hefty price for a short journey.

4. Take a photo of the intersecting street signs near your hostel/hotel.

Street Signs in Vietnam 

If there was one thing that saved us today, it was having a photo of the intersecting street signs that were near our hostel. Our cyclo driver was not familiar with the name of our hostel, and could not identify the location by referring to Google maps, so having a picture of the intersection where our hostel was located, really helped him get us home.

5. Look both ways before crossing the street, and then look again!

Crossing the street in Hanoi is like playing a real life game of frogger. With motorcycles and taxis coming at you in both directions, the only way to get around the city without getting hit is by “just going for it”.  Saying this, the keys tips that we learned are:

1.     Look both ways before you go

2.     Walk slowly

3.     Walk in a straight line, and;

4.     Don’t hesitate or change your pace

You may find that you will get honked at a lot, but rest assured that more often than not, the drivers just want to inform you that they are there. In Hanoi, traffic lights are a rarity and traffic rules are more like guidelines, and the road is alive! Make sure you pay close attention!

6. Stay calm

Staying calm was a key factor in us getting back to our hostel. Getting lost in a foreign city can be extremely stressful and it is easy to panic when you encounter difficult or confusing situations. If you do find yourself in an unpleasant situation, take a few deep breaths, and then stop to assess the problem. Sometimes, our adrenaline can make the issue appear worse than it is. By stabilizing your mental and emotional state, you’ll be able to make better judgments and get yourself out of sticky situations.

7. Cake for breakfast is always a good idea!

Eating Cake in Hanoi, Vietnam

In a moment of calm during the storm, we stopped for some delicious cake from a local bakery. So, this isn’t really a lesson, but our last piece of advice is to enjoy your trip! If you don’t normally divulge in sweets, this is the time to do it! What happens in Hanoi stays in Hanoi…except those extra few pounds, you’re probably going to take that back home with you. So I guess the moral of the story here is that, when in doubt, eat some cake!

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Welcome to the team!

It is hard to imagine that it has already been four months since I had one of the most epic and rewarding undertakings of my life! Getting to spend a month in Hanoi with the CBT Vietnam project was an amazing adventure that I will never forget. It has been one of the greatest learning opportunities I have had as a part of the Tourism Management Degree Program.

Applicants working hard during the group interview - Photo by Kyle LeGrow

I recently had the opportunity to assist with the application process for selecting the 2016 project volunteers. Sitting through the group interview and watching things unfold from the other side of the room was an interesting experience. Although the interview is challenging and includes components designed to keep the applicants on their toes, it really does showcase different strengths that are important to have when you are working with the CBT Vietnam project. All of the applicants did so well with every challenge they encountered, and I was really impressed with everyone that participated!

On behalf of the whole team, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new members: Natalia, Sarah, Cleo, and Justina! Congratulations on making it through the selection process, and welcome to one of the most challenging and fantastic experiences of your time at Capilano University. Trust me, every second of hard work you put into this project will be worth it! There is a talented and diverse team of people ready to support you with whatever initiative you take on. Good luck!

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Touchdown in Taipei!

After a (surprisingly!) easy 12-hour flight from Vancouver to Taipei, Mia and I have finally landed on solid ground again! Despite the jetlag, we navigated the airport with ease. Our combined past travel experiences have made us experts at getting through security in no time at all. 

                         

                                                            Photo taken by Megan Sadler

To prepare for our long journey, Mia had approximately 8 cups of coffee with her mom, while adding the last few important items into her carry on bag. I spent the day prior to the flight packing (and repacking) and triple checking that I had all my important things ready to go (passport, money, and letters from home to keep the homesickness at bay!). It feels like we have been preparing for this trip for ages, and now it's finally here! 

                                     

                                                                      Photo taken by Megan Sadler

In a few short hours, we will be touching down in Hanoi. I've got to keep this post short, otherwise we will miss our flight! Keep checking for more updates on our adventure!

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Exciting news from the CBT Vietnam team!

The CBT Vietnam Project has been nominated for a

 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award!

The Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award recognizes the region’s most inspiring responsible tourism initiative. The award marks the 10th year of working with the people in the region of Sapa to ensure that tourism is mutually beneficial to the tourist and to the host community.

We are incredibly honoured to be nominated as a finalist. The community of people and organizations that are working hard to foster responsible tourism in Asia is one that is innovative, resilient, and inspiring. To be a part of this group has been an experience we are very proud of. Congratulations to all of the finalists!

