Readme before you journey
Hello everyone, today I'm back with another trip to Vietnam. This isn't my first time visiting Vietnam, but it is my first time in Da Lat.
When it comes to Vietnam, many people may be apprehensive or have heard stories of being cheated, overcharged, and even completely ripped off. This widespread experience has led many to simply avoid the country altogether. However, I want to assure you that Vietnam has many fascinating places to offer. Before making our decision to visit, we were also apprehensive, especially since I tend to be easily persuaded. Here, I would like to share my previous work on Vietnam.
Embarking on a Desert Adventure in Mui Ne (What Happens When You Take Your Parents Backpacking in Southern Vietnam?!)
Hanoi on a Budget: A Foodie's 4-Day, 3-Night Adventure for 7,510 Baht (Including Flights)
Experience the vibrant city of Hanoi without breaking the bank with this budget-friendly itinerary.
Day 1:
- Arrive in Hanoi and check into your budget-friendly accommodation.
- Explore the Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets lined with shops, cafes, and temples.
- Enjoy a delicious and affordable lunch at a local restaurant.
- Visit the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and learn about Vietnam's history.
- Take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and admire the Ngoc Son Temple.
- Indulge in a traditional Vietnamese dinner at a street food stall.
Day 2:
- Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Literature, a beautiful complex dedicated to education.
- Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Dong Xuan Market, the largest covered market in Hanoi.
- Take a cooking class and learn how to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes.
- Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at a traditional Vietnamese coffee shop.
- Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at a rooftop restaurant with stunning city views.
Day 3:
- Embark on a day trip to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Cruise through the emerald waters and admire the towering limestone karsts.
- Visit a floating village and learn about the lives of the local people.
- Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board the boat.
- Return to Hanoi in the evening and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4:
- Spend your last morning exploring any remaining sights or shopping for souvenirs.
- Depart from Hanoi with unforgettable memories and a satisfied stomach.
This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can customize it to fit your interests and budget.
Here are some additional tips for saving money in Hanoi:
- Stay in a hostel or guesthouse instead of a hotel.
- Eat at local restaurants and street food stalls instead of tourist traps.
- Take advantage of free activities, such as walking around the Old Quarter and visiting temples.
- Use public transportation instead of taxis.
- Bargain when shopping at markets.
With careful planning, you can easily experience the best of Hanoi without spending a fortune.
A Vietnamese Mishap: Coconut Caper Costs Tourist a Fortune
Despite numerous trips to Vietnam, I've never been scammed, or have I? Perhaps I've been blissfully unaware.
Recently, a friend of mine had a hilarious encounter with Vietnamese currency. She wanted a coconut, and while fumbling with her wallet, the vendor snatched a green bill and walked away. It wasn't until later that she realized it was a 100,000 VND note (approximately $4.30 USD), a hefty price for a single coconut that typically costs around 150 VND (less than $0.01 USD).
This incident serves as a reminder to be vigilant when handling foreign currency, especially in bustling markets. A moment of distraction can lead to an unexpected financial surprise.
Simple Tips!
1. When purchasing items, avoid revealing the contents of your wallet. It is advisable to negotiate the price before retrieving payment.
Note: Prices are doubled or more. Vietnamese people are very cunning. At first, they said 280, but when I paid, they said 380.
2. When calling a taxi from the airport, be sure to ask if the quoted price is inclusive of all charges. If the answer is yes, request that the driver clearly write down the total amount.
Note: From the airport to the city, if the taxi driver uses the meter and complains, you don't need to worry because you have already agreed on a price with the airport staff. The agreed price from Dalat Airport to the city is 170,000 VND per car, while the meter price is 380,000 VND.
If it gets loud, walk away. In this country, you have to be assertive and brave. You have to be firm. 555 Then they will give in to you. Don't give in. Remember that.
3. When booking a tour, make sure to clarify what is included in the price, especially entrance fees, as some attractions may not be included.
The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.
Okay, we've reached our destination. Don't be afraid. It's not as scary as it seems. Just stay focused. Vietnam, we will overcome this!
It was an impromptu trip, with no preparation or mental preparation at all. My friend called me up and...
EN: How did you get to Dalat? By plane or bus? I'm only going for 4 days.
When are you going and who are you going with?
EN: I went with my mother, just the two of us.
N: Oh really? When are you going? I want to go too.
I was not thinking clearly at that moment. I impulsively redeemed my Air Asia Big Points because it was the last day of the promotion.
Due to our limited time, we decided to fly from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City and then to Da Lat.
Fly from Bangkok on an early morning flight, arriving in Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon, take a connecting flight to Da Lat. This saves time, as we redeemed points for a cheap flight from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City. The round-trip ticket after redeeming points cost an additional 1660 baht.
The cost details will be summarized at the end.
