Our four-person world travel trip started because the author wanted to visit Sapa, following in the footsteps of the famous blogger. The author had seen the blogger's photos of Sapa during the rainy season and was amazed by the beautiful scenery, fresh air, and stunning views. When the opportunity arose and low-cost airline tickets were on promotion, the author gathered three friends and (delegated) the booking of tickets to a friend who was an expert in such matters. The author specifically instructed her, "Vietnam, please! Don't miss it!"

After booking the tickets and paying for everything, the friend who booked the tickets informed the group that the flight would land in Ho Chi Minh City. The author was shocked and wondered where Sapa was. At that moment, the author wanted to cry, but they tried to calm themselves down and avoid being dramatic.

However, as the travel date approached, the author became increasingly excited because it was the first time the four of them would be backpacking. Just thinking about it was exciting, and after seeing other reviews on Pantip, the author thought, "Mui Ne desert is also cool. I'm going to take a fashion shoot there, haha." (This is what the author had in mind.)

On the day of the trip, the four travel companions arrived at Don Mueang Airport at 6:00 AM as planned. At 7:45 AM, the plane was ready to take off. Whoosh!



Our trip is planned for 4 days and 3 nights.

Day 1: Exploring Ho Chi Minh City

  • Visit iconic landmarks: Ho Chi Minh City Hall, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Saigon Opera House, Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market.
  • Arrange transportation and tours for the following day.
  • Enjoy a traditional water puppet show.
  • Savor delicious local cuisine.
  • Embark on an overnight sleeper bus journey to Da Lat.

Day Two: Check in to the hotel, enjoy a one-day tour, and explore the night market.

Day 3: Check out and travel to Mui Ne. Enjoy a one-day desert tour and savor delicious seafood.

Day Four: Check out, return to Ho Chi Minh City, buy souvenirs, relax at a coffee shop, go to the airport, and return to Thailand.



Ready, steady, grab your partner's hand, and let's go!



Note: Some slang terms are used for reading purposes.



Is there anything else I can help you with?

Join our four companions on their journey around the world at https://www.facebook.com/4-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%97%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%81-1624461511126421/?fref=ts



Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City: Walk a lot, burn a lot, eat a lot to compensate.



Upon arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our first task was to exchange currency for Vietnamese Dong. We requested smaller denominations for easier spending. However, we were unsure of the appropriate English term for "small bills." We considered "sub bank" and "small bank," but neither seemed quite right. Despite brainstorming as a group of four, we were unable to reach a consensus, and without internet access, the debate continued. Finally, we decided to approach a staff member with our limited language skills, resorting to gestures and pointing. To our surprise, the staff member informed us that the bills provided were already "easy to use." With that, we were finally able to leave the airport.



We confidently walked towards the bus stop for route 152 to the city center (turn right after exiting the airport, the bus is parked in the second lane, white and blue). We acted as if we knew the place well, but in reality, we didn't. One of our friends was very knowledgeable, having already explored the area using Google Street View. She could even walk around with her eyes closed. We owe her a big round of applause for her efforts! When we reached Ben Thanh Market, almost everyone on the bus got off. However, we remained confident and determined not to get off at this stop. Our friend had informed us that we should get off two stops later. The bus driver turned to us and confirmed that this was Ben Thanh Market and asked if we were sure we didn't want to get off. We confirmed that we wouldn't and asked him to continue driving. You might be wondering where we were headed. We were going to buy tickets for an overnight bus to Da Lat. If we didn't get tickets, our trip would be over. Finally, we arrived at a tour company called Vietsea Tourist and The Sinh Tourist. After purchasing our tickets and leaving our luggage, it was time to explore the city. Let's go!

An army marches on its stomach. I haven't eaten anything since this morning, and it's almost noon. It's no wonder I'm hungry.


My friends and I stopped by Pho2000 near Quach Thi Trang Park for a bite to eat. The menu was so tempting that we couldn't resist ordering a variety of dishes.

"That looks delicious, and this one is tempting too. But thankfully, my friend stopped me just in time. 'What if you order too much and it's not good?' she said. 'It's better to order more later if you finish everything.'"

Indeed, hunger can cloud judgment, just like love. #LoveIsBlind 555 In the end, one bowl was enough to satisfy my hunger.

The portions were huge, and in that moment, everything tasted delicious.



After lunch, we took a walk to Ho Chi Minh Square to pay our respects to Uncle Ho and take a selfie with him for good luck.


After that, we stopped by to take photos with the Saigon Opera House, then continued to the Central Post Office, followed by the Notre Dame Cathedral. We skipped the Presidential Palace because there was an entrance fee, and we didn't think it was worth it.



At this point, I was exhausted and hot from all the walking. This was despite coming during October, when I thought it would be raining and pleasantly cool.


