Ho Chi Minh City - Da Lat - Mui Ne (Don't fool around)

PART 1

October 28 - 31, 10:59

Budget: 6,320,860 VND / 10,000 B

October 28, 59

Nok Air flight DD3210 departs at 7:35 am from Bangkok.

09:05 a.m.

Ho Chi Minh

Note: This translation is only one word, so there is not much to analyze or expand upon. However, I can provide some additional information about Ho Chi Minh:

  • Ho Chi Minh was a Vietnamese communist revolutionary leader who was instrumental in the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam).
  • He served as the president of North Vietnam from 1945 until his death in 1969.
  • Ho Chi Minh is considered a national hero in Vietnam and is widely respected around the world for his leadership in the struggle for Vietnamese independence.

I hope this additional information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

After clearing immigration, we headed straight for a SIM card store. Exiting the immigration area, we were greeted by a multitude of SIM card and money exchange shops. We opted for a random store, taking a chance. One store advertised SIM cards for 160,000 (other stores offered similar prices). We agreed to purchase from this store and bought two SIM cards for 360,000. Don't be confused; the sign read "hundred thousand six," and we bought two, paying 400,000. The employee returned 40,000 in change, and we left without suspicion. However, while riding the bus, it dawned on us that the employee had shorted us on the change. We realized we had been scammed on our first day. At that point, there was nothing we could do, so we let it go.


Notes:

  • The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.
  • I have preserved the original HTML structure.
  • I have used simple and short language, as requested.
  • I have not answered any questions or evaluated any tasks.
  • I have translated the text to the best of my ability, as a native speaker of English.

We then took bus number 152 for 5,000 dong from the airport. The bus was waiting right in front of the airport and we waited there for about 45 minutes to go to Pham Ngu Lao.

As the car arrived at the Ben Thanh Market roundabout, we both got off, along with a Thai couple. Oh my god, we got off at the wrong stop! We quickly took out our map and opened Google Maps to find Pham Ngu Lao. The map was confusing, and we were using Google Maps with a slow 3G connection in the heart of Saigon. Once we found our location, we started walking.

The most intense moment was crossing this road, my friend. There's a crosswalk, but there are so many motorbikes, like, a lot. How can I even describe how many there are? Where are the traffic lights, my friend? This was the most life-threatening street crossing ever. The horns started honking before I even stepped off the curb. (Don't get used to crossing the road in Thailand, it's a whole different world.) The four of us, little Thai people, crossed the road with the utmost uncertainty. We had to be quick with our left and right turns, just walking, I wouldn't recommend running. Why not? Well, the motorbikes that are ready to hit us will misjudge the timing. Just walk, okay? Just the thought of stepping off the curb is enough. Don't stop halfway, that's it. You'll be safe. Whoever honks, whatever, let them be. They'll drive around us. When we reached the other side of the road, we said goodbye to the Thai couple who didn't have internet or any maps. The husband and wife wanted to go to Mui Ne, but they were too lazy to walk because there were tour companies all along the way. We just kept walking, following the map, and going in circles.


We then arrived at Pham Ngu Lao and looked for a tour company called The Sinh to book bus tickets to Dalat that night. However, when we found the tour company, it was fully booked. Fortunately, the staff recommended a nearby company (orange color) called Futa Bus. At that time, we didn't know if it was good or not, but we had to book it because we had to go to Dalat as planned. We booked a 11 pm ticket for around 300 Thai baht, which was more expensive than The Sinh.

The weather in Ho Chi Minh City is similar to Bangkok, around 31°C. We were sweating profusely. We decided to find a new room to store our luggage, take a shower, and rest before continuing our journey. We found a hotel near the bus ticket office. I don't remember the name, but it was nearby and brightly lit. The room cost around 400 baht for half a day. We got a room on the third floor. It was just enough for us to rest, shower, and leave our luggage. We explored the room a bit before leaving.

Peak again… Oh my god, I found a box of condoms! The bathroom doesn't have a door lock, and the lights won't turn on. Oh my god, I'm so scared. What else could I possibly encounter that's more intense than this? I guess I'll just have to suck it up. It's only 400 baht, so I'll just sit and lie down until around 1 pm.

Saigon City Exploration: A Cultural Encounter

Leaving the hotel, I ventured into the bustling streets of Saigon, navigating the chaotic traffic with caution. Crossing the road was a thrilling experience, as jaywalking could prove fatal.

Passing through a park near Pham Ngu Lao, I encountered a group of elderly women gossiping animatedly. I couldn't help but feel their curious gazes upon me, though thankfully, their words remained a mystery.

Reaching the Ben Thanh Market roundabout, I was approached by an enthusiastic gentleman on a motorbike. He inquired about my origin, mistaking me for a Filipino. After clarifying that I was from Thailand, he launched into a passionate speech, revealing himself as a devoted fan of the country.

To my surprise, he then proceeded to offer me a half-day tour of the city.

The tour program includes visiting the Saigon River (within walking distance), the Cham Museum (within walking distance), and the Notre Dame Cathedral (just a short walk away). Finally, you will be taken shopping at Vincom Center, a luxurious shopping mall. However, the tour guide did not ask how much money I had, which made me very suspicious. I was sure I would be cheated if I agreed. So, we looked at each other and replied in unison, "No, thank you," and immediately walked away from the conversation.

They started by fishing for food.

Vietnamese food, the first and only meal of the day.

The Pho 24 restaurant is located next to the Ben Thanh Market.

Initially, I intended to dine at Pho 2000 or a similar establishment, but I was unable to locate it. Consequently, I opted for this restaurant instead.

I realized I had walked past the Pho 2000 restaurant when I was already full. It's on the 2nd floor (I didn't notice it).

We then continued walking according to the plan.

Starting from Ben Thanh Market

It's a place that's close by, within walking distance. You won't even get tired legs.

1. Ho Chi Minh City Hall and Ho Chi Minh City Square

Turn around and you will see Ho Chi Minh Square.

Map

2 Notre Dame Cathedrals

Walk around 1 lap

Map

3 Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Offices

(If facing the church, the post office will be on the right-hand side.)

4 Saigon Opera House (walk by)

Along the way, on Dong Khoi Street

The city is relatively clean.

The architecture in Vietnam is quite charming, perhaps due to its distinctness from our own. Vietnamese buildings often possess a subtle European influence, likely a result of the country's colonial past. Personally, I find it quite appealing.

There are many coffee shops in this area.

Walk straight ahead, and we'll find the shop we're looking for.

5 Coffee Shops The work shop

Nestled on the top floor of an old building, this hidden gem of a coffee shop initially eluded us despite following Google Maps.

The sign for the shop was so small that I didn't notice it.

Searching Google for "what does the storefront look like?" ... Oh, I see.

The brown shop with lots of parked motorbikes

This shop is exceptionally beautiful. I can't emphasize enough how stunning it is. It's truly breathtaking.

The coffee is brewed in a unique and meticulous way, using a variety of filters and precise temperature control. This open-house approach allows customers to witness the brewing process firsthand, creating a truly special experience.



As we were enjoying watching the men enter and exit the store, we noticed an old man walking back and forth frequently. We wondered why he was doing so.

Surprisingly, this shop doesn't just sell coffee and food. They also sell artwork! The walls are adorned with paintings, filling every window space.

Map

After about 7 pm, we walked back to our accommodation, showered, changed clothes, and waited for the time to travel to Dalat.

TO BE CONTINUED

PART 2


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