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umichenginabroad · 1 month

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Week 12 - A Tale of Two Cities and a Loop of a Lifetime

Xin Chao everyone,

The last week was spent traveling through Vietnam, from Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) up to Ha Noi (the capital), and then along the Ha Giang loop which took us into the beautiful countryside of the north. The trip was the first experience of what we felt were genuinely foreign lands. The language, customs, and pace of life felt unique to what we had known.

After our nine-hour, cross-hemisphere, journey we landed at the busy airport in Ho Chi Minh City. We had procrastinated our visas so we had to finalize our rushed, on-arrival application at the airport. A few hours later than we expected, and with millions of dong lining our pockets (~ 100 USD), we stepped out into the night. Our Grab (Asia’s Uber) driver took us to our hostel. He drove us through downtown and wow. Droves of scooters clad with anywhere from one driver to a whole family and their dog maneuver around cars, pedestrians, and each other to get to their destinations with speed.

We couldn’t peel our eyes away from the dozens of collisions that seemed imminent and deadly but would flow into near misses. Through our translate app, the driver confirmed that collisions happen far too frequently and that the traffic rules are more like suggestions rather than codified laws.

After hurriedly checking in, we rushed out into the streets surrounding our hostel. We immediately fell in love with the hustle and energy that came from every street vendor, flashing sign, and musician, even the cats and dogs of the street seemed alive and rapt in the world they were in.

After a delicious first meal of pho and seafood, we wandered into the nearby night market and “backpacker street”. There were vendors selling everything from frog legs to knock-off Adidas, from traditional silk garments to the “best” Bahn Mi in Vietnam. We kept walking and found ourselves in what we’d later figure out was known as the “backpacker street”. A bustling nightlife street where tourist’s attention is competed for above all else. The glamour and shine from the building facades frankly felt disingenuous and scammy. We did have a few memorable moments, the passionate live rendition of the song “Zombie” by the Cranberries and a fire-spitting performance from a Vietnamese girl.

The next morning we woke up, early and bleary-eyed, to catch our tour bus leaving for the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tour took us through the Cu Chi region, north-west of the city, for a lengthy in-depth look into how the Vietcong (who in many cases were the local farmers by day) defended against the might of the US in the Vietnam War. We learned about the amazing and often brutal resourcefulness of the Vietcong, from the hidden traps made out of recycled American gear to the building of the over 250 km network of tunnels. It was a fascinating insight into the war from the other side's perspective.

After our tour, we made it back and crashed, waiting for the start of our next adventure: Ho Chi Minh street food on the back of motorbikes. With our immodium at the ready, we swung our legs over the back of our drivers’ bikes and joined the mass of speeding vehicles. The four-hour tour took us into six different districts and many more exotic bites. From caramelized rice-covered bananas to duck fetuses, the guide took us into the back streets and to his favorite childhood vendors. He colored each meal with a story of the relevance and history behind every dish.

After parting with our group, stuffed but determined to make time out of our final night in Ho Chi Minh, we called on our friend Bridget’s nightclub recommendations. The first bar we went to ended up being closed so we decided on Bam Bam. The club's dancefloor and bar are situated in the basin of an empty indoor swimming pool. We danced to the hits of 2015, whipping the night away.

The next day we signed up for a full-body, 60-minute massage because of the price ($15) and how many people had recommended we try this spa. However, when the masseuse spent 30 minutes on one foot our excitement turned to dread. Our request was lost in translation and instead of the back massage we were fantasizing about, we got an aggressive foot and leg massage that left us fighting back tears and laughs in equal measure.

We stumbled to the airport to take our flight to Ha Noi. That night, after checking into the backpacker-friendly hostel (free beer from 7-8 pm), we rushed into the surrounding streets of the Old Quarter. We enjoyed a traditional Vietnamese meal and washed it down with our first cup of Egg Coffee. The drink was the highlight of the day up to that point, it is essentially a cup of black coffee generously topped with whipped vanilla, sugar, and egg yolk. An invention that came from the milk shortage the country experienced during the decades of war in the 20th century.

We hurried back to the hostel to catch the hostel-sponsored bar crawl and then proceeded to have one of the best nights out during our time abroad. A night made all the better when we met up at the first stop with our friend Kaye who had just come from the airport.

The next morning we forced down some brunch at the Hanoi Social Club recommended by Bridget and then headed off to the Serene Spa for our second attempt at a massage. I can’t recommend this place enough, we were greeted with tea and given a form to fill out that let us choose what kind of massage, how much pressure, and which parts of our body we wanted them to focus on or avoid.

We left feeling dazed but very much at peace with the world. We met up with our friend Erin (she was coming off a couple-day Thailand trip) for an early dinner and then we boarded the sleeper bus that would take us, overnight, to the town of Ha Giang.

