Xin Chao, Saigon

Sharing to you my first visit to the largest City of Vietnam. The Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. 
                  

Vietnam wasn't my dream country to visit. It doesn't excite me at all. I even wanted to resign when I started working for Vietnamese students. I could hardly understand what they are saying. But that was before. In a short period of time, I got used to their accent. I became familiar with their culture and parts of history. It gave me anticipation to step foot on this nation one day. 

Tet 2019

Tet or the Lunar New Year. When I start searching about this trip, I have read that most of the establishments will be closed during their Tet holiday. Someone even described like it was a ghost town. I expected it to be boring, but not at all. Some shops are closed, but many are still open. It wasn't a nuisance at all. I saw them burning paper money in front of their houses, there are traditional foods too. People are playing cards, singing, all about getting together. A taxi driver gave us a lucky money for a good fortune. 

Chuc mung nam moi

Where to stay

I traveled with a friend. Therefore, I had someone to split the expenses like accommodations. Hotels are affordable I would say. I spent a lot of time browsing Agoda website. I patiently read reviews before I decide where to stay. I picked Meraki Hotel because I like their rooftop dining area. I enjoyed eating breakfast with a view of the city. It's a perfect spot to drink while watching people at night. There are many budget hotels in District 1. 

Currency

We brought US dollar and exchanged it to VN dong before we head to Bui Vien Street. You can also buy VND  at NAIA airport. $1 = VND22000

 Vietnam Dong

Arrival

We arrived past midnight and decided to stay for a few hours because it's still dark outside. There's no comfortable sleeping area around except for the chairs. We took the green bus. Its cheaper than the yellow one. You have to pay for your luggage too. We only have our backpack, so we paid VND5000 each.

At first, I felt nervous because It was early morning and people are still drinking in front of the restaurants. I realized those are staff who were relaxing after a night of work. 

We had breakfast at the convenience store nearby. We stayed a little longer because of their free wifi.

Its hot like the Philippines.

Our hotel is along the road we found it easily. We dropped our bags then we started walking around. 

Transportation

Although hotels and convenience stores offer free wifi,
It's still a must to buy a local sim card. You will need it for Grab. I highly recommend their service. We got scammed by a local driver who approached us for a motorbike tour. It's sad, so please beware! I should have known better, but he got me with his notebook showing testimonial from Filipino tourists. He even has Philippine money. Book Grab instead. If you are active, it's possible to walk. The tourist spots are close to each other. 

Motorbikes are everywhere. Just be careful when crossing the street because they don't stop! We usually wait for other people then walk along with them. 

Attractions

Notre Dame Basilica. It is a Catholic church built by French colonists. 

Uncle Ho's Park. They were having a flower festival during that time. It was crowded. Most women are wearing their traditional attire called Ao Dai.

Landmark 81. The tallest building in Southeast Asia. We negotiated a Grab bike driver to bring us here. From Bui vien to Vincom Center Park to Ben Thanh market for VND 200,000.

We also went to Independent Palace, Post Office next to the church, Pagodas, and Market. If I will go back, I will make time to visit Mekong delta and Mui ne.

Walking Street

Bui Vien gets crazy at night. The bar and restaurants are crowded. They occupied the whole street. It looked like Mardi gras every night. It was peaceful though, for a couple of nights that we were there, no street fight happened even people are drinking like there's no tomorrow. 

They will not be tag as the motor capital of the world for no reason. Grab bike was fun! Don't miss out this experience.

Vietnamese Food

I know that one of the best ways to experience a culture is to try out their local food.

Dinner prepared by my student and her husband. 

 However, I'm not adventurous when it comes to food. I don't want to upset my stomach especially when I'm away from home. I'm also traveling on a budget. Hence, the fancy restaurant is not in my itinerary. We usually ate at the fast food across our hotel.

I've tried some street food because I heard about them and they look similar to ours. 

Spring rolls

Dried Squid

Ban mi

Vietnamese coffee is the one to remember. It's a bit strong, yet it can be perfect with fresh milk. Every coffee shops that we've passed by are packed with customers all the time. I don't know if it's because holiday or that's just how much they love coffee. 

People

The Vietnamese I know are warm and friendly. As soon as I informed my student that I'm in the city, she invited me to her house right away. 

Language barrier should not stop you from exploring this city. Preparation is the key. Do some research beforehand. Many of them can't speak English well, one of the reasons why the local seem cold and distant. They feel frustrated when they can't explain what they wanted to say. I've also encountered those who will try to avoid you when they feel that you will ask for a direction.

I noticed that most of the vendors rely on to their children when they have a foreign customer. They couldn't be any prouder.  It makes me smile.

I've heard that snatching cases are notorious. Whenever we're heading out of the hotel, the receptionist always reminds us to take care of our stuff.   Fortunately, we didn't experience incidents like that.

Pinoy Band. 

On our last day, we bumped into these Pinoy band whom we're very thankful for. I've tried to exchange our peso, but they gave us some dong for free. Awesome isn't it?  That's the Filipino spirit!  Salamat mga kabayan! :)) 

The Experience

I asked her if she enjoyed the trip and her answer is yes! Hearing all those offloading cases, passing through immigration for the first time was a nerve-wracking experience. If you are honest and no intention of doing things illegally, you will be fine. Prepare all the necessary documents like the return tickets, accommodations and a proof that you can afford your trip. Don't hate them because they are just doing their job for our safety.

Ao dai

On the whole, I had fun in this city. The people we've met from all over along the way, the taste bud and cultural differences had given me memories that will always be with me. You don't have to be rich to explore places. It's all about courage and prayers... lots of it. :) 


Cam on Vietnam. Hen gap lai. ❤️

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