Ho Chi Minh City Day 5: Cu Chi Tunnel & Cao Dai Temple

Date of Visit: 5th April 2012

Besides the One Day Mekong Delta Tour package, we also bought along a day trip to Cu Chi Tunnel from STA Travel. It cost 180,000 Vietnamese dong or USD$8 per person (aprox. to RM24) which includes pick-up and drop-off from where you stayed and English speaking tour guide. However, admission fee and lunch is not provided and we have to bear on our own.

The tour started at 7.30am where they picked us up in front of our hotel and the journey from city center to Cu Chi Tunnel took almost 1 and half hour. The tour package that we took included a visit to Cao Dai Temple. Hence, a short visit here before we reach the Cu Chi Tunnel.

#1: Cao Dai Temple

Cao Dai Temple is located in the city of Tay Ninh, a province 95km away on the south east of Ho Chi Minh City and it's very close to Cambodia border. Figuratively, Cao Dai means that highest spiritual place where God reigns. CaoDaiists believe that, before God existed, there was the Tao which was nameless, formless, and unchanging.

#2: Cao Dai followers worshipping inside the temple.

The Cao Dai Temple is like a Walt Disney fantasia of the East. Its exterior is decorated with multi coloured dragons of all shapes and sizes competing for space with a number of swastikas. The interior is just an engaging as statues of Jesus Christ, Buddha and the Hindu God, Brahma, stand side by side. After spend less than half an hour around this temple, we left for lunch break.

#3: Sweet and sour pork rice

As I mentioned earlier, lunch is not included in the tour fee and we have to pay ourselves. There are plenty of choices to choose from but I believed, it's non-halal. So for those Muslims traveller, it is advisable to pack along your own foods.

We reached Cu Chi Tunnel before 2pm local time and each of us have to queue up to purchase the admission fee - 80,000 Vietnamese dong per person. Strategically located behind the ticket counter, there is a huge tree with lots of jackfruits and I saw many foreigner travellers especially were curious what type of fruit is that. I was even being asked by some of them how it looks like, taste like and so on. I'm glad that we live in a tropical country blessed with different kind of fruits and even they can't grow naturally like kiwi, blueberries and more, we can grabbed them from the supermarket.

#4: The tree with so many jackfruits

Now a brief history of Cu Chi Tunnel. Cu Chi used to be a bitter battleground for many years during the Vietnam War. It somehow likes an underground village with indiricate network of over 200km of tunnels at Ben Dinh, which is 50km away from Ho Chi Minh City. This incredible labyrinthine tunnel network was used as a shelter, hospital, weapons cache and supply route during that devastating war against the American forces.

#5: The entrance and our tour started with watching the video of the Vietnam War

#6:  Be careful! It's a booby trap with bamboo spikes at the bottom.

#7: Our English speaking tour guide explained how this tunnel was made

#8: One of Cu Chi tunnels entrance hole where it was so small that an American soldier unable to enter

#9: This is how the soldiers wore during the war

#10: A war tank in the middle of the jungle

#11: The most fun part - time to enter into the tunnel

We're were given an opportunity to enter into the tunnel, but not everyone can enter into this tunnel as it need to depends on your body size. For your information, this tunnel has been made wider and taller to accommodate the visitors. In some part inside this tunnel, there is no light and completely dark and all we can do were touching the tunnel wall. We were even crawling underneath and at some point, we had to based on our instinct to jump down. There is no stairs, no light and we're unsure how deep it was but to be frank, it was really fun and adventurous. Because my friends and I were consider quite small if compare to the Westerner, we came out from the tunnel more faster than the rest. This is one of the thing you must do when visit Cu Chi Tunnel unless if you are big in size, sorry to say that.

#12: Self-made weapon gallery

#13: Visitors can fire a variety of Vietnam War era weapons at the shooting range. It is chargeable, not free of charge.

While waiting for the rest to do their shooting activities, we went and had a look at the souvenirs store. If you are thirsty and hot, grab some drinks or even ice-cream at the small tiny cafe besides the souvenir store. I didn't buy any of these souvenirs cause I had bought quite a few in Ben Thanh Market. Plus, I found out the souvenirs were slightly expensive compare elsewhere.