Day 1: Our journey began at Don Mueang Airport, where we boarded a Thai AirAsia flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Flight FD650 from Bangkok (DMK) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) departed at 7:55 AM and arrived at 9:15 AM. We then went through immigration.
After receiving the bag, I went to find a place to exchange more money.
It is cheaper to buy a SIM card for internet use here.
Where are you roaming from? I recommend using Mobifone.
After exchanging currency and purchasing a SIM card, we proceeded to the Domestic Terminal for our connecting flight to Da Lat.
Exit the international terminal and turn right. You will see a sign for the Domestics terminal. The sign is clear, so you don't have to worry about getting lost.
The buildings are right next to each other. After arriving, we went to check out the check-in counter. It wasn't open yet because we flew in the afternoon.
Across from the passenger terminal, there are several cafes and restaurants to choose from. However, as we may need to sit for a while,
We opted for Highlands Coffee, a popular Vietnamese coffee chain, for our caffeine fix. As the saying goes, "If you haven't tried Highlands Coffee, you haven't truly experienced Vietnam." Upon entering, we couldn't resist ordering a refreshing beverage.
Unable to decipher the menu, I took a chance and ordered a chocolate smoothie with grass jelly. It turned out to be surprisingly delicious! The Chocolate Freeze 16oz costs 59,000.
The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.
After lunch, we walked back to the check-in counter to get our tickets. We were traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat.
Flight Information:
Airline: Jet Star Flight Number: BL-358 Departure Time: 15:30 Arrival Time: 16:20 Destination: Dalat Baggage: Carry-on only (no checked luggage)
After successfully checking in, we proceeded to the second floor for X-ray screening before entering the gate.
It is noticeable that a significant number of Vietnamese people travel by airplane, with a majority of flights heading to Hanoi.
The Gate has a variety of restaurants to choose from. I didn't try any of them because I was still enjoying my chocolate shake.
This is my first time flying with this airline. The plane is relatively new, clean, and the air conditioning is very cold.
It's time to travel.
The flight was short, and the plane descended quickly. It was a quick trip, which was good because the car ride would have been long and tiring.
How to get from Dalat Airport to the city center:
There are two main methods available, namely:
1. The bus costs 40,000 dong, but it does not take you directly to the hotel.
The ticket counter is on the right-hand side.
- Taxi, fixed price for 1 car 170,000 baht. Please confirm the price again at the counter.
Round trip for 170,000 dong, one car, all inclusive, no additional charges, delivered to your hotel.
(It is recommended to prepare the exact amount of money.)
The staff will escort you to the car in front of the airport.
The taxi driver turned on the meter as soon as I got in.
We were sitting in the front seat next to the driver, so I whispered to my friend, "Hey, he's turning on the meter!" The meter started running very quickly.
We talked to the staff, and they understood. We took a car and waited anxiously. It took us from the airport to the city.
Approximately 30 minutes to the hotel. More than 300,000 dongs. We are getting ready with our friends.
Okay, here is the translation of the sentence:
After getting off the car, hurry to get your luggage first, then pay.
After we took the bag, we handed the money to the driver. He started yelling, asking why it was only 170,000.
We argued with her at the airport. The staff had already told her, and she acted as if she was going to take out her phone to ask.
We immediately called the airport to inquire. However, we refused to comply, and the driver subsequently departed.
"Stay calm and strong. We're safe now. Otherwise, the driver would have cheated us. Hooray!"
Sen Vang Dalat Hotel, 2 rooms for 2 nights, 2,250 baht, no breakfast included.
The hotel is decent, but there is no air conditioning. They provide fans. At first, I wondered if I would be able to sleep.
As night falls, Dalat's year-round cool weather becomes even more pronounced. The chill in the air makes taking a shower at night seem unappealing.
Fortunately, the hotel had hot water and a bathtub, which was very comfortable. However, the walk to the Night Market was quite far.
We have booked a city tour with the hotel for tomorrow.
Tour 1: City Tour
Visited 8 places for 170,000 dong.
This price does not include lunch, cable car fees, waterfall amusement park fees, or Valey of Love entrance fees.
Everything else is included.
The program has:
1. Bao Dai's summer residence
2. Robin Hill (cable car fee required). It's optional, but if you're already there, you might as well go up.
- Truc Lam Zen Monastery
4. Dantala Waterfall
- Da Lat Cathedral (Rooster Church)
- Valley of Love (additional entrance fee)
7. Preserved Flower Showroom
8. Golden Buddha statue
After purchasing our tour, we headed to the Night Market, which is open daily. Upon arrival at the roundabout, we had the option to turn left or right.
On the left is clothing or a local market. There is no food for sale, so please walk to the right.
The right side has only food.
Strawberries are in season and widely available.
On a chilly day like this, a cup of hot soybean milk is just what I need. This shop makes delicious soybean milk, with options for low or high sweetness, and you can add sugar to your liking.
10,000 dong per glass, with soy milk and a variety of flavors to choose from.