Photo courtesy of the CBT Vietnam Flickr - Photo taken by Kyle Sandilands

Here are some highlights of the CBT Vietnam project so far:

• Approximately 400 people, including ethnic minorities, have been involved in the training that CBT Vietnam is providing
• Over 60 tour guides from the Sapa Region have been trained
• Nearly 30 authentic cultural homestays have been set up in 3 villages: Tavan, Taphin and Lao Chai
• An increase from US$500/year to US$2400/year of revenue/income generated by some individuals in the village has been seen

In addition to these project achievements and milestones, the project has also served as a tool to create responsible travellers. 

"Projects such as CBT Vietnam play a crucial role in creating responsible tourists. It can be so easy for travellers visiting developing Asian countries to spend their whole holiday in very insular environments --on the tourist track and separate from the local communities. CBT Vietnam helps tourists witness the impacts and experiences that tourism has on the local people. The kind of understanding this creates for a tourist is invaluable and I don’t believe it’s possible to produce responsible tourists without it."
- Taryn Bodrug, student volunteer (CBT Vietnam 2010 - 2014)

Photo courtesy of the CBT Vietnam Flickr - Photo taken by Kyle Sandilands

Not only has this initiative positively impacted the community members and tourists visiting the region, it has also had a profound impact on the volunteers that have helped out with CBT Vietnam and the way that they view sustainable tourism.

"Since I've participated in the CBT Vietnam project, I've become more aware of the impact of my choices and my influence on the environment and the lives of those I come in contact with. I have come to understand that having the privilege of traveling comes with certain responsibilities, and fulfilling these responsibilities is not only a moral obligation, but also a rewarding experience. "
- Hedieh Ahmari, student volunteer (CBT Vietnam 2014)

"Responsible tourism is treating others the way they wish to be treated, traveling within means of continuity for the community and its members, without compromise. CBT Vietnam has shown me the effects of tourism on a community and the fine line that run along responsible tourism and green washing."
- Samantha Macgregor, student volunteer (CBT Vietnam 2014 - 2015)

"CBT Vietnam was developed with the community, based on its assets, objectives, and the desire of the locals to achieve an economic development. It is based off of what the locals need, rather than what the tourists need, which is why it is successful. Not only does it benefit the current local people and tourists, but it also impacts future generations through empowerment and education." 

- Sabrina Ouellette, student volunteer (CBT Vietnam 2014)

For more information about the amazing things CBT Vietnam has accomplished, please visit our website.

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T-minus 4-days to Vietnam!

I sit here today in anticipation for this incredible trip that Kyle and I will embark on in less than a week!

These last four months have been a whirl wind of trip prepping, regular meetings with the team, working our day jobs and all the while trying to rock our studies. I have a few more tasks to complete, but it feels awesome that all this intense preparation will be worth it once we have arrived in Vietnam, where we will actually get down to business in Hanoi and Lao Chai.

Neither Kyle nor I have ever been anywhere in Asia before, and we are both so excited that we have the opportunity to experience Vietnam for the first time together. I am also super eager to immerse myself in a completely new culture.

However, with a new culture comes the risk of culture shock. So, I am currently trying to mentally prepare myself for the shock of a new environment but from what people tell me the culture shock may be inevitable. I am now starting to believe my best plan of action is to just try and relax and enjoy this adventure! Although, to keep a bit of the homesickness at bay, I’m bringing a few things with me that will remind me of my life in Vancouver. Check them out in the picture below!

A few of my favourite things. 

Keep an eye out for my next post upon arrival into Hanoi to get our first impressions of the country. Until then, wish us luck on our 24 hours of travelling from Canada to Vietnam!

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Throw Back Thursday

It's only one and a half weeks until Kyle, Marina, Chris and Henry depart for their trip to Vietnam! Which means that it's only four months until I (Sam!) return to Lao Chai with Megan, Mia and Henry.

One year ago today, the 2014 CBT Vietnam team carefully balanced exams and trip prepping for the one-month long, 10-person trip.

Its incredible to think back to the stress and excitement we felt, through all of the tears and panicked calls, as we prepared for our month long trip in Vietnam. But the experience was completely worth all that we went through.

Photo courtesy of Samantha Macgregor

Today, as a new graduate (albeit my final grades are still to come) of the Bachelor of Tourism Management Program, I am sitting helping the 2015 teams (April and August) prepare for the upcoming trips.

As per tradition, we met for Vietnamese food at V-Nam in North Vancouver. Megan tried pork for the first time in years (in preparation for eating village food) and we  are still working on Mia, our resident vegetarian, to try meat before our trip begins in August. Some ordered and tried new dishes, while others (like myself!) went with their old favourites.

Getting to sit in and help with the new team it is incredible... It's amazing to see all that they have accomplished, and how they are using their strengths and working together as a cohesive unit. There is no doubt in my mind about the numerous success and educational experience they will bring to the village of Lao Chai.