#14: Souvenirs inside Cu Chi Tunnel

And that's how we spend our fifth day in Ho Chi Minh City. Cu Chi Tunnel is indeed a pleasant visit and offers more insights of this labyrinth of interlaces tunnels on how the Vietnamese cleverly designed the tunnels and the strategic use of trap doors making the 30 thousand American troops failed to conquered this are.

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Ho Chi Minh City Day 4: Saigon Square

Date of Visit: 4th April 2012

From War Remnants Museum which tucked in District 3, we walked back again to District 1 for Saigon Square. Actually in between, we did wander somewhere else before we stumbled upon Saigon Square.

#1: The side entrance of Saigon Square

Saigon Square is another option for those who looking for shopping fix. If Ben Thanh Market is not your favourite choice, then you may consider here for a decent shopping as Saigon Square is equipped with air-conditioner, less crowded, wider space and of course, more cleaner and cheerful atmosphere. On top of that, the stall vendors won't hassled or pulled us if compare to those stall vendors in Ben Thanh Market giving us more freedom and relaxing feelings to scout around.

#2: Main entrance of Saigon Square

Literally packed under one roof, Saigon Square stocks with plenty of stuffs - from clothing to sunglasses, handbag, luggage bag, footwear, accessories, jewelries, watches, belts and more. Even electronic items including those smartphone accessories such as cover and also DVD are available here. 

#3: The overview of Saigon Square's ground floor

We spotted tons of designers fashions and footwear here - from Louis Vuitton, Channel and Gucci handbags to Polo Ralph, Lacoste and Burberry polo T-shirt were being sold here. Not just that, high-end items like Ray Ban and D&G sunglasses as well as Rolex and Tag Heuer watches can be found inside Saigon Square. But of course, bear in mind all of these items here are either export overruns, factory rejects and even completely knock-offs, but the prices are reasonable and the quality is satisfactory.

 

#4: More room to manoeuvre in between the stalls

As Saigon Square offers a better atmosphere, hence almost of the items here are quoted at higher price.  But not to worry, you still can try to negotiate with them but it is impossible for you to bargain until half of the price. Most probably they are only willing to shave few dollars. And if you are not satisfy with the price, just give a smile and walk away and scout other stalls as I believe there are more stalls selling the same items as well.

#5: Colourful Crumpler bags

One of the main reason we visited Saigon Square was mainly scouting for Crumpler bag. My friend told me that the Crumpler bags sold in Vietnam is freaking dirt cheap cause they were made in Vietnam. Crumpler bags are specially designed for backpack type and putting cameras and notebook. At first, I almost wanna joined my friend to buy one of these bags but at the end, I didn't do so cause I think it's not that essential for me. Plus, I have plenty of sling bags back in my home.

#6: Saigon Square - One of the top markets of Ho Chi Minh City

Unlike Ben Thanh Market, the stall vendors of Saigon Square only accept currency in US dollar and Vietnamese dong. Even if you are not in the mood of shopping, a visit to Saigon Square is another one of the unique kind experience where it gives you a taste of Vietnamese market.

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Ho Chi Minh City Day 4: War Remnants Museum

Date of Visit: 4th April 2012

To be frank, I am not the type who love history and if can, I would try to avoid by visiting those boring museum. I tends to prefer enjoy watching the amazing and beautiful scenery and landscape, visiting theme park or maybe watching the moving creatures in zoo or aquarium. But for this War Remnants Museum which situated in District 3, instead of feeling boring, turns out that my tears almost dropped by just looking at the photos from the past displayed inside the museum.

#1: The opening hours for War Remnants Museum

#2: The admission fee is 15,000 VND per person (approx. to RM3)

Just as low as RM3 for the admission fee, I guess you won't have to think twice whether to visit this museum or not. War Remnants Museum is being listed as one of the well-known, cultural and tourist sites, attracting both Vietnamese and foreign tourists. It's just located a couple of blocks behind the Reunification Palace. Hence, it would be great idea if you visit Reunification Palace in the morning, have your lunch then visiting War Remnants Museum in the afternoon - in case you only spend couple of days in Ho Chi Minh City.

#3: The main building of War Remnants Museum 

Primarily, this museum contains exhibits relating to America phase on the Vietnam War. Frankly speaking, I didn't know much about Vietnam War and if you are interesting to know more, you can read here. But after spending more almost two hours inside this museum, at least I get some roughly pictures of what were going on during the Vietnam War and the huge devastating impact especially to the Vietnamese.

