ADIML: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Together with Chyka and Mariana, we headed to Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon as some still called it) over the Vesak day holiday. It was our first time to Saigon and little did we know that we're in for an adventure. I'm so glad I decided to document my FIRST day in Saigon.
Of course I x-posted this in ADIML
The day started very early - 4.30am. Have to be at the airport by 6.30am
Having abit of trouble waking up, as I only had 4hrs of sleep
Made it to the bathroom finally and wash-up
Yeah, I like to leaving my packing till the very last minute.
Jumped into the showers and get ready to leave for the airport
I had a bit of time before the cab arrived so I get online to check my work emails
Making my way to the airport but before that I had to pick up Chyka, one of my friends, who lives nearby.
We got to the airport but Mariana, my other friend was no where to be found. She was still stuck in traffic and told us to check in first.
We then heard the last call for our flight. Mariana ended up missing the flight but managed to get on a later one to join us in Saigon
Morning sun at the Singapore Changi Airport
Me and Chyka
Clear blue sky
Since we're on a budget airline, I had to pay $10 for the coke and sandwich
Are we there yet?
First glimpse of Saigon
We arrived in Saigon just as scheduled. Saigon is 1hr back, so I adjusted my watch.
We collected our bags and went off to search for a bus to take us to the hostel
We finally got on the bus after 20mins of searching. There was no bus stops and no one could tell us exactly where exactly the bus was.
Me and our 5000VND ticket
Seeing that we only had a few hours of sleep the previous night, we decide to get some rest.
At around noon, we decide to explore the city. A good map is always good to have
The street where our hostel was located
There were so many motorbikes on the streets and they never stopped honking.
Favourite drink on this trip - mango shake
My first meal in Saigon - Fried Rice with Chicken
Shortly after, Mariana called to say she has arrived at the hostel. Throughout our stay in Saigon, we've to climb 4 flights of stairs to get to our room!
YAY!! Reunited with Mariana
Out again. Had to check some emails to confirm dinner plans.
Its amazing how the Vietnamese people can balance almost anything on their motorbike. I also saw a washing machine strapped at the back seat of a motorbike.
With the tourist police. They were shy at first to take a photo with us but relented eventually.
Ciggies
The local aphrodisiacs.... YIKES!
Awwww.. isnt he adorable!
An elderly lady begs for some change in front of a restaurant - a common sight in Vietnam.
After all that walking, Mariana is ready for some local food
She settled for Pho - Vietnamese Noodles
Our friendly drink seller
Mariana is happy with her Pho
Back at our hostel, Chyka showing off her thousands of Vietnamese Dong. I'm rich, she said. Btw, all that money amounts to about USD$50
Duty free liquors
Pre-dinner drinkies
Watching some telly while we take turn to use the bathroom
The girls getting ready for dinner
Just as we got into the cab, it started to drizzled. We're off meeting some Couchsurfers for dinners at a French restaurant, Le Jardine.
Luckily, we got a driver who knows where the restaurant was and within 10mins, we're there. Great food, great company
Natasha, an Ambassador of the Vietnam group and Daffyd, who does wicked impersonation of accents from all over.
Couchsurfers Unites - tonight group consists of Singaporean, Australian, America, French and Welsh
After dinner, some of us decide to check out the local club scene. A short-cut in dodgy back alley to get to the club... scary fun!
We passed-by a shop making models of ships, they even have the titanic. I though it was cool
No surprises that we got lost using the "short-cut" Got to the club in 20mins instead of 10mins.
Tats right! I heart Hip Hop!! This is the only photo I managed to take because the club has a "no photo-taking" rule. Weird
An hour later, we decided to move to another club. More walking, this time in the slight drizzle
We passed by these dogs, all chained up. Mariana commented that these two are from "The Land of the Living Dead" Look at their eyes!!
No trouble this time round finding the club.
Mariana brought this nerdy-looking glasses and make all of us try it on
I think Loris look good in the nerd glasses! He's been living in Vietnam for the past 2mths doing an intership
The pout
As the night progress, Chyka's eyes gets smaller ....
... and smaller
Deep in conversation
Ready to call it a night
I'm ready for bed but the girls were still goofing around
When the cab dropped us off at our hostel, instead of heading for our room, we went for supper instead
Managed to find a restaurant that was opened and still serving food. I always find it entertaining when ordering food with someone whom dont speak a common language with you. We had to improvised by used hand signals, drawings and what not to get the message accross.
Our very attentive and friendly waiter. I forgot his name though
i have no idea what this photo is all about. Maybe we're toasting to something but why the empty glass..??
