Final day of the trip

So it has come down to this, I'm in the final days of this trip and for today, I've decided to pamper myself a little

Since the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is not opened on Fridays (no fate with him man), I've decided to just visit the Hoa Lo prison and the Vietnamese women museum for the morning. I must say, I was quite impressed with the women museum

I find these pictures really v captivating. So here's some photo spam 

Kids doing chores...and here I thought my rucksack is heavy

Went to the Hoa Lo prison next. I've come to realise that Singapore has a relatively smooth transition from colonial rule to independence, as compared to like the Vietnamese where HCM had to fight the French and Americans, and Cambodian where the Khmer Rouge regime took over. Should our transition be as unstable as theirs, I'm sure we won't be where we were

I have no idea what these "ladders" serve...just to make them more uncomfortable?

If I'm not wrong, one of their leg is chained to the wooden block

Self immolation to protest against the Americans 

I guess this concludes my Hanoi tour. With just half a day left, there really isn't a point going out of the city. So I went back, did a search online for a good massage parlour and facial outlet. Eventually ended at this spa and paid $45 for a 1hr40min experience (both full body massage and facial)

Happened to meet 5 nbs students there as well, and apparently they are going to be on the same flight as me tmr. So I guess I'm gonna see them tmr

The massage was rather good. Had a slightly neckache which has been bothering me and it felt better after the rub. My first experience with the hot stone treatment too...quite unique and effective. Now I'm really considering learning massage back in Singapore 

So I guess this concludes my trip in Hanoi, and my tour of Cambodia and Vietnam. I realise that there are many places which I've missed, but then again, there are always more places to go. Great thanks to the random acquaintances I've made on this trip. I dun think I'll ever bump into them again, but the memories have been crystallized both in me and in this blog. My gratitude for making this solo travel a little more bearable 

Till next time;)

Mark

PS: stay tune still! I'm going to India in a week's time and will be updating my adventure here as well! The wait will be short! Ciao

Halong bay not 黑龙江 meh?

I would say today is the highlight of my trip. The main reason I came to Hanoi was due to Halong Bay, supposedly one of the new 7 wonders of the world and a protected site by the UN

Initially intended to stay a night at Halong Bay, but opinions from my friends convinced me against it. Moreover, I'm not done with the city tour, and would like to spend the last day relaxing a little. (Btw, I heard that Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is closed tmr. I guess I dun have fate with Mr Ho)

The day started off in the worst possible way. While picking up the passengers, there was a slight mix up and numbers did not tally. Once the Malaysian came onboard, he shouted at the tour guide, pointing his finger at him. His family had to get him to calm down. Seriously, it's called not missing the big picture. Flaring up during a tour is missing the big picture of traveling. But thankfully, everything when smoothly after that.

Well, perhaps not that smoothly. Midway through, we were informed that it was raining heavily at the bay. Lunch was on the ferry, where I got well acquainted with a trio from Shenzhen, who were here on official business and touring vietnam after that. These trio really made my day with their friendliness, keep asking me to eat more as I'm a young guy, taking pictures for me and promised to email me the pictures. Kinda tag along them for the rest of the day. Best day ever!

As usual, must have picture of myself!

The limestone caves are easily the highlight of this trip

I was actually quite apprehensive abt kayaking at the bay. I did kayaking in secondary sch before but I rmb I wasn't too good with it. Moreover, I'm kayaking alone in a 2-man kayak. Nonetheless, I got in and started to peddle. A pity that I didn't bring my phone to the kayak (no pictures...boohoo). Being alone on the kayak is rather boring, so I went around disturbing and chatting up the other kayakers and tourist (maybe there's a slight casanova jn my blood after all). Spoke to 4 Malaysians and 2 Canadians and some from other nationality 

The 2 Canadians :p

The tour ending with an extended ride all the way to the jetty, where we can enjoy Halong bay in all its grandeur. It's not abt the individual island, it's abt how they all make up such landscape 

