Impressed by Vietnam’s connectivity

Naoki first visited Ho Chi Minh City in mid-2024 to explore Vietnamese culture, daily life, and street food.

In a recent YouTube video, he highlighted one of Vietnam's unique features that amazed him: the widespread availability of free Wi-Fi.

“Every restaurant, shop, or even street-side drink stall I visited had Wi-Fi, often with the password readily available for everyone to use. It’s very different from Japan,” Naoki explained.

In Japan, free Wi-Fi is rare. Customers usually need to pay for access, and even some convenience stores that previously offered Wi-Fi have discontinued the service.

“This was beyond my imagination. It wasn’t until I arrived in Vietnam that I realized the country has such an extensive internet network. Vietnam’s Wi-Fi truly is number one,” he exclaimed.

The kindness of Vietnamese people

Another reason Naoki adores Vietnam is the genuine kindness of its people, which he experienced firsthand during a small but memorable encounter.

While walking home from the gym, he stopped at an eyewear shop on Hoang Dieu Street in Ho Chi Minh City to fix his broken sunglasses.

The shop owner repaired his sunglasses in just five minutes. When Naoki asked how much he owed, the owner simply waved him off, refusing payment.

“I was shocked. I kept asking, ‘Are you sure?’ and he kept nodding. His kindness was overwhelming,” Naoki shared.

Naoki offered to give the shop owner a small gift as thanks, but the gesture was politely declined.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this before. I felt so happy and grateful,” he said, adding that this act of generosity left a lasting impression on him.

A heartfelt recommendation

Naoki’s encounters in Vietnam have only deepened his affection for the country.

“I’m so thankful to him for fixing my glasses for free. The service was incredible. I’ll definitely return and recommend this shop to my friends,” he expressed.

For Naoki, Vietnam’s warm-hearted people and remarkable hospitality continue to make it a place worth revisiting, time and again.

Thao Trinh