We managed to drag ourself back to the hostel at around 2am. And collapsed shortly after.
Of course I x-posted this in ADIML
The day started very early - 4.30am. Have to be at the airport by 6.30am
Having abit of trouble waking up, as I only had 4hrs of sleep
Made it to the bathroom finally and wash-up
Yeah, I like to leaving my packing till the very last minute.
Jumped into the showers and get ready to leave for the airport
I had a bit of time before the cab arrived so I get online to check my work emails
Making my way to the airport but before that I had to pick up Chyka, one of my friends, who lives nearby.
We got to the airport but Mariana, my other friend was no where to be found. She was still stuck in traffic and told us to check in first.
We then heard the last call for our flight. Mariana ended up missing the flight but managed to get on a later one to join us in Saigon
Morning sun at the Singapore Changi Airport
Me and Chyka
Clear blue sky
Since we're on a budget airline, I had to pay $10 for the coke and sandwich
Are we there yet?
First glimpse of Saigon
We arrived in Saigon just as scheduled. Saigon is 1hr back, so I adjusted my watch.
We collected our bags and went off to search for a bus to take us to the hostel
We finally got on the bus after 20mins of searching. There was no bus stops and no one could tell us exactly where exactly the bus was.
Me and our 5000VND ticket
Seeing that we only had a few hours of sleep the previous night, we decide to get some rest.
At around noon, we decide to explore the city. A good map is always good to have
The street where our hostel was located
There were so many motorbikes on the streets and they never stopped honking.
Favourite drink on this trip - mango shake
My first meal in Saigon - Fried Rice with Chicken
Shortly after, Mariana called to say she has arrived at the hostel. Throughout our stay in Saigon, we've to climb 4 flights of stairs to get to our room!
YAY!! Reunited with Mariana
Out again. Had to check some emails to confirm dinner plans.
Its amazing how the Vietnamese people can balance almost anything on their motorbike. I also saw a washing machine strapped at the back seat of a motorbike.
With the tourist police. They were shy at first to take a photo with us but relented eventually.
Ciggies
The local aphrodisiacs.... YIKES!
Awwww.. isnt he adorable!
An elderly lady begs for some change in front of a restaurant - a common sight in Vietnam.
After all that walking, Mariana is ready for some local food
She settled for Pho - Vietnamese Noodles
Our friendly drink seller
Mariana is happy with her Pho
Back at our hostel, Chyka showing off her thousands of Vietnamese Dong. I'm rich, she said. Btw, all that money amounts to about USD$50
Duty free liquors
Pre-dinner drinkies
Watching some telly while we take turn to use the bathroom
The girls getting ready for dinner
Just as we got into the cab, it started to drizzled. We're off meeting some Couchsurfers for dinners at a French restaurant, Le Jardine.
Luckily, we got a driver who knows where the restaurant was and within 10mins, we're there. Great food, great company
Natasha, an Ambassador of the Vietnam group and Daffyd, who does wicked impersonation of accents from all over.
Couchsurfers Unites - tonight group consists of Singaporean, Australian, America, French and Welsh
After dinner, some of us decide to check out the local club scene. A short-cut in dodgy back alley to get to the club... scary fun!
We passed-by a shop making models of ships, they even have the titanic. I though it was cool
No surprises that we got lost using the "short-cut" Got to the club in 20mins instead of 10mins.
Tats right! I heart Hip Hop!! This is the only photo I managed to take because the club has a "no photo-taking" rule. Weird
An hour later, we decided to move to another club. More walking, this time in the slight drizzle
We passed by these dogs, all chained up. Mariana commented that these two are from "The Land of the Living Dead" Look at their eyes!!
No trouble this time round finding the club.
Mariana brought this nerdy-looking glasses and make all of us try it on
I think Loris look good in the nerd glasses! He's been living in Vietnam for the past 2mths doing an intership
The pout
As the night progress, Chyka's eyes gets smaller ....
... and smaller
Deep in conversation
Ready to call it a night
I'm ready for bed but the girls were still goofing around
When the cab dropped us off at our hostel, instead of heading for our room, we went for supper instead
Managed to find a restaurant that was opened and still serving food. I always find it entertaining when ordering food with someone whom dont speak a common language with you. We had to improvised by used hand signals, drawings and what not to get the message accross.
Our very attentive and friendly waiter. I forgot his name though
i have no idea what this photo is all about. Maybe we're toasting to something but why the empty glass..??
We managed to drag ourself back to the hostel at around 2am. And collapsed shortly after.