Was really late by the time they drop me at the hostel, so just went out to grab a bite and call it a day. Tmr shall be half a day of museum tour followed by half a day of pampering myself! It's nearing the end :(

Mark

Making acquaintances from all around the world 

Hanoi on foot

Well, after taking such a long break in HCM, where all I did was get up and down the bus, I think I should start exercising a little. Thus decided to explore Hanoi on foot

It's always a slight dilemma when it come to exploring. Following a tour and going on foot has it's pros and cons. With a tour, it's a lot less tiring, and u get a guide to explain the history and significance of the attraction. On foot, u get to explore the inner workings of the city, and interact with the locals more. I guess it's good to have a balance. Some tours here and there and some walking on ur own too.

Oh, they serve breakfast here! Of all the places I've stayed in Cambodia and Vietnam, this is the only place which serve breakfast, and it's rather decent too!

Initially wanted to visit the temple of literature first (it's suppose to be Vietnam's first university from the ancient time...I think). However, just as I was abt to leave the hostel, the housekeeper suggested for me to visit the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum first, as it is supposed to be opened for only 2 hours a day till 1130. So a change of plans then!

Was a little disappointed to be rejected at the entrance :( apparently there is a dress code, and singlet and slippers are not part of it. I actually tried to enter via a different entrance but to no avail. 

I proceeded on and ended up in the Vietnam war museum. It was a bit of a let down as most descriptions were in the Vietnamese language and I couldn't understand anything.

The thing which doesn't need English to understand

Kids! Lotsa them! 

So I carried on with my walking tour and ended next to the Singapore embassy, where a man smoking outside approached me and ask if I was Singaporean. Apparently, the way I crossed the road is v Singaporean. Haha, the first thing he asked me was if I registered my presence in Vietnam, which I sheepishly replied "No". Chatted for a short while more before he directed me to the Fine Arts Museum 

After lunch at the museum, I carried on to the temple of literature. I guess it was good luck that allowed me to witness the graduation of some students there...and they were v popular with the tourists.

I think they make a tortoise statue for every scholar there 

Graduation!

Was on my way out when I heard a girl shouted. I turn around and these 2 girls approached me, asking if I could take a picture with them, which I gladly obliged. Since I'm doing so already, I ask them to take one with my phone too as a keepsake 

:)

Went my to the hostel since I was rather exhausted from all the walking. Left an hour later after a nap in search for the Hoa Lo Prison and the Vietnamese women museum. But it's a pity that both were closed, and so I went on to Hoan Kiem lake (I'm actually writing this from a bench in front of the lake...has a rather poetic feel to it) while waiting for nightfall before going for dinner at the night market.  The lake looks much better in the day than at night. Finally understood what the website meant when they said that the lake is like a mirror with a reflection. 

Hoan Kiem Lake in all its beauty

Sesame balls!

Very expensive water chestnuts...$40,000 dong. That's like 2 USD

I order something like fried noodles with eggs...and it turn out to be some crunchy cracker like noodle. Guess I'll just have to make do with it bah 

Haha, solo walking tours are always v exhausting, but I'm really looking forward to the Halong Bay tour tmr!

Mark

A more Vietnamese taste perhaps :p

Passport scare :(

So today is another traveling day, from Ho Chi Minh city to Hanoi. Since I didn't have much plan for the day, I just went for breakfast and decide to watch Doctor Who till it's time to leave 

I dunno...is it customary to serve just half a cup of coffee?

Anyway, just a little on Doctor Who...this is easily the best series finale of Moffat's era. Moffat strength is his greatest weakness. His episodes are too brainy, and sometimes it hard to catch and lacks a little heart. But this episode was wonderful, apart for the whisper men who did nothing but hiss. I also dun like Jenny's "death"...a little pointless if she's going to be revive in like the next 10 mins.

Anyway, took the cab to the airport. It was supposed to be paid for but he tried to ask me for some toil fee. He quoted 500,000, that's like $25! I only paid $7 for the cab fare. So of course I refused...then he took out a 50,000 note...so I paid him eventually (the extra zero makes a world of difference)

Haiz, then while checking in, I paid another $15 cos I need to check in my bag (cannot close one eye meh). 