The Ha Giang Loop

From Thursday morning to Saturday afternoon Erin, Kaye, Sam, Viv, and I rode on the back of a motorcycle along a loop through the northern countryside of Vietnam. Over mountains and through valleys, on dirt roads, and over rivers, we traversed 400 km of road in 3 days with a group of around 15 others. The experience was easily the best part of our trip and it was something that couldn’t help but put a deep smile on your face. One of the Irish women in our group said - “This is the second time doing the loop in two weeks, the first time literally cured my depression and I just needed to experience the exhilaration and peace with a different tour group as soon as possible.”

Day 1

We made it to our hostel around 6 am and were given 90 minutes to nap before breakfast was served. After a quick breakfast, we got a quick overview of the next three days and then met our drivers.

Our first stop was a boat tour on a river that cut through the mountains and made for scenic photos. We then made stops every half hour or so to stretch our legs and to take in particularly scenic overlooks. These frequent stops would sometimes include roadside markets, ranging anywhere from one person’s food stand to rows of shops with a variety of goods.

Before making it to that night’s hostel, we overshot the town it was in to get to a mountainous overlook into China, which borders the northern parts of Vietnam. Once back, we settled into the hostel, took our much-needed showers, and scarfed down the innumerable Vietnamese dishes. Most of the places we ate brought out dishes that each had their own food item which could be assembled and mixed with rice in your bowl. Anyway, after another one of these communal meals, we tried our hand at the traditional Vietnamese bamboo dance which involved four sets of two bamboo sticks that would rhythmically bounce and then clap in the air, the idea was to bring your feet in and out of these bamboo “jaws” before closing. The dance took a lot of concentration and several tries before we confidently stepped through the moving formations.

Day 2

The next day we woke up similarly early and hit the road around 9 AM. Our first stop was at the start of a stone path that led to a short climb up a local peak. The climb itself was very enjoyable and reminiscent of parts of New Zealand. Along the way, we reached what we had presumed to be as high as we could go when several little Vietnamese children appeared behind a rock above us and extended their hands, “We know the way up, do you want to see?”. I trusted these kids with my life. These children of the mountain guiding us to the seemingly treacherous summit felt like it was out of a storybook.

After another memorable lunch, our final stop before the night’s homestay was a nearby waterfall. The fall emptied into a swimming hole with a bar and benches installed on the rocky slopes surrounding the basin. We spent over an hour following the example of the locals by jumping off of progressively higher parts of the rock face.

As it was our final night in the loop, the chef and drivers prepared and served a feast. Throughout the meal, our group leader led us in rounds of “happy water” shots, some liqueur they called corn wine.

Each round went something like this:

“Are you ready??” - “Yesssss!”

“Are you ready!?!” - “YESSSSS”

“Mot… Hai… Ba… DZO(yo)!” (1… 2… 3… Cheers)

Repeated I think for six to seven rounds, by which time the food was cleared and tables were being rearranged to make room for the night’s karaoke dance party.

Day 3

The next morning we were dropped off at the local village market. Piglets, live fish, and enough random (health) drugs to supply a pharmacy were just a few of the things being sold. We then had lunch in a town where almost all of the traditional buildings were made out of clay, each one-bedroom house was selling for around $1000 if anyone reading this is interested. The town was also a blue zone or a place where its inhabitants routinely live to be 100+ years old.

We made it back to Ha Giang, bums hurting and hearts broken to leave our trusty motorcycle drivers and companions. We boarded the bus back to Ha Noi for our 6-hour ride back to the city. The drive was more eventful than I could have expected, aside from the customary aggressive driving there was an extremely close collision with a pickup truck, even by Vietnam standards. So much so that the driver got out of the vehicle and confronted the driver of the pickup truck. All occupants of the bus were glued to the windows along the side of the bus as our heated driver proceeded to slap the truck driver with full force. The moment was awkward enough but, in his rage, our driver brought the truck driver up into the bus and slapped him in front of us while ridiculing him in Vietnamese.

It was something we didn’t know how to respond to but I guess it made for a good story.

The bus was pretty silent after that, and I felt an internal sigh of relief when we arrived at our destination.

Once we checked into our hostel, Kaye, Sam and I wanted to see the city at night again before leaving. Our midnight strolls took us to two different Bahn Mi vendors and a juice cart.

The morning after we assembled our least dirty outfits and then went to the nearest Gong Cha Tea to try some Southeast Asian Boba. Afterward, we ate at Pho 10 and ran some last-minute shopping before our mad dash to the airport.

I’m writing this on the other side of our 15-hour journey back to Sydney. I can’t help but feel like there was so much more to see and I could easily spend a few months exploring this beautiful, energetic country.

