Customer Reviews

Lonely Planet - Vietnam [VHS]

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The Lonely Planet travelogue series does it again with "Vietnam," giving us priceless glimpses into the lives and customs of people in present-day Vietnam. This program touches upon the war with the U.S. and its lingering effects, but does not dwell on that theme. Ironically, it shows the emergence of small-scale capitalism in both southern and northern parts of the country. One gets the impression of a very poor country still struggling to heal itself and forge its place in the world. The last few minutes are particularly memorable, with traveller Justine Shapiro talking to a community of Hmong in the north, and learning that she is the first westerner they have seen in ten years -- "never mind the war."

This is vintage Lonely Planet. I show this every year to my World Geography students. You learn about the lingering difference between the north and south. Eastern cultures tend to drink and eat what we might term edgy foods and the like..you won't believe what Justin eats on this video, I should say what she drinks---major yuko! The seaside resort is spectacular, as long as you don't need electricity 24 hours a day. Her visit at a war memorial type place complete with tunnels used during the Vietnam war is fascinating. Her trek through Hanoi with it's 'trade identified street names' is intriguing. I love this video and highly recommend it.