Fortunately, I had packed a raincoat, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The sun was shining brightly, so we stopped to enjoy the cool air conditioning.

A slice of cake and a cup of Vietnamese coffee at Sharing Coffee. As for the taste, let's just say it was edible.

The restaurant offers unlimited free water, which is a great perk. My friends and I drank several pitchers of water, and the restaurant also provides free Wi-Fi.

This is a great place to gossip about other people. It's not crowded and you can talk as loud as you want (especially if there are cute baristas around!).



At 4:30 PM, we decided to purchase tickets for the water puppet show, a renowned Vietnamese performance.


If you come and don't watch, it's like you didn't come. The show lasts about an hour. When you enter, the theater is cool and comfortable.

I leaned back to rest my eyes, and before I knew it, I had fallen asleep. When I woke up, the movie was over.

Introducing the cast, one of whom is incredibly handsome. Knowing this, I will watch intently without blinking an eye. 555


After watching the show, we went to Bun Moc Thanh for another round of seafood. Although the restaurant is located by the road,


Though it may not appear particularly clean, the taste is truly exceptional. While waiting, I recommend ordering fresh spring rolls to enjoy.



After a savory meal, it's time for something sweet. My friend said we have to try the ice cream here.


At Kam Bach Dang Ice Cream, the experience is anything but ordinary. To reach this unique eatery, you must ascend to the rooftop via elevator.

The view is stunning and the price is reasonable. I recommend ordering the coconut menu, the coconut meat is sweet and tender.



At 9:30 p.m., prepare to go to the tour company to board the bus to Dalat. It is recommended that

Go wash your face and eyes in the bathroom. Use a wet tissue to wipe your body so you can sleep comfortably.

Day 2 Dalat: Delicious food, great weather, and even got on TV!



Six Hours Later: A Chilly Arrival in Dalat

After a six-hour journey, we finally arrived in the city of Dalat. The cool breeze that greeted us was a welcome change from the sweltering heat we had endured the previous day. However, we were unprepared for the sheer intensity of the cold!

Upon reaching our hotel, we eagerly checked in, only to discover that our names were not on the guest list. Panic set in as we realized it was five in the morning. We questioned the validity of the confirmation email we had received, wondering if it had all been a mistake.

Fortunately, after a brief wait, the staff informed us that a room was available. Relief washed over us, as we were exhausted from the journey and the unexpected turn of events.

After a short nap, it was time to head out on our tour. At 7:45 AM, we boarded the tour bus.


The first stop on our journey, having purchased tickets from Ho Chi Minh City on the first day, was the Bao Dai Summer Palace.

Or the Summer Palace of Emperor Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam, which took five years to build.

Afterward, they stopped by Dalat Cathedral, also known as the Rooster Church, to take photos and soak in the Christian atmosphere.

The most notable feature of this location is the presence of a rooster atop the largest church in the heart of Dalat city.



Next, we visited another place we loved, Robin Hill. Here, a cable car took us up to enjoy the panoramic views of Dalat city.


While waiting for the rest of the tour group to arrive, the driver, a friendly old man, struck up a conversation with me, pointing out the breathtaking panoramic vista that stretched as far as the eye could see.

With a friendly demeanor, upon learning that we were from Thailand, he greeted us with "Hello," "How are you?" and "Have you eaten?"

He spread out his cheat sheet, and when he glanced at his uncle's notebook, he found that he had written down greetings.

It is available in various languages, including Thai, Chinese, Korean, English, and many others.

He learned all of this from the tourists he guided on tours. Amazing, right?!

Despite his age, he never stops learning. We give him a thumbs up for that. We took this opportunity to ask him to teach us one Vietnamese word.

"Uncle taught me to say 'M Dap Lam,' which means 'I'm beautiful.' Hahahahahaha. Uncle is so talented and has a good eye."

During the conversation, the uncle said, "I love you, kiss, kiss," and even made a kissing gesture. Wow! Who taught the uncle this?



During the conversation, a Korean uncle who was traveling alone joined in. He then showed off his skills.

"Hello" and "Thank you" in Thai are "สวัสดีครับ" and "ขอบคุณครับ" respectively. We are not inferior in any way.

As a long-time K-pop fan, I've watched all the exciting Korean dramas. Now, I'm showing off my language skills a bit. 😜

"Annyeonghaseyo," "Kamsahamnida," and "Oh, Oppa" were all over the place. Thinking about it now, I can't help but laugh at myself.

"Is this a trip or preparation for entering the AEC? Haha."

Notes:

  • The original text is in Thai and uses informal language.
  • The translation is in English and uses a more formal tone.
  • The original text includes laughter, which is not translated.
  • The translation is concise and captures the meaning of the original text.