If you are considering where to go in Southeast Asia, almost every traveler we talked to who had been to Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, etc, all felt Vietnam was their favorite if not in their top two favorite countries in the area.

I hope you enjoyed and thank you for making it this far.

Take care everyone,

Grant Touchette

Aerospace Engineering

University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia

#umichenginabroad #ipewinter24 #australia #ipeunsw #GrantTouchette

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matchupexpo1 · 3 months

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Home Show Vietnam will be grandly opened in Ho Chi Minh City from June 13 to 15, 2024. By then, international exhibitors and professional importer purchasing groups from Vietnam, South Korea, Russia, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, Sri Lanka and other countries will gather together to look for cooperation opportunities.

Home Show Vietnam is hosted by the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Vietnam and jointly organized by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry(VCCI) and the Vietnam National Consumer Goods Import Association. It has received strong support from relevant industry associations in Vietnam and is the only professional international exhibition in Vietnam so far. The exhibition creates a one-stop B2B purchasing platform for Vietnam's houseware & gift industry and introduces "fashion houseware" to thousands of households in Vietnam.

Name of the Exhibition

2024 Vietnam International Houseware and Gift Fair

Exhibition time

June 13-15, 2024

Exhibition location

SECC at Ho Chi Minh City

Exhibition category

Kitchen & Household: Kitchen Supplies, Table Supplies, Hygiene & Cleaning, Storage Utensils, Bathroom Supplies, Pet Supplies, Daily Consumer Goods, Household Appliances, etc.

Home Decoration: Lamps & Lighting, Artificial Flowers and Fruits, Oil Painting and Photo Frames, Decorative Candles, Wallpaper, Soft Decoration, Mirror & Wall Clock, Fashionable & Creative products, Home Decoration Improving Products, DIY Tools, etc.

Home Textile: Bedding, Kitchen and Bath Home Textiles, Curtains and Shades, Decorative Fabrics, Carpet Cushions, etc.

Gifts and Office Supplies: Gifts & Crafts, Office Supplies, Cases and Bags, Travel Supplies, Aromatherapy Products, Greeting Cards, Toys, Promotional Supplies, Jewelry, Personal Supplies, etc.

Holiday and Party: Christmas & Holiday Supplies, Jewelry & Gifts, Religious Decorations, Jewelry & Gifts’ Packaging, etc.

Consumer Electronic: Household Electrical Appliances, Video & Audio, Digital Products, Multimedia Products, Household/Personal Electronic Products, Computer Peripheral, Tablet Displays, Communication Products, Mobile Phone Accessories, Mobile Terminal, etc.

Beauty and Sports: Sports Equipment, Sporting Goods, Outdoor Products, Massage and Health Care, Beauty and Hairdressing, etc.

Garden and Gardening: Lawn Supplies, Camping Supplies, Picnic Barbecue, Tools and Machinery, Garden Supplies, etc.

On June 13-15, 2024, we look forward to attending this houseware feast with you and creating a better future together!

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sunmarketing · 7 months

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Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide for women like you who need extra support traveling (slowly) one woman at a time. Please share this podcast with your mom, aunts, and friends. I appreciate your feedback.

I’ve returned from a 90-day trip around the globe to every time zone on the planet. My mission is world peace through cultural exchange. I was sustainable when I could by using local transportation, buses, and trains. I was solo, carrying a small backpack, called a “personal item,” that fit under the seat in front of me on a plane.

In this episode, the FAQ is: What was the most memorable experience on the 90-day trip?

Today’s Destination is the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Today’s Mistake- Booking last-minute hotel rooms

Travel Advice: - Have a backup plan, even with Pre-Clearance options, such as in Dublin, Ireland

FAQ: What was the most memorable experience on the 90-day trip?

Answer: One of the most memorable things was going to a community protest movement in Tel Aviv, Israel. The family I was staying with, including a mom and her two children, was planning to attend a protest. She asked me if I would like to come. I said yes, even though I had not been to a protest in decades. It was peaceful. It was attended by about 50 people in front of the Pardes Hanna City Hall. I did not understand the words, the signs, or the full message, but I felt the personal impact that it was important to these people to be heard and seen. See the show notes for details.

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-06-27/ty-article/.premium/dozens-protest-in-support-of-lgbtq-community-in-northern-israeli-city/00000188-fcb1-d6ce-abb9-fdf72e4e0000

Today’s destination: Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Going through 6 countries, the Mekong River flows 3,000 miles from the Tibetan plateau to the South China Sea. It boasts the world's largest inland fishery. It accounts for up to 25 percent of the global freshwater catch and provides livelihoods for millions of people.

