Cyclos anyone? Personally, I'll rather walk. Hoi An is simply too charming and a slow stroll in the old town will definitely brighten your day!
Monday, October 24, 2005
2nd stop: Hoi An
Today I am on MC… with the usual signs of being overworked: sore throat, running nose and headache. Time to take a break and rest at home…
(Yeah right… I will be working from home. Attending a con-call with India in 15 mins time and another con-call with Australia at 2 pm later.)
Anyway, back to my original intention of blogging about my Vietnam trip. I’ll like to share with you, my favourite town of Vietnam: Hoi An.
Hoi An is a sleepy, little town yet full of charm. There isn’t much traffic and it is full of quaint little houses. I enjoyed its idleness and felt like I can finally relax after the hustle and bustle in Saigon.
So, if you are intending to visit Vietnam, please do not miss Hoi An. Although it is situated in the middle of Vietnam, it is certainly a stop you wouldn’t want to miss if you are travelling northbound or southbound.
Boyfriend and I only stayed for 2 nights in Hoi An, and we easily covered the whole town in half a day. However, one can walk through the old town again and again, and marvelled at each new discovery, be it a new shop, a charming café or noisy children by the side of the road.
During our stay in Hoi An, we also made a half day trip to My Son, a historical site in Vietnam where it is also known as “mini Ang Kor Wat”. Sad to say, most of the ruins were not well preserved and some were heavily bombed during the war. Nonetheless, it was still an enjoyable trip and I feel it serves as a “preview” to Ang Kor Wat.
Hoi An is also the place to tailor-make suits, dresses or even the traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai for ladies. You can get high quality silk at a fraction of the price in Singapore. But please, bargain! Or else, you will join the long list of tourists who were being ripped off. Personally, I did not buy any garments or tailor make anything as I was simply too lazy to shop!
After 2 lazy days in Hoi An, we packed our bags again and made our way to another city, Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam.
Today I am on MC… with the usual signs of being overworked: sore throat, running nose and headache. Time to take a break and rest at home…
(Yeah right… I will be working from home. Attending a con-call with India in 15 mins time and another con-call with Australia at 2 pm later.)
Anyway, back to my original intention of blogging about my Vietnam trip. I’ll like to share with you, my favourite town of Vietnam: Hoi An.
Hoi An is a sleepy, little town yet full of charm. There isn’t much traffic and it is full of quaint little houses. I enjoyed its idleness and felt like I can finally relax after the hustle and bustle in Saigon.
So, if you are intending to visit Vietnam, please do not miss Hoi An. Although it is situated in the middle of Vietnam, it is certainly a stop you wouldn’t want to miss if you are travelling northbound or southbound.
Boyfriend and I only stayed for 2 nights in Hoi An, and we easily covered the whole town in half a day. However, one can walk through the old town again and again, and marvelled at each new discovery, be it a new shop, a charming café or noisy children by the side of the road.
During our stay in Hoi An, we also made a half day trip to My Son, a historical site in Vietnam where it is also known as “mini Ang Kor Wat”. Sad to say, most of the