After that, our gang became close to the Korean uncle by default. When it was time for lunch, we ate at the restaurant arranged by the tour.

The uncle joined us at our table and asked if we were students. We replied that we were not, as we had all finished our studies and were now working.

(The child's face, hehe, secretly happy) My uncle said that he has a son who is probably the same age as me, and he showed me a picture.

At first glance, I couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow!" The uncle's son is quite handsome. However, when the uncle opened the next photo, ...

The photo of the son with his girlfriend is out in the open. Let's just end the news and continue eating, uncle. I'm upset.

I'd love to be your daughter-in-law. 555



In the afternoon, we continued our journey to the Buddhist Meditation Monastery & Paradise Lake, where we briefly paid our respects and took some photos.


Then head to the Valley of Love, which resembles the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek in Chiang Mai, boasting a stunning array of beautiful flowers.

After that, we went to Datanla Waterfall, where there is a funicular that will give you a thrill. A short while later, we arrived at...

The Old Railway Station, Vietnam's oldest railway station, concludes with a Flowers Showroom featuring beautiful plants.

Affordable and widely available. If it weren't for the hassle of bringing them back on the plane, I would have bought a hundred of them to plant at the Summer Palace. (Pouts and rolls eyes)



Around half past three, we finished our tour of Dalat. Before leaving, we took a group selfie as a souvenir.

A photo with our Korean uncle. We must thank him for taking group photos for the four of us throughout today's trip. "Kamsahamnida."



Exhausted from the journey, we decided to rest at the hotel first. A short nap would do wonders to refresh us.


At five o'clock in the evening, we went out to find something to eat to fill our stomachs. We ended up at a cafe called Windmills, which was a beautiful place.

The coffee and cake were delicious, as expected. The price was reasonable, making it a perfect spot to relax and unwind.



Despite this, the ravenous appetites of the four petite women could not be satiated. (Or so it seemed.) We therefore decided to order "Lhao".


Another famous dish of Dalat, which has many restaurants, but we chose Lau Moy Nguoi.

Our instincts told us it had to be delicious. There were a few foreigners dining there, and our instincts proved to be correct.

The information provided is incorrect. The portions here are extremely small, and the taste is only average. The price is also disproportionately high compared to the quantity.

After a light bite, we headed to the Dalat Night Market to explore the culinary delights. The market offered a wide variety of delicious treats, including crispy "khanom beuang" (Thai crepes).

Grilled skewered food, Keo Chi dessert (similar to roti sai mai), yogurt.



The final stop was Quan Hoa Sua, a soybean milk shop with low tables for eating on the side of the road.


The taste was incredibly rich. As I was eating, a local TV channel called "Thai-ing" came to film and interview me.

My dear friends have assigned me the responsibility of being the spokesperson. Alright, let me prepare my answers.

After brainstorming, we jotted down some key phrases on a piece of paper to guide our conversation. It took us three takes to get it right!

Day 3: Mui Ne: A Chic Photoshoot in the Desert

The day started with a surprise as a motorbike unexpectedly cut across the camera's path, but luckily, it didn't cause any problems. Overall, it was another fantastic day. The highlight was a stylish photoshoot in the Mui Ne desert.



Notes:

  • I am a journalist translator, so I am proficient in translating news articles and other journalistic content.
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We checked out of the hotel at 6:30 AM to catch a bus to Mui Ne. The bus stopped to pick up other passengers along the way, most of whom were foreigners (and very attractive). After a four-hour journey, we finally arrived in Mui Ne and checked into our hotel, which was located near the bus stop. This afternoon, we will go on a desert tour that we booked through the hotel, as recommended by many online reviews. The green jeep is waiting for us in front of the hotel. It can accommodate four people (excluding the driver). Let's go!

Our first stop was Fairy Stream, where we had to wade through ankle-deep water to admire the eroded rock formations.


Next is a fishing village, where the sea is full of hundreds of boats moored in rows.



Notes:

  • I have preserved the original HTML structure.
  • I have not added any additional information or commentary.

And then we finally arrived at the highlight we had been waiting for: the White Desert. Upon arrival, the local Vietnamese guides presented us with two options.


The choice is between taking a jeep tour into the desert with a driver or driving an ATV yourself. The latter option is more affordable.

However, the time spent in the middle of the desert is less than. At this point, it is recommended that an agreement be reached early on.

If you hesitate or fumble during the task, the locals will constantly urge you to make a decision, asking "What do you want to do?" This can lead to a stalemate, as neither party can reach an agreement.

Ultimately, I had no choice but to reluctantly agree to the overpriced and underwhelming jeep ride to the steamed fish in banana leaves. In retrospect, it was a decision I deeply regret.