You may even see live crocodiles; even though I did not, you can swim in the river.

From the lobby of my HCMC hotel, Me Gusta, I booked a two-day tour for $59 plus $6 for a single room. This was a low-budget tour, but I did not know it then. This tour was to the Mekong Delta, so here are a few highlights of that English-guided tour.

https://megustas.vn/

https://localvietnam.com/tours/mekong-delta/

The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam is a vast maze of rivers, swamps, and islands, home to floating markets, Khmer pagodas, and rice paddies. Boats are the primary means of transportation, and tours of the region often start in nearby Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho, a bustling town in the heart of the delta.

My tour hotel was two-star. It had cockroaches. Breakfast was two eggs on a plate, and that was it. I asked for more and got one more egg.

Here is where some courage kicked in after breakfast. I was directed to ride on the back of a motorcycle during the morning rush hour to the tour bus in light rain. That was how I got to my bus on day 2. I had no choice, so I agreed. We rode over a bridge that had collapsed in 2007, said my tour driver, Andy, from Sunrise Tours.

Later that day, Andy was the one who arranged my adjusted bus trip, and to get to the public bus instead of going back to Ho Chi Minh City, he got me to Phu Quok. I got picked up at the Farm Place. Before getting on this bus, I had to remove my shoes. That was how they kept the bus clean. We stopped at a gas station to use the restroom, which was filthy.

It took the Futa bus to Can Tho and a van to the bus station. I took the Superdong Ferry to Pho Quok. To get there, I had to get to the Phuong Trang bus station and head to Rach Gia.

The island of Phu Quok, felt like Hawaii to me. Immediately, I felt the tropical breezes and much tension was gone. I got a massage first thing. I needed it, as I had been feeling miserable with a sinus infection for the past two days.

Without a hotel reservation, I walked along the main downtown commercial area with many touristy places strip until I found a nice place with a room. The room was noisy, and construction noise was on the other side of the wall, so I asked to be moved and was. I stayed at a beach bungalow and then rested. Once I felt good, I swam in the ocean at sunset. I slept well, rose early for a 5 a.m. taxi to the airport, and was the first one at the airport for a flight on Vietjet Airlines.

No freeways. 1-2 lanes each way. Motorcycles and lots of noisy horn beeps.

Today’s Mistake-.Booking last-minute hotel rooms

It was a mistake to book last-minute hotel rooms in Vietnam. I should have done my research before and picked some more congenial places. Instead, I got what were leftovers that no one else wanted. I was not sad because I did want to experience what the locals experienced. And I had that. If I were to do it again, I would have planned better and been more sure about what my rooms would be like.

Today’s Travel Advice- Have a backup plan, even with Pre-Clearance options, such as in Dublin, Ireland

Always have a backup plan in case your trip is interrupted. I heard about some passengers who arrived at Dublin Airport expecting to fly home to the USA, but when they arrived, the customs office was closed, so they missed their flights. Instead, they had to pay a lot to book on other airlines. It cost them dearly. If they had a backup plan or had looked into this situation, they could have avoided this issue. The show notes have details on this pre-clearance.

https://www.dublinairport.com/flight-information/travelling-to-usa/faqs

I want to bring meaning to your travels. Send a question or travel tip to [email protected]. Sign up for the mailing list here. We can connect on my website, Facebook page, group, or Instagram. Subscribe to YouTube, Twitter, or other social channels. Find the 5 Steps to Solo Travel series on Amazon. The show notes have more details for you to connect. Support this podcast with a review, please.

Connect with Dr. Travelbest

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email: [email protected]

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Check out this Dr Travelbest episode!

#travel #women #dr travelbest #best travel

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daviding · 7 months

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Golden Lotus Healing Spa Land: Completing Korean spa jjimjilbang massage, offered tea and fruit to continue relaxation. Family chose from hot sauna and refrigerated sauna rooms, most declining the doctor fish garra rufa treatment. District 7 is a newer part of the city with westernized urban planning, but our schedule didn't permit more than taking the taxi in and out. (Golden Lotus Healing Spa Land, Tân Phong, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) 20231005

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vietnamramance11 · 9 months

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Explore the Tranquil Bliss of Ho Chi Minh City's Massages

Introduction:

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis in Vietnam that offers a wide range of experiences for travelers. Amidst the excitement of exploration, taking a break to unwind and rejuvenate is essential. Fortunately, the city boasts an abundance of high-quality massage spas, providing a variety of treatments to cater to diverse preferences. This comprehensive guide to massages in Ho Chi Minh City aims to help both locals and foreign visitors discover the best spots to indulge in relaxation and pampering.

