For our first trip together outside the Philippines, Hunny and I, together with Kuya Richard my brother-in-law, recently went to Vietnam. Actually it was only me who lost my so-called immigration ignorance since Hunny has previously travelled to Japan, while Kuya Richard has been in-and-out of the country for many times now. And since he has been to Vietnam last October 2010, he gladly served as our tour guide and made the trip easier for us.
Actually, we were no longer expecting to be on this trip since the release of our passports was delayed by two weeks. But thanks to our friends, Eric and Belle, we literally received our passports at 7:00PM on the night of our departure, our flight being at 11:00PM. I know, it can qualify as the buzzer-beater of the year. People were actually joking that we were like those victimized by illegal recruiters who receive their tickets, passports, and all, at the airport just before departure, haha.
After a two-hour flight, we arrived at Tanh Sonh Naht International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) at 1:00 AM local time. Please be reminded that there is a one-hour time difference between the Philippines and Vietnam
Actually, we were no longer expecting to be on this trip since the release of our passports was delayed by two weeks. But thanks to our friends, Eric and Belle, we literally received our passports at 7:00PM on the night of our departure, our flight being at 11:00PM. I know, it can qualify as the buzzer-beater of the year. People were actually joking that we were like those victimized by illegal recruiters who receive their tickets, passports, and all, at the airport just before departure, haha.
After a two-hour flight, we arrived at Tanh Sonh Naht International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) at 1:00 AM local time. Please be reminded that there is a one-hour time difference between the Philippines and Vietnam
Tan Son Nhat Airport
"Hotel 97" We then hailed a Vinasun taxi and immediately proceeded to Hotel 97 in Buy Vien St. in District 1. The area bounded by the Streets of Buy Vien, De Tham and Pham Ngu Lao is known as the backpackers district (“khu Tay ba lo”) of HCMC. You will know that you are in the right place when you see the Crazy Buffalo, one of the favorite hangouts of foreigners in HCMC.
Night Life
Usual day at Bui Vien
Vinasun Taxi
Japorms!!! Shouldn't our taxi drivers be dressed like this?
InnovaSince taxi drivers in HCMC generally do not speak English, it is recommended that you write the name or address of your desired destination. Keep in mind that the Vietnamese language has 6 tones, hence, one mispronunciation can cause a lot of inconvenience. Also, keep in mind that there are also unscrupulous taxi drivers in HCMC who charge more than the usual fare. The usual fare from the airport to Buy Vien is VND100,000.00 (P200.00 more or less).
Backpackers' Haven*Map Courtesy of Stella Restaurant & Caffe
www.stellacaffe.com
As typical backpackers, we settled for a room for US$18.00 per night. The area hosts a number of budget friendly hotels, cafeterias, travel agencies, and shops who sell counterfeit goods. So it is not surprising that foreigners flock to the area. It really is like the Malate area of Manila, so night life is always vibrant.
As typical backpackers, we settled for a room for US$18.00 per night. The area hosts a number of budget friendly hotels, cafeterias, travel agencies, and shops who sell counterfeit goods. So it is not surprising that foreigners flock to the area. It really is like the Malate area of Manila, so night life is always vibrant.
Bottled Water is never a problem
TNK Travel...for your travel needs
Crazy Buffalo
The shop we visited everyday...:)
Looking for North Face
Most of all, what appealed to me is the ubiquitous array of street foods like the popular Banh Mi (Baguette with lots of stuffing). I could survive a day eating only this yummy Vietnamese specialty.
Mouthwatering...Lip smacking...Nagimasen!!!
I enjoyed this drink
Banh Mi...a must try whenever you are in Ho Chi Minh City
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