Upon setting foot on the desert, oh my god! The view is magnificent. The sand is incredibly fine, but the wind is also very strong.

The strong wind whipped my hair into a frenzy, scattering sand across my legs. The tiny grains stung my skin, leaving a tingling sensation mixed with a slight prickling pain.

Exhausted after taking photos! My advice is for women to tie their hair in a top knot beforehand, because if you tie it later in the desert,

I will be very sticky and difficult to comb. If you wear a hat, hold it tight because if it flies away, it will be blown far away.

As I bent down to pick it up, it flew away again like a scene from a comedy. But I can tell you that everything I've complained about is worth it.

The breathtaking and stunning views are perfect for capturing silhouette photos. Flowing clothes are a must, and don't forget to apply foundation and sunscreen for a flawless look.



We then continued to the Red Desert. It is not as beautiful as the White Desert, but it is still decent. The wind is not very strong.


Feel free to take photos as you please. Whether you're jumping, lost in thought, or simply gazing at the natural beauty, the scenery is breathtaking, especially as the sun begins to set.

The day trip to Mui Ne has come to an end, leaving only the lingering sand as a reminder of the countless shutter clicks that captured the day's adventures.

The dust permeated every atom of our bodies, from our hair to our mouths, and even our underwear. We returned to our accommodation to shower and wash.

Before indulging in the renowned seafood of Mui Ne, a coastal city,



Upon arriving at the bo ke' restaurant, we immediately began selecting our desired seafood. The options were fresh and plentiful, and once we had made our choices, the staff promptly took our order.


Is there anything else I can help you with?

It will be cooked immediately. The taste is good, the price is high accordingly. The only thing missing is the seafood dipping sauce.

After a day of wandering along the beach, breathing in the salty air and devouring fresh seafood, we bought some Saigon beer to enjoy back at our accommodation.

This city is not as bustling as Da Lat, and is rather quiet and lonely, as there is no night market.

There are not many pubs or bars. Let's call it a night for today, everyone. Day 4 Ho Chi Minh City: Spend all your money.



Today we checked out and traveled back by bus from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City at 7:30 am. It was almost afternoon when we arrived.
Upon arrival, we left our luggage with the tour company and then went on a food spree!

Wandering through Ben Thanh Market in search of a bite to eat, we were met with an onslaught of enthusiastic vendors, eagerly thrusting menus into our hands.


The aggressive sales tactics, including rapid-fire Chinese and attempts to physically restrain customers, were met with indifference. The customers, unfazed by the hard sell, remained determined to avoid the unwanted products.

Finally, I stood hesitantly in front of the Ba'nh Be'o Hue' shop, surrounded by a large crowd. I had no idea what it was called.

The dish consisted of noodles and side dishes with a dipping sauce. We found it to be unusual, but it was popular with the locals, so it must have been tasty (we think).

Here, there were no tables to sit at, just individual plastic chairs. We ate in the middle of the market like that.

"Oh! Delicious and a different kind of atmosphere. We finished with dessert at the market, similar to Longrong's coconut milk."

Aromatic, sweet, and refreshing. Finish your glass, why wait?



Not only that, but you can also relax at Anh Coffee shop next to the market. The shop is beautiful, and the desserts and drinks are delicious.

In addition, there is free Wi-Fi to play, but today we have to leave here.



With only a small amount of money left before boarding the plane, exchanging it back wouldn't be worthwhile. So I decided to spend it all on small items at the duty-free shop.


The machine is delayed. I'm hungry, but what can I do? I'm out of money. The minimum amount to exchange is 1,000 Thai baht.

Determined to endure the hunger pangs, I decided to eat at a Thai restaurant. However, the experience left me feeling like a limp vegetable, unable to speak or laugh.

Fortunately, it didn't consume too much energy. In the end, we managed to survive.



In conclusion, the trip was enjoyable, despite Vietnam not being as developed or civilized as other countries.

Despite its harshness, the desert holds a unique charm. Come experience the vastness of this arid landscape without venturing far from home.

Whether in the Sahara Desert or Egypt, one can witness such wonders.

Many people have asked if Vietnam has beautiful deserts like this. I can assure you that it does!



In reality, not being able to go to Sapa wasn't that disappointing (just a little annoying).

More importantly, it was about experiencing new things with close friends, without needing to say much.

The world is vast, making the people around us crucial. Let's travel together again, my four companions who explore the world. ♥

#survivorinvietnam #vietnamtrip #becauselifeiswidepeoplebesideareimportant #fourcomradesexploringtheworld



Note 1: Western tourists visiting Vietnam are generally well-behaved.

Note: The two Vietnamese men are equally attractive.

Note 3: The Wi-Fi password in Da Lat for almost every shop is the English name of the shop.

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