Types of Massage in Ho Chi Minh City:

Ho Chi Minh City offers a diverse selection of massage treatments, each with its unique benefits. The most common types of massages available in the city are:

Vietnamese Massage: Also known as "Tam Quat," Vietnamese massage incorporates stretching, pressure points, and lengthy strokes to relieve muscular stress and improve circulation. Though traditional Vietnamese massage may be less prevalent on spa menus, many establishments blend it with other techniques, such as Chinese, Swedish, Japanese, and Thai, to offer an array of body massages.

Thai Massage: Thai massage is similar to Vietnamese massage but places greater emphasis on yoga-style stretching and pressure points. This method is excellent for enhancing flexibility and reducing muscular tightness.

Swedish Massage: Swedish massage is a soothing and pleasant massage that promotes relaxation and relieves tension using long strokes, kneading, and circular movements. It is ideal for those seeking peace and tranquility.

Hot Stone Massage: For a more indulgent experience, hot stone massage utilizes smooth, heated stones to relax muscles and improve circulation. The warmth of the stones soothes both the body and the mind, leaving one feeling revitalized.

Best Spa Centers for Budget-Friendly Options:

Ho Chi Minh City is home to several budget-friendly spas that offer exceptional massage experiences without compromising on quality. Some of the top-rated options include:

Ha Spa & Massage

Massage Co Phong

Hazgen Nail Bar

Massage Huong Sen Healthcare Saigon

Temple Leaf Spa Land

Miumiu Spa

Saigon Heritage Spa

Moc Huong Spa

Golden Lotus Healing Spa World

Pamper Yourself – Luxury Massage in Ho Chi Minh City:

For those seeking a luxurious and pampering experience, Ho Chi Minh City also boasts several high-end spas. Indulge in ultimate relaxation at:

L’Apothiquaire Spa

Anam QT Spa

Le Spa Des Artistes Saigon

Tips for Enjoying a Massage in Ho Chi Minh City:

To make the most of your massage experience in Ho Chi Minh City, keep these tips in mind:

Inform the Therapist: Inform your massage therapist about any medical issues or concerns before the session begins.

Communication: Communicate with your therapist during the massage, ensuring that they focus on areas that require attention.

Avoid Heavy Meals: Avoid eating a large meal just before your massage to maximize comfort during the session.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water after your massage to stay hydrated and aid in the body's natural detoxification process.

Conclusion:

A massage in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-try experience for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. With a variety of massage styles and spa options available, visitors can tailor their massage experience to suit their preferences and budget. Whether you opt for a traditional Vietnamese massage, Thai massage, Swedish massage, or indulge in a luxurious hot stone massage, the tranquil bliss of Ho Chi Minh City's massages promises to leave you refreshed and revitalized.

For More Info :-

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goviettrip · 9 months

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bongspa · 11 months

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Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis in Vietnam, is not only known for its vibrant culture and rich history but also for its rejuvenating massage, spas, and wellness centers. With a plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect place to unwind and pamper yourself. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 20+ best massage, spas, and wellness centers in Ho Chi Minh City, ensuring you a truly relaxing and revitalizing experience. https://bongspa.vn/best-massage-spas-wellness-centers-in-ho-chi-minh-city/

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hochiminhtransport · 1 year

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Planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh with family and friends? Rent a 7 or 9-seater Car or Van Limo with a local driver from Asia Transport for a spacious and comfortable ride. Choose from top-of-the-line models like Dcar Solati Limousine, Ford Auto Kingdom Limousine, or Hyundai Auto Kingdom Limousine, which come equipped with luxurious amenities such as massage chairs, TV, leather seats, and USB ports. - aom9gry51q

Make Your Trip Memorable with Our High-End 7-9 Seaters Van Limo and Luxury Car Rental in Saigonhcmtransfer, Vietnam

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vietnamtravelshelper · 1 year

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alexracheltravel · 1 year

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A Full Day in Bangkok

Sorry everyone about the late post. We had a late night. No, not that kind of late night. Our kind of late night. You’ll understand when you read on.

Bangkok is Los Angeles. Cars rule the roads two times a day on weekdays and if one chooses to get a taxi, they must be forced to sit in traffic while scores of motorbikes freely swerve between cars, like minnows gliding beneath the fins of sharks.

At 8 am it's about as hot as a hot day in New York. Street food can be smelled on every corner. The sound of hot fry oil hisses and the chime of tongs or spatulas clang against carbon steel. The biggest difference: LA smells like hot sauce and tacos. Bangkok smells like fish sauce. Both foods are equally appealing to the working class: the taxi drivers, the massage ladies, the tour operators, many of whom hold up laminated signs for elephant rides and floating markets. Bangkok is also like Ho Chi Minh City in this way, but the tourist lens is familiar to us. There is not much of a difference between these aggressive tuk tuk drivers, who try to get you to go on their "once in a lifetime" floating market tour, located outside of the city, only so you can pay for their inflated prices to get there and back. The floating markets and elephant tours in Bangkok are inventions of the tourist economy, one of which we had become a part of, whether we wanted to, or not, when we entered this country.

