The people of Northern and Southern Vietnam have had a troubled history since the war. Remnants of its effects can be found in the prejudiced attitudes and beliefs of the elders, trickling down into the next generation. Myths of Northern differences; from the “staunch” attitude down to their untrustworthiness. Not to mention the never ending debate of who’s phở is better being the main point of contention -- even for tourists.

My dad said that he’d never had the desire to visit because of what he was told. I persuaded him to put his inherited prejudice aside and try. This was a new age. Regurgitating biases that he’d never experienced were simply silly. 

We decided to go to Hanoi to embark on a quest for the best Bún chả and tour with locals to test the ignorant theories. Were the people condescending and cold? Were they rich and rigid? Was the pho actually better? What was the truth?

Who ended up with the best Phở? Subjective and debatable. We had a blast. The truth that we discovered is that the North is hospitable and kind. No matter where you go, there will be good and bad people and experiences. You just have to be open and put forward your best self for a good encounter.

And for the record, he loved his trip to the north. He goes back often. But promised me not to tell my Uncle Yip.