The airport...I realized that many Vietnamese were taking the plane to Hanoi just to experience flying, as they were in awe when flying 

Anyway, I left my passport at the airport. I wanted to get a cab to my hostel so I went to the travel counter. She wanted to verify my identity so she took my passport and both of us forgot abt it. Midway through the journey to the airport, she called the cab driver and said that she will get another driver to bring it to my hotel. I'm so going to write a compliment letter to her and the agency!

Anyway, it was a long wait for the passport, but it finally did arrive (I was getting a little worried). I was abt to call them alr. 

Anyway, after I enquirer abt the Halong bay tour, 3 Caucasian lady came in complaining that they were unsatisfied with it. It was a rather awkward situation so I just pretend to look occupied with my phone.

Decided to tour Hanoi on foot, and sign up for some tour at Halong bay (I will need to look around...LOL)

It's seems customary to visit night markets on the first day of my visit. Haha, I can't differentiate what is the difference between them all alr. 

Dinner...just had a sudden craving for carbonara 

Hoan Kiem lake...not a place for me. More like one for lovebirds

I thought it was some sort of theatre...but the lighting inside made it feel more like a club

Mark

Faint of heart 

PS: the things here seems to be a lot more pricey compared to HCM

...and dance, like it's the last night of the world

Haha, ok, this is from Miss Saigon's Last Night of the World (too bad not showing liao)

Anyway, it's gonna be my last night in Saigon (thus the title). Did a short calculation on my expenditure...realise that I'm falling a little short (as usual...what's new). So just had bread and plain water for breakfast.

Was suppose to be visiting some village off the coast. The tourist were predominantly Ang moh, so wasn't expecting much interaction. But visiting the outskirts of the city is always more interesting :)

The Buddha is laughing 

On the boat trip (once in a while need to 自拍 a bit)

Love the fluffy clouds! 

So at the coconut candy making workshop, a couple came to talk to me. Apparently the guy was from France while the lady was from Russian, and they both met in Australia. Yay! Found people to talk to...SUCCESS! 

Snake wine (there's 12 inside if u are counting). It taste...just like wine (wad a connoisseur I am)

The Russian lady...can't see properly :(

Quite a beautiful lady

And it gets better! Had lunch with the same couple and another couple from Spain. Quite interesting to listen to them talk abt the situation in their country and abt Asia as well

All these males worker bees to just one queen. Talk abt being promiscuous 

Another picture of me...had to take one with the hat

Had to try to get this shot!

The traditional performances...they were actually singing Chinese songs with their own accent 

As usual, spent my evening at Ben Thanh market. Haha, 4 nights in a row and I'm getting a little sick of it. Come to think of it, most shops actually sell similar products (I still can't find my keep calm and carry on shirt!). Settled for some pho for dinner...though I did find something interesting outside which I'm going to try later

Mark

Dancing like it's the last night of the world

"You will surely die!"

Haha, this is the pet phrase of my guide today, but I shall leave it for later

Got a pleasant surprise this morning as I got wifi. The Vietnamese girl whom I gave my contact details to, emailed me this morning. I guess she was just curious abt Singapore, and would like to brush up her English (just replied another email of hers as I'm writing this)

Anyway, I'm on a half day trip to cu chi tunnel today. These tunnels were constructed against the American troops, where the Vietnamese would fight against the US troops using guerrilla tactics

For breakfast, I've decided to go for more authentic coffee (u know like how the coffee shop kopi is more authentic than Starbucks etc). So they actually provided me with coffee where I sort of have to brew and filter it on my own. I was looking at him wide-eyed when he serve me the coffee pot (I was like...u expect me to make my own coffee)

Here is this weird looking coffee instrument

So it was the cu chi tunnel tour after breakfast. They brought us to another handicapped handicraft museum again, just like the one I went to yesterday. I met the 5 Malaysians whom I befriended yesterday, though sadly, they were on a different bus tour.