We began our day with our visit to the very exciting Grand Palace. Thailand has a big royal family, just as beloved as the British, and their palace puts Buckingham to shame. Before stepping into the Grand Palace grounds, we visited the Emerald Buddha temple and surrounding complex. The Emerald Buddha temple, was by far the most lavish of all temples we have seen on this trip. The building glittered in the sunlight from mosaic’d pieces of mirror and colorful ceramic. Inside was even more ornate, with paintings on the walls, and crowds of people waiting to give offerings and pray to the Emerald Buddha. The buddha statue itself was only maybe two feet tall but was made of Emerald and clothed in real gold jewelry and fabric. We sat in the temple for a little while, looking around at the people there, both tourist and local, including Thai people from around the country who came to pay their respects. We had one question, we knew that the Ermerald Budda was adorned with clothing that changed based on seasons, but we didn’t understand how the clothing was changed. You see, this small budda statue sat atop at least 20 foot tall golden pyramid covered in jewels, flower, incense, and other offerings. This exact temple is the one the king and queen visit fairly regularly and we learned that the king is the only one allowed to touch the Emerald Budda and therefore he changes the clothes frms steps that can only be seen from the rear.

After leaving the temple we saw, what we later learned, was the longest mural in the world. We could have stared for hours. The walls depicted Buddhist stories of gods, demons, humans, animals, and the landscapes from mundane life to war to intricate architecture. Not only was the detailed work on the mural a sight to be seen, but immaculately maintained. We even saw someone doing some touch-ups of the mural. Of course the walk through was in complete without a walkthrough of the palace itself. Although we couldn’t go inside, the exterior had all the magnificence of the temple with modern detailing like marble flooring and intricately designed steel gates. We decided not to stay in the area for too long, largely becuase it was increibly hot, so we decided to leave and head to a curry shop across town.

Nittaya Curry Shop was smelly in the best of ways and a Rachel and Alex dream land. The store centered around aroma, spice, and flavor with pre-package foods, ingredients, snacks, and sweets and shop made bulk curry pastes, at least 10 different kinds, including types we had never seen or heard of before. Some packages did not have any english, so we made some educated guesses and bought many other packages and treats. Then we went to a small restaurant on the side of a street for some quick pad thai and pad see ew. Again, we felt that NYC had just as good offerings of these two dishes and tasted very very similar. The main difference was that the lunch cost, for both meals, the equivalent of $5 (with a drink).

After returning to the hotel for a nap, we decided to do some independent time doing separate activities. Rachel walked down the street to the Jim Thompson flagship store aka the fanciest silk you can likely buy in Thailand. She had hoped to find something special but truly felt it was underwhelming, and she did not feel like she was the target audience, as she was the youngest people in the store by at least 20 years. After doing some unsuccessful shopping, she spent $12 on an incredible thai massage. While Rachel was doing this, Alex took a car across town to spend more money that Rachel did at a record shop. This store, called Zudrangma Records, specialized in funk, psychedelic rock, and jazz, as well as obscure world music. He spent far too much time oogling different genres that he had no intention of buying, including one of the most iconic Japanese City Pop Albums, which was well out of his price range, and settled on a couple discs from the bargain bin, a blues-like album from a genre called “Luk Thung” and a non-Thai jazz album that the record shop put out on their own label. It was one of the cooler stores he had visited, and resembled quite closely in style the one from Ho Chi Minh City. However, the trip back was once again held to a crawl by the rush hour traffic. He got back to the hotel just in time for the two of us to set off on our next evening event!

The Bangkok Food Tour was a well oiled machine, but didn’t lack any of the personal touches. We luckly met up with the group close to the hotel, and from there was assigned our own Tuk Tuk driver for the night, shout out to Tum for amazing draving and always making sure we got in the right Tuk Tuk! We had a great guide named Chanya who has been giving these tours for 13 years, and has a very bunny named Pika Pika. Off we went was to our first stop where we had sharing plates of northeastern Thai food. One of the four regions of Thai food, we will tell you about the others later. At this top we had Tom Sap soup, which we were told is the lighter cousin of Tom Yum, roasted chicken, fried pork belly with fresh basil leaves, and spicy green papaya salad. The best part of this stop was the spicy tamarind dipping sauce, which made all of these dishes even better. We also learned that fresh thai basil helps settle your stomach when you eat spicy food, we we ate tons!