The restaurant next door is a barbecue place. I'll try it tomorrow.
Madalart is a must-try local pizza. It's a crispy, delicious spring roll dough that is grilled and filled with eggs and other ingredients.
A little over 10 baht each, just buy one and share it.
Let's head back to the hotel and get some rest. We have an early start tomorrow.
City Tour: Our first stop today is the Dalat Cathedral.
A Romanesque-style church with a spire, built between 1931 and 1942 with funds collected by Father Nicholas.
Serving as a venue for various ceremonies, the building is notable for the presence of a weather vane shaped like a rooster on its roof. This feature has led to the building being colloquially known as the "Rooster Church".
You can walk around the church, and there are beautiful views behind it. Seeing this view reminds me of Busan.
Across from the church, there is a statue of Jesus carrying a lamb.
Robin Hill (cable car fare not included)
The cable car offers stunning views while you wait. A one-way ticket costs 50,000, while a round-trip ticket costs 70,000. Each cable car can accommodate up to four people.
The gondola arrived early, and there wasn't a long queue. The gondola itself seemed relatively new.
The trip participants included fellow travelers, close friends, and the friend's mother.
This cable car offers panoramic views of the entire city of Dalat.
The cable car ride was short, and soon we reached our destination.
The destination is Truc Lam Temple.
A Zen Buddhist temple built in the Vietnamese architectural style, located near Tuyen Lam Lake. The purpose of building the temple…
This temple is designed for Zen meditation practice, offering a tranquil and serene environment.
You can exit from the bottom floor without having to go back the way you came.
Datanla Waterfall
Upon arrival at this waterfall, the highlight not to be missed is the roller coaster ride. Please note that we will need to pay for the tickets ourselves.
Round trip 45,000 dong. On the way there, we can control the speed ourselves, but on the way back, we just sit still and it automatically slides.
We will then reach the side waterfall.
The closer you walk to the top, the wetter it gets.
The side path is not worth exploring.
The side of the waterfall looks like this.
Bao Dai's Summer Palace
The original text in Thai refers to the summer palace of Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam.
The last king of Vietnam's current residence remains largely unchanged, with the exception of rooms open to tourists.
Try on a costume and take a souvenir photo.
Before entering, we can put socks over our shoes.
Let's go inside and explore the two floors.
A golden Buddha statue
Valley of Love
The final destination, located approximately 5 kilometers from the city, requires an entrance fee that includes a tram ride within the park.
The area is quite large, but personally, I think the flower arrangements in the north of our country are much more beautiful.
Upon arriving at the hotel, I encountered an elderly woman selling food.
I tried it, and it's a bit powdery. There are many different types.
Some are fried, which is also delicious, but not hot.
After we sat down for a while, many Vietnamese people came.
The second dish, crispy fried dough, was also delicious.
Tonight, we'll go to the Night Market as usual, but this time we'll try their barbecue.
Due to its immense popularity, we decided to give it a try.
Squid
The forest mushrooms are quite chewy, but they are also delicious.
Vietnamese-style barbecue
Last day in Dalat, collecting memories before flying back to Ho Chi Minh City this evening.
Yesterday's breakfast, which I forgot to post, was macaroni soup.
Reminiscent of the delicious rice trays from elementary school days.
However, some people prefer not to have noodles and instead dip bread in the soup.
Next to it, there is a morning market.
Today, we will visit Linh Son Pagoda, which is located near our hotel.
Before entering the temple, let's cross the street and have some hot fish noodles.
Linh Son Pagoda
This temple, built in the Chinese architectural style, houses a gilded bronze statue of Sakyamuni Buddha for veneration.
Crazy House
There is an entrance fee, but it is worth it. The ticket price is 30,000 dong.
The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.
This is actually a hotel with a variety of rooms and prices to choose from.
However, due to its unique and intriguing art, it has become a popular tourist destination.
A must-visit destination for tourists in Dalat.
The tree-like structure allows for complete traversal.
The highest point offers panoramic views of the entire Dalat city.
While some sections of the path may be narrow and occasionally frightening, the wind is also very strong.
Look down below. It's high, isn't it?
New rooms coming soon.
We returned to Ho Chi Minh City from Dalat Airport on Jetstar, as before. However, the return flight was delayed by one hour.
With time to spare and a rumbling stomach, my friend and I ventured out to explore the airport's culinary offerings. To our surprise, the food was surprisingly affordable, so we decided to grab a bite to eat.
Trip to Dalat is over. Thank you, my best friend, for dragging this orangutan out to have fun.
Thank you to everyone who has been following me. See you in central Vietnam next month.
This year, I will travel to all regions of Vietnam. I am so excited!
Next trip, I'm going solo. Let's see if I can survive. 55555
Please support my small fan page.
ชะนีน้อยตะลอนทัวร์
Friday, November 8, 2024 4:07 PM