After the handicraft was straight to cu chi tunnel. The tour guide actually spoke rather broken English and I had a hard time understanding him. But when u hear his pet phrase "you will surely die", u know that he is showing you some gruesome traps on the floor meant for the American troops...and indeed, if u ever fall into one of them...just make sure u dun fall into them 

If u actually step on these trap hole...there is actually not much I can write abt what happen next

I think I will just barely fit into the tunnel. It'a for the comparatively petite Vietnamese after all

Clipping armpit trap...awkward sounding name for a sure way to die 

I think this is rather cool. If u ever open a door u are not suppose to, u will see this flying into ur face, and it is suppose to make u impotent as well (it bends around the groin area 

Did a crawl in one of the tunnel, not the most comfortable experience.

It was a half day tour which ended pretty early. So I decided to go look for a shopping mall. Couldn't find one so I settled at some place for lunch. Proceeded on to Ben Thanh market after that to buy some stuff for myself and others. 

The most interesting was the Lebron jersey. I was originally quoted 600,000 dong but I was really not interested in it, so I tried to leave and he kept lowering his price till 150,000. Moral of the story: the best bargaining technique is to genuinely not want something 

Lunch...I'm quite impress with this Claypot-ish fried rice 

Coffee beans for some of my friends...I'm not sure if I'm suppose to get the filter

A pair of shoes for myself...$32 to $25

I actually seem to be ending my day earlier, but tmr will be a long day at the Mekong delta tour...river cruise, bees, honey etc

Mark

Wouldn't want to fight against the Vietnamese 

PS: I dun like my hostel...so unfeeling. Wash laundry also put on weighing scale and ask to pay immediately. Humph 

I can't think of another city where they named it after someone else

Yay! My official first day in HCM. Been a little tired so I've decided to join tours for my time here (it doesn't even cost more than 10usd for a day trip)

Heard a lot abt Vietnam coffee, so I got up early to find breakfast and try some coffee. To my pleasant surprise, Vietnam coffee is really rather unique (I guess it's because I had it at a cafe...not too sure if the usual Vietnam coffee taste similar). Since there are ppl harping on me to get presents, I guess Vietnam coffee would make a good one 

After breakfast, I made my way to the pick-up point. There, I met this Vietnamese girl who was coming to Singapore under the work and travel scheme. Furthermore, she was also an economics undergraduate. This is really a major coincidence. First, I'm more Singapore and she's going there. Secondly, both of us have been or are going for the work and travel scheme; lastly we are economics students. So we hit of rather well, and she was sharing why she wanted to visit Singapore. It was one of the rare occasion where u hear someone talk abt Singapore with such enthusiasm. So I gave her my number and email address, and told her to contact me when she come to Singapore. 

The one in the blue dress. I'm too shy to ask for a photo with her, so take from afar

Soon after, I left with another man for the bus. I soon realized that there were 5 Malaysians on the bus too and I started to interact with them. They were from Penang and had known each other since secondary school.

The war remnant museum 

Boys and their toys :)

A torture cage where they squeeze prisoners in it

A guillotine...torture is such a primitive and barbaric thing

That's the thing abt war. I actually think it might be justifiable to kill under warring circumstances. But there is no way to justify making future generations bear the brunt of it (through radiation of chemical effects)

The Malaysian group invited me to lunch with them, which I gladly obliged 

The city tour was pretty uneventful, but I really did not want to risk crossing the roads too many times unnecessarily while getting distracted with finding my way. 

Went back to my dorm, and I have new roommates, a girl from UK named Sam (I guess it's short for Samantha...reminded me of the girl from "perks of being a wallflower"

As usual, to the market for dinner. I was quite impressed with how quickly they set up the night market...like in a matter of minutes and they were all raring to go. Tried to buy a "Keep come and carry on" shirt...but all they had are "keep come and..." Everything else shirt =.=

All it took was minutes

Haha, the drink remind me of 果菜汁 from Malaysia 

Mark

Dragging his feet across HCM