#4: Artillery, armor and aircraft collection

#5: Unexploded ordnance being display in the corner of Museum's courtyard.

#6: Tiger Cages, where the South Vietnamese government allegedly kept political prisoners and for punishment purpose.

#7: Exhibition of anti-war artwork done by the Vietnamese children on the ground floor

The museum is specialised in research, collecting, preserving, and exhibition the remnants proofs of Vietnam War crimes and their consequences. It shows some of the true horrors behind the Vietnam War and for those who has weak heart, it may not be the best choice for you to visit cause it comprises provocative displays of photographs.

#8: The devastating impact caused by the Vietnam War

It's indeed heartbreaking by just looking at the war documentary photos. I even saw few of the visitors failed to hold their tears in front of the pictures. Initially I decided to take some cruel and horrify photos of the aggressive war crimes especially the traumatizing consequences of Agent Orange and share it here but at the end, it's hard for me to do so cause I was trying my best to hold my tears. Therefore, I only managed to take few photos as the following:

#9: Photo of the vicious fighting in Vietnam

#10

#11

Just when you thought museum is boring, the War Remnants Museum could be consider out of the norm. Not only does the museum illustrate a phase of painful history, but it also tells the unknown stories about war to people.

[Credit To: Wikipedia, Vietnam Travel & Living Guide]

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Ho Chi Minh City Day 3: One Day Mekong Delta Tour

Note: The winner who answered correctly on the wild guess from my previous post is Small Kucing & Mamarazzi. I will send the mystery gifts next week cause I believe this week the post office has closed. For the rest of the readers, thanks for participate and don't be upset, cause there will be another give-away again. 

Date of Visit: 3rd April 2012

If you have plenty of time just like my friends and I where we spend a week in Ho Chi Minh City itself (formerly known as Saigon), try opt for other tours such as Mekong Delta Tour and Cu Chi Tunnels which situated outskirts of the city center. After scouting around, we ended up booked two of these tours with STA Travel which tucked in District 1, not far away from our hotel. Previously, I booked my airticket to United Kingdom from STA Travel and because I think it's reliable and trustworthy, hence I did the same when I was in Saigon.      

One day Mekong Tour cost 210,000 Vietnamese dong or USD$10 per person (aprox. to RM30). The tour cost includes air-conditioner tourist bus, English speaking tour guide, boat trips (for both motor and rowing boats), entrance fees, 1 water bottle, some fruits and honey tea as well as lunch. On top of that, it includes pick-up and drop-off from where you stay.

The tour started around 7.30am and we waited in front of our hotel for the pick-up. The journey from city center to Mekong Delta took more than 1 and half hours. There are also plenty of foreign tourists in this tour - some from Taiwan, Japan, Australia, Europe and etc.

#1: Board on wooden motor boat from My Tho to the Unicorn Island 

Along the river's bank, we passed through natural creeks and quiet villages while watching the rural villagers doing their daily activities - going to school, work and and doing trade business. We also came across an interesting fisherman's port and also a row of stilt houses where half of them were on the land whereas the other half were on the water.

#2: The first pit stop at small tiny little village known as Diem

#3: We were given a free tropical fruits and local tea while watching the Vietnamese ladies and folks playing music, dance and singing. 

Basically nothing much to do here. The local were trying to promote and selling their tropical fruits here; such as papaya, jack fruits, pineapple, sapodilla and more. I don't even have the interest to ask for the price cause most of the fruits we have back in Malaysia then. So, I just wandered around and looked at the souvenirs there.

#4: Then, we went on to another boat stop to have a ride on these small row boat -This is the main highlight of this tour

A ride on a small row boat with at least two boat paddler - one sitting in the front whereas the one at the back is the main highlight of this trip. I guess this is one of the things that should experienced by every traveller and tourist when visiting Ho Chi Minh City to witness through their naked eyes and provides insight on how the local people use to move around.

#5: Passing through mangroves along the Mekong River

#6: And that's me on a small boat row - The hat was given by the boat paddler for the purpose of phototaking

One small row boat can only fit up to 4 people. My friends and I tried to our best telling our tour guide that we would like to sit on the same boat, instead of being separated but at the end, he got no choice but to separate us. But when think back, it's not a bad idea to sit in a different boat cause my friends who were on the other boat could take photo of me (just like the above). And for your information, at the end of the ride, we gave some small tips to the boat paddler, or else the boat paddler would show his or her grumpy face.