Then we were off! Next stop was both Alex and Rachel’s favorite, a very new curry to us, which was a red curry with incredibly crispy pork belly with sauteed basil with a side sauce of Nam Pla Prik (fish sauce, garlic, sugar, chilis) with a side of Jasmine rice. It is hard to explain what made it so unique to us, likely the level of warming spices in the curry combined with the crispiest pork belly and the contrast of the sweet, sour, and savory sauce. Truly delicious! Then with a blink of an eye we walked down two more blocks to none other than the classic, mango sticky rice. It was delicious, especially because thai mangos aren’t fibrous like ones you typically buy in the United States. They are so smooth, it feels like they will melt in your mouth. The other thing we learned is that the crispy pieces on top, were fried mung beans. They tasted a little like rice krispies!

Our next stop was the most touristy of the trip, forget it Jake, it’s Chinatown. In fact, on the world’s largest Chinatowns! We walked down busy streets passing by things we didn’t love, like shark fin and bird’s nest soups, and things that made us salivate with delicious smells. The bright neon lights guided us along the way to a few stops, humble street carts, in those crowded streets. The first cart was coconut pancakes that had a few simple ingredients, coconut meat, coconut milk, coconut sugar, and black sticky rice. Crispy outside and soft inside without too much sweetness served on what Chanya called our weapons, which were tiny plastic forks. We took those weapons a few blocks down to have one of the better pineapples we have had. This was because they were thai pineapples, tiny pineapples slightly larger than our fist. Extra sweet, very tender, would have been very happy to eat an entire one. Then we went to our final Chinatown stop, for a very special local favorite.

Chanya nicknamed it “Michelin Noodles,” due to its inclusion in the Michelin guide for the last six years, however, we could read that it had a different name on the door. We just couldn’t pronounce it as easily. This restaurant was packed. And everyone was eating the same dish. A small bowl of chicken, egg, lettuce, stirred together with wide rice noodles. How could such a dish be so popular? Bangkok Food Tours gave us a special treat. We went behind the restaurant to the kitchen to see how it was made. To be honest, we expected an actual kitchen, but we were brought out to an alleyway filled with Chinese Thai cooks hovering over a wok, heated by charcoal (very uncommon and expensive due to environmental laws and taxes), stirring noodles, for two minutes before placing them back into the bowl. The cook showed us a real show and he demonstrated the power of the wok, where he dipped the edge close to the flame and—whoosh—the whole dish caught alight. A pillar of flame erupted in this small alleyway, sparks flaw, and the heat blasted everyone one step back. The cook, unphased, obviously, threw the next set of ingredients into the wok to infuse with the smoky heat, and prepared the next dish.

This noodle dish was simple. Again, it was literally chicken, scrambled eggs and noodles. But the cooking style and charcoal flavor infused into the dish gave it a great smoky taste that no one else in Bangkok could do. This is what puts the “Michelin” in Michelin Noodles. Topped with a little bit of Thai Chili Sauce, the flavor was a great end to the night of eating.

Except this was far from the end. We had only ended part one of the tour. Part two had begun. The night stretched onward. The sky was dark, and the moon was full. Our tuk tuks cruised down the empty streets, towards the riverside districts of Bangkok, and South towards the temples. That Grand Palace Complex we went to earlier? It was now glowing beneath the moonlight, and the trees surrounding it were decorated in string lights. The wind blew our hair back and dust blew into our eyes. This, too, was Bangkok, and we finally felt like the wild call of the city that people have longed for over all these years.

We walked up to a bar and by up we really meant up. Five full flights of stairs later, and we turned a corner to see the most incredible view, a replica of the Angkor Wat temple, lit up like a golden beacon of the night. This was Wat Arun, and we sat at a table that overlooked it, which felt like a full circle moment, because it was built to show the Thai what Cambodian Temples would look like back when there was no Internet, no photographs to capture its beauty. Our photos could not possibly do the site justice. We drank a pineapple lemonade and a virgin mojito and talked about how amazing our trip has been so far.

We crawled back down the stairs. Exhausted. But ready for the final leg (for real). The streets were truly empty, and for a brief moment, we felt like we had the night to ourselves. The Tuk Tuk driver took us along a scenic route, allowing us to view more of the beautiful elements of the city by night. We arrived at a peculiar place. The flower market! Every temple on our journey contained offerings. Some were food, some were drink. But everywhere, were fresh-cut flowers. These flowers all come through this market, and are distributed all across Bangkok, and eventually all of Thailand. We learned to fold our own lotus pedals. One of us was more successful than the other, and you can guess who it was on your own. Inside the market we saw rows upon rows of brilliant marigolds, and the scent of pollen tickled our noses. At the end we ate a pork skewer, which tasted like a sweet sausage, and a coconut ball, which was mochi stuffed with coconut sugar and covered with an additional toasting of coconut. It was a perfect finishing end to a night where we could barely fit another bite in our mouths. Chanya kept trying to feed us, but we eventually had to refuse. She will make a good grandmother one day, feeding many children and grandchildren the way that many grandmothers do.