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Behind the Scenes with Kyle Sandilands

Kyle Sandilands has been a volunteer with CBT Vietnam since 2011. He graduated from Capilano University’s Motion Picture Production program and has recently completed a new video, The Black H’mong of Lao Chai Village. In just a few days, the video has received over 1,000 views from 33 countries, and is continuing to be shared with viewers from around the world. I asked Kyle a few questions to get a better idea of what this process was like behind the scenes.

Photo courtesy of Kyle Sandilands 

From the initial concept to the final posting online, how long does it take you to create something like this?

It takes a long time to put together a video like this. In this particular video, scenes with Chris Carnovale and Jen Reilly chatting with the H'mong guides on the streets of Sa Pa were shot on my first trip to the region four years ago and did not have a home in the edits of any of the previous videos that focused on the Red Dao in Ta Phin. Telling the story of the Black H’mong guides and sellers in Sa Pa is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, and now that the CBT Vietnam project has begun to wrap up training in Ta Phin it was only natural that last May’s trip would be the time. We shot it in May, edited a rough cut to screen for the PATA Foundation in September and continued to edit it over the past few months between other projects. It’s great to have it finally online!

Photo courtesy of Kyle Sandilands

How important would you say it is creating materials like this for the Sa Pa region and the H’mong people?

It’s very important. There is so many travellers I meet who know little to nothing about the H’mong or any of the minority groups in the Sa Pa region. Often I hear that the area is too ‘touristy’ or that the sellers are too aggressive. Or that visiting these villages and snapping photos of the people resembles a type of 'human zoo'.

These are all valid concerns, but hopefully with the videos, it can both help share the stories and perspectives of the villagers who call Sa Pa home, and better inform travellers to the area about the positive and negative effects tourism is having on the region, as well as what CBT Vietnam’s role is.

What is your greatest memory or favourite shot that you have gotten throughout this project?

The trip to Hanoi with the Dao women was a pretty amazing experience. Watching the ladies overcome their own hesitations to leave Ta Phin for the big city was incredible to be a part of and to try to see the world through their eyes. Filming the ladies ride escalators for the first time, test out massage chairs and eat sushi was something I’ll never forget. For the newest video, I really tried to showcase just how beautiful and expansive the area is, as well as focus on the intricate details that make up the H’mong culture. Embroidery, batik, harvesting rice - it really is an amazing culture.

What projects are you currently working on, and what can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?

Right now I’m back in Canada working onset on a film in Vancouver, and am in prep on a few more documentary projects.

Photo courtesy of Kyle Sandilands 

What does this project mean to you?
Going to Vietnam with this project in 2011 was absolutely a life-changing experience that opened my eyes to this amazing area and incredible people. It opened the doors to many other interesting projects since, both in Canada and abroad, filming in Africa and South America on a feature documentary for CBC, as well as spending a winter in Yellowknife for History Channel’s Ice Pilots. It’s been hugely important project to me that I’m forever humbled to be a part of.

Kyle, thank you so much for letting us know a bit more about the incredible work you have done for this project! If you haven’t seen Kyle’s latest video yet, please click here.

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International Women's Day!

Once again, International Women’s Day is upon us. This is a special day that is not only celebrated here in Canada, but also all around the world, including in Vietnam! The CBT Vietnam team would like to celebrate all of the women that we have had the privilege of working with over the course of this project. To all of the women that have helped us to make this project the success that it is today, we truly wish to thank you.

Vietnam has a long history of trying to create a gender-equal society that surpasses many countries around the world. Women in Vietnam have many guaranteed rights that include property rights, policies for political participation, maternity benefits and rights to make reproductive decisions¹. Additionally, there is not much difference in the labour force participation, with 83 percent working-age women in the work force compared to 85 percent men. In 2006 - 2007, Vietnam made another step in the right direction for women's rights by establishing both a gender equality law and anti-domestic violence law; this is something only a few countries have enacted ². Way to go Vietnam!!

On International Women’s Day in Vietnam, men and other women show their appreciation through flowers, cards and kind greetings. So get out there and show your love to the women in your lives, be it your mom, sister, daughter, wife, girlfriend or friend! Trust me, it won’t go unnoticed. Now, excuse me while I go phone my mom...

                                                                                       

¹ Wells, Melissa. Viet Nam Gender Situation Analysis. (2005). Asian Development Bank. Retrieved from http://doc.iiep.unesco.org/wwwisis/repdoc/SEM313/SEM313_17_eng.pdf

² Kelly, Kristy. (2011). Vietnam Case Study: Women in Educational Leadership and Management. UNESCO. Retrieved from http://doc.iiep.unesco.org/wwwisis/repdoc/SEM313/SEM313_17_eng.pdf 

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