From a spontaneous decision to visit Vietnam, a German traveler found himself captivated by both the landscapes and the people. He now hopes to build a longer connection with the country, drawn by what he calls “unusually kind people.”

Arriving in Vietnam on impulse

Pierre becomes emotional as he prepares to leave Vietnam. Video: Pierresjourneytofreedom

Pierre, 40, from Karlsruhe, Germany, has just left Vietnam after a journey through Da Nang, Hanoi, Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), and Da Lat (Lam Dong).

On a taxi ride to the airport for his return home, he suddenly broke down in tears, overwhelmed by emotions he could not quite explain.

“I’ve never felt this kind of longing and attachment after a trip before. Vietnam gave me some of the most beautiful moments and memories of my life. That’s what makes it so hard to leave,” he shared.

Three years ago, Pierre left a stable job to become a digital nomad, working remotely while traveling across countries. He first arrived in Vietnam in 2025, during a journey that took him from Australia through the Philippines and then onward.

He admitted that Vietnam was not originally a must-see destination on his list. It was more of a spontaneous choice. Yet everything changed the moment he arrived in Da Nang.

“I was deeply touched by how warmly and sincerely local people welcomed me. Within just a few days, I forgot that I was a foreign visitor in an unfamiliar country,” he said.

He spent five weeks in Da Nang and Hanoi before setting off with a friend he had met in Bali, Indonesia, to explore the winding mountain roads of Tuyen Quang, part of the former Ha Giang region.

“Only when I came here did I truly understand why Ha Giang is so famous among international travelers,” he reflected.

Falling in love with both land and people, Pierre returned to Vietnam in early 2026, hoping to meet more people and experience the country more deeply.

“Vietnamese people are strangely kind”

In the coastal city of Da Nang, Pierre rented a place near the beach. Each afternoon, he would stroll along the shore, watching locals and visitors swim and play volleyball.

“One day, a group of friends - both locals and foreigners living in Da Nang - suddenly invited me to join them. It felt unusual. They welcomed me as if I were already part of the group. I didn’t feel like a tourist anymore, but like a local,” he said.

In the days that followed, they continued to spend time together, laughing and sharing simple joys.

“Here, people accept others with sincerity, without expecting anything in return,” he added.

During his stay, Pierre met Krazen, a Bulgarian who has been living in Vietnam for over two years. Krazen introduced him to outdoor trips, camping experiences, hidden and less-visited places, talented tattoo artists, and local eateries.

One place Pierre frequented was a bar called “Last Hope,” run by a passionate Korean owner. There, both locals and international guests gathered to listen to and play music together.

“Krazen and the bar owner are both foreigners, yet they clearly love Vietnam. It shows that many people find something special here, not just me,” Pierre said.

After four weeks in Vietnam, Pierre traveled to Sri Lanka. But just two weeks later, he found himself returning again. This time, he headed to Da Lat to catch the sunrise.

“The sunrise there is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen in my life. In that moment, I realized that life is long, but happiness can come from very simple things - like waking up early to watch the sun rise,” he shared.

He has since considered moving to Vietnam for several months, or even longer.

“Vietnamese people are simple, genuine, and always smiling. They are open to connecting and sharing. I don’t want to compare, but I truly feel more connected and happier here. I think I can be myself in this country,” he said.

Khanh Linh - Linh Trang