As our TukTuk driver drove along empty roads to bring us back to our hotel—close to midnight—we reached a place of calm, knowing that we have had not just one full night in Bangkok, but a full and joyous entire honeymoon.

Bangkok can be compared to L.A. But it can also be a city like no other.

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waterparkequipment2020 · 1 year

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babynippy · 2 years

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Theo dõi Baby Nippy

https://www.linkedin.com/in/babynippy/

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sunmarketing · 7 months

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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

In this episode, FAQ is: What did you wear in Vietnam?

Today’s Destination is Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, formerly known as Saigon (south)

Today’s Mistake- Currency exchange rate was high, and I got taken

Travel Advice: - Shoulder season travel will be less costly and more flexible.

FAQ: What did you wear in Vietnam?

Like other Southeast Asian countries, it is tropical and humid. I was always hot. I wore the lightest possible clothes and took three showers daily when possible. I also found swimming pools to cool down. I wore a short dress instead of shorts and a blouse. I wore a skirt instead of jeans. I wore sandals. I carried an umbrella for sun protection and wore sunscreen daily. I went out early in the morning and late in the afternoon or evening and slept during the day when I could.

Today’s destination: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Formerly Saigon, it’s on the coast in the South of Vietnam. The city has 18 districts, and most tourists go to 1, 3, and 5. I took the Hop on Hop Off bus at night, which was pretty amazing because the city is lit up at night like a Christmas tree. This experience covered the main tourist attractions in about 90 minutes. I never could have seen all this during the daytime, with the traffic patterns. Most cars I saw were in traffic jams during the day.

How did I plan this part of my trip? I used Booking.com to find hotels. I read guidebooks and talked to friends who have been to Vietnam, especially recently.

The taxis are safer, especially the green ones. I shared a ride from the airport to my hotel at midnight with two people I met on the plane. The traffic is light at midnight.

During the day, that’s different.

Quickly, I learned that driving here is a challenge, especially in the Mekong Delta. Listen to that episode. The current exchange rate here is 22,600 dong to the dollar. Your dollar goes far.

What did I eat? Fhish sauce and pho, bahn mi.

When I got back to HCMC, I was so hungry. Bong Sen Buffet for a $12 buffet.

That was one of the best meals. Try a buffet if you don’t know what to order.

Here’s what I ate: pho pork, duck egg, ice cream, fried rice, red bean soup, snails with ginger, vegetable soup, eggplant, steamed veggies, prunes, watermelon, dragon fruit, banana cake, papaya, and spring rolls.

I stayed at a different hotel: Huong Sen. https://huongsenhotel.com.vn/aboutus.php?cmblang=en

Construction noise from a different floor was so loud at 9 a.m. after a vast buffet breakfast one morning when all I wanted was sleep. I switched to an annex hotel down the block, owned by the same company. Later that day, I Swam in the pools at the hotel, with excellent views of the city.

About two blocks away, I walked to the Sheraton Hotel for the 23rd-floor view. That was outstanding, especially near sunset.

I also got another Massage, Thai, this time.

If you are planning Sights in HCMC, Try these: Rex Hotel, Opera House, downtown shopping malls, and Ben Than Market.

What I Bought in Ho Chi Minh City:

A folding umbrella for $3.00

Since mine were broken, leather sandals were a good find at the market. I also bought a lock with a key.

Later, I bought Pharmacy for meds for a sinus infection. I did not need a prescription to get antibiotics here. I had them, but I have yet to use them.

In summary, Ho Chi Minh City had Great hotel buffet breakfasts and plenty of tourists, and it took a lot of work to cross the street safely. I had to follow someone else to travel with them, as it took experience I did not have.

Today’s Mistake-.The currency exchange rate was too high.

I should have talked to more locals before changing money in Vietnam. I got taken.

I changed US dollars to Cambodian dong, which I did not need. They took US dollars there everywhere. I switched to Indian Rupees, but they gave me a currency that was being removed from the country, so it was not usable. And they gave me change in Vietnamese currency, which I did not want. So I paid a fee for that exchange, too. I had a lot to learn. And still do.

Today’s Travel Advice- Shoulder season travel will be less costly and more flexible.

You don’t always need the “perfect” season for your travel. Go before or after the peak, and you may find a better overall experience. With climate changes, those traditional windows of weather are not exact. Plan some things and leave other non-essentials to spur of the moment.

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