#7: A little boy with the honeycomb full with bees where you can dare yourself to touch it

Next, we arrived in a bee farm where we had the chance to taste a tasteful cup of authentic honey tea. Apart from that, we were being served small portions of sweet nuts and jellies, ginger coated with sugar and fried banana crackers for testing purpose. 

#8: There are even few local products being produced here

After that, we went to a village where we can observed how the coconut candies were being made. Besides candies, we also witness how the village people make handcrafted items from the coconuts. 

#8: Coconut candy workshop

Before end this tour, we went to another peaceful and quiet small village for lunch break. Besides small boat, the villager's main transportation would be horse cart cause I saw quite number of them. Animals like chicken, ducks and goose were freely running around. We had our lunch at open-aired restaurant with only fans around. Although it's freaking scorching hot, but luckily enough they turned on the fan to the full blast.

#9: Little primary school kids waiting for their colourful candies at the roadside

#10: Simple lunch with rice, vegetables, few pieces of chicken and spring roll. Maybe we were too exhausted, so we didn't care whether it's taste nice or not, but we finished them all.

#11: Hen Gap Lai and it means "See You Again". We back to the port where we started the tour in the morning around 2pm local time.

There are different tour packages for Mekong Delta Tour - can either opt for one day, two days or maybe three. It's impossible to do within half day, so do spare at least a day cause the distance from city center to Mekong Delta might took at least two hours.

STA Travel

Address: 235 De Tham Street District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Tel: (08) 3837 6979

Last but not least, I wish all my blog readers and friends,

"Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri & Happy Holiday!"

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Sabaidee from Laos 2013 (Sneak Peek)

Sabaidee and it means hello in Laos. Yup, I am currently having another travel adventures of mine in Laos for 8 days. And to be frank, 8 days seems insufficient for me cause I only managed to cover the central and northern part. But I believe perhaps, someday I might doing another revisit trip to Laos again to cover on the southern area.

Anyway, this is what I did throughout my 8 days trip in Laos:

#1: Arrived in Vientiane and visited Patuxay - Victory Gate of Vientiane

#2: Took 3 and half hour bus ride to Vang Vieng and watching Friends in a restaurant with the rest of the travellers due to heavy rain.


#3: Took another 6 hours plus bus ride to Phonsavan or known as Xieng Khouang and visited Plain of Jars,  one of Southeast Asia's most mysterious prehistoric place.

#4: Again another 6 hours plus bus ride to Luang Prabang and I really love this UNESCO Heritage Town.

#5: Woke up early morning to witness tak bat, the morning alms ceremony where the local and tourists gave foods to the Buddhist monks every morning in Luang Prabang.

#6: After stayed 2 days in Luang Prabang, took more than 12 hours bus ride back to Vientiane and visited Pha That Luang

I did experience many kinds of different things throughout this trip which I never came across before. Met many travellers from different part of the world; such as from Switzerland, Korea, Taiwan, Australia and more. Most of the time I travelled with my friends and family, therefore I never had the chance to do so but for this, I'm glad I did. By just listened to their travel stories, where some of them travelled at least two months to half year by travel across the border from one country to another country, it's pretty interesting and adventurous to me - makes me wanna leave everything behind and do so, but I know I can't.

Some local and even the Buddhist monks thought that I am Thai. Seriously, I think I need to learn how to speak Thai somehow. What surprised me was the monks approached and we had conversation for almost half and hour. I never thought that the monks can speak English very well. Another interesting things, right? And another thing that I pretty amazed with myself was I had more than 24 hours bus ride throughout this trip. It was freaking #butthurt but then I enjoyed watching the beautiful scenery.

#7: Thanks to AirAsia cause I never thought that my childhood dreams can come true  

#7: And with this, I concluded that I had done visited 9 out of 10 ASEAN countries. So can you make a wild guess which country I haven't visit yet? You might win yourself a mysterious gift.  

P/S: Might not able to blog my Laos trip at this moment. However, if you have any enquiry regarding my Laos trip, you are welcome to leave me a message at dianateodt@gmail.com

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