For many travelers, Vietnam is full of surprises—a country whose rich cultural diversity and vibrant way of life leave a lasting impression. But for Francesco Padula, a young Italian, Vietnam is more than just a destination to pass through. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on the country, exploring the unexpected connections between Vietnam and Italy.
The Saigon Times: What was your first impression of Vietnam when you arrived?
Francesco Padula: When I first arrived in Vietnam, the country was just emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic. I witnessed HCMC gradually coming back to life, adjusting once again to its vibrant, bustling energy. I was immediately struck by how lively the city was—especially the sheer number of motorbikes weaving through the streets. Crossing the road felt like an adventure, and I was amazed by how naturally locals moved through the traffic.
Everywhere I went, I felt a sense of excitement and discovery. What impressed me most was how at ease Vietnamese people seemed in this dynamic environment—riding their motorbikes effortlessly despite the chaos surrounding them. Their calm confidence within the frenzy was something that truly stood out to me.
Italy and Vietnam are quite different in many ways—how did you adjust to the cultural shifts when you first arrived?
In Vietnam, life moves at a much faster pace, especially in big cities like HCMC. The constant energy, heavy traffic, and nonstop movement took me some time to get used to. In contrast, Italy has a more laid-back and structured rhythm, where things tend to unfold at a slower, more relaxed pace. That being said, Vietnam’s fast-moving way of life was one of the things that made it so exciting for me. The energy of the country was contagious, and it became something I genuinely enjoyed. Looking back, it is definitely one of the things I miss the most about living in Vietnam.
Vietnamese food has its own charm. What’s one dish you think even Italians would fall in love with, and why?
Vietnamese cuisine is one of the best in the world, with so many incredible dishes to choose from. My favorite Vietnamese dish is Bún Bò Huế, and I think it’s one that Italians would absolutely love. What makes Bún Bò Huế so special is its ability to bring together a wide variety of ingredients while still achieving a harmonious and balanced flavor. The rich, aromatic broth made from beef and pork bones is the highlight for me—it has such an amazing depth of taste!
While dishes like Phở and Cơm Tấm are more well-known internationally, I would definitely recommend Bún Bò Huế to anyone new to Vietnamese cuisine. It’s an incredible representation of Vietnam’s bold flavors and culinary creativity.
In what ways do you think Italian culture and Vietnamese culture challenge or complement each other?
One of the biggest differences between Italian and Vietnamese culture is the pace of life. Vietnam’s fast-moving, high-energy atmosphere could feel overwhelming to most Italians, while Italy’s more relaxed, structured lifestyle might seem too slow-paced for some Vietnamese. That said, the two cultures actually have a lot in common. Both Italians and Vietnamese share a deep passion for food, which plays a central role in daily life. But beyond that, both cultures place a strong emphasis on community, tradition, and family.
What resonates most with me is how deeply family is valued in both cultures. Whether through gatherings, shared meals, or community interactions, both Italians and Vietnamese see family life as an essential part of their identity.
From a student’s perspective, how do you think Vietnam could make its tourist attractions more appealing to Italians, and vice versa?
Vietnam could attract more Italian tourists by highlighting cultural experiences that resonate with Italian travelers. Italians love history, food, and scenic landscapes, so emphasizing Vietnam’s rich heritage—such as Hue’s imperial city or Hoi An’s ancient town—could be a great way to draw them in.
Additionally, Vietnam’s diverse cuisine is a major selling point. Organizing food tours or cooking classes featuring dishes like phở, bánh mì, and fresh seafood would appeal to Italy’s strong culinary traditions. However, what I think would attract young Italians the most is the chance to immerse themselves in a completely new culture. Vietnam’s vibrant traditions, bustling cities, and stunning nature already offer so much to explore—there’s no need to change anything in that regard!
On the other hand, Italy could attract more Vietnamese tourists by showcasing experiences beyond the usual landmarks. While famous sites like the Colosseum or Venice are must-sees, Vietnamese travelers might also appreciate lesser-known gems, such as the picturesque villages of the Amalfi Coast or the vineyards of Tuscany. Since shopping is a favorite activity for Vietnamese tourists, promoting Italy’s fashion scene—from luxury brands in Milan to artisan markets in Florence—could be a major draw. Lastly, increasing the number of direct flights between Vietnam and Italy would encourage more travel between the two countries. And, of course, it would make it easier for me to return to Vietnam whenever I want to visit!
Vietnam’s natural beauty is renowned—do you have a favorite spot that captures the essence of both nature and culture?
One place that always reminds me of Vietnam’s natural beauty is Halong Bay. I had the chance to explore it on a boat trip a couple of years ago, and it was an unforgettable experience. We visited hidden caves, passed by tiny floating fishing villages, and stopped at different islands, each offering something unique to discover. A highlight of my trip was canoeing through the calm, emerald water. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and secluded caves, I felt completely immersed in the bay’s breathtaking landscape. One particularly memorable stop was a pearl farm, where I got to witness the fascinating process of pearl cultivation—from carefully seeding oysters to the patience required for the pearls to grow.
Another unforgettable moment was hiking to the top of one of the islands. From the summit, I could see boats weaving through the bay, and as the sun set over the cliffs, the entire scene became even more magical. The golden light reflecting on the water, the islands in the distance, and the quiet hum of nature made it one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring sights I’ve ever seen.
My trip to Halong Bay is one that I remember fondly—not just because of the stunning views, but because it gave me a real sense of adventure and appreciation for Vietnam’s natural wonders.
Could you describe a memorable moment where you felt the connection between Vietnamese and Italian culture?
One of my favorite moments in Vietnam happened this past winter when I returned to HCMC to visit my family. Vietnam had reached the final of the ASEAN Cup, and my friends and I went to watch the match against Thailand at a bar in District 1. As soon as the final whistle blew and Vietnam secured the victory, the entire city erupted in celebration. Walking down Nguyen Hue Street, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of people flooding the streets, waving Vietnamese flags, blowing whistles, and cheering in unison. Motorbikes streamed past, their riders honking and shouting with joy, while complete strangers—Vietnamese and foreigners alike—high-fived, hugged, and sang national songs together as if we had all known each other for years.
That night, I truly felt the passion and unity that football brings to Vietnam. It reminded me so much of Italy, where football is deeply ingrained in our national identity, and victories are celebrated with the same kind of fervor and communal joy. It was a moment I will never forget—a perfect example of how sports can bridge cultures and bring people together, no matter where they are from.
Have you found any surprising similarities or differences in the way people interact here?
One similarity is the warmth of everyday interactions; both Italians and Vietnamese tend to be expressive and social, even with strangers. Furthermore, both cultures link their hospitality a lot to their cooking, but in slightly different ways.
In Vietnam, hospitality is often centered around food and family. Visitors are treated like close friends, and it is common for hosts to offer meals or small gestures of generosity, even to acquaintances. There is a strong sense of communal living, where people share dishes at the table, and it is considered polite to keep offering food to guests.
In Italy, hospitality is also deeply tied to food, but in a different way. Meals are long, social affairs, with an emphasis on tradition and storytelling. Italians love making guests feel at home, often insisting on offering coffee, wine, or a home-cooked meal. Like in Vietnam, family is at the heart of hospitality, and gatherings are lively, filled with conversation and laughter.
While both cultures value food as an expression of hospitality, Vietnamese hospitality is about sharing, while Italian hospitality is about creating an experience.
Reported by The Ky
