As my plane touched down in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, I couldn’t contain my excitement. This bustling metropolis, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, was the perfect stopover on my way back from an unforgettable trip to Australia. Little did I know, that this six-night adventure would open my eyes to the wonders of Asia and leave me with a newfound appreciation for Vietnam’s unique charm.
Day 1:
Arriving at my hostel late at night, I kicked off my Vietnamese adventure the next afternoon with a food and cultural tour. A friendly university student, took me on her moped on a journey through Ho Chi Minh, introducing me to traditional dishes like pho with tofu, Banh Mi, sugar cane drink, and dripping coffee with condensed milk. Along the way, I explored historical sites, including a cafe with an actual car inside and old tunnels where the Viet Cong congregated. The student shared stories of Vietnam’s history, taking me to the site where a monk had self-immolated, providing a unique perspective on the nation’s past.
Day 2:
A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels marked the second day of my exploration. En route, we stopped at a sanctuary for those affected by Agent Orange, showcasing beautiful ceramics crafted by the resilient individuals there. The tour of the tunnels, highlighting various forms of guerrilla warfare, and offered a deep understanding of Vietnam’s wartime struggles. It was the only time I noticed it was a communist country as our tour guide was saying she can only say this and if you google it in Vietnam it won’t come up, which was interesting.
Day 3:
Navigating the city using Grab, the Asian equivalent of Uber on a bike, I visited iconic tourist spots such as the Post Office where I brought some stunning postcard.I wandered down Book Street which is a whole street food of books shops and stalls! Surprisingly, I discovered familiar brands like H&M and Pull & Bear while exploring the vibrant shopping scene, adding a contemporary twist to the traditional atmosphere.
Day 4:
A Day of Serenity Taking a break from the hustle, I spent a relaxing day wandering around, immersing myself in the local atmosphere. A highlight was treating myself to a nail salon visit, a simple luxury that I had missed whilst travelling. Initially drawn to the prospect of a social atmosphere, my hostel experience fell short of expectations. I decided to treat myself to the comfort of a hotel after three months of hostel living. The decision proved to be a game-changer, offering a tranquil oasis in the midst of my bustling Vietnamese escapade.
Day 5:
Culinary Delights and Cultural Exchange Engaging in a cooking class on the fifth day, I joined an American family from Korea. Together, we explored local markets, discovering an array of exotic fruits and vegetables. The cooking class was an enriching experience, featuring the creation of fresh spring rolls, clay pot tofu, and Bánh xèo, a Vietnamese pancake. They explained all about vietnamese cooking and culture and it was so interesting, Ive never done a cooking class before and now I would love to do one in every country I visit.
Day 6:
Souvenirs and Farewells. As my journey drew to a close, I delved into the local market, spending hours navigating the vibrant stalls in search of the perfect souvenirs. A bit of haggling, unintentional bulk purchases (20 chopsticks instead of one!), and a flurry of negotiation later, I left with a bag full of memories. With a stopover in the awe-inspiring Doha airport, I was finally back in England after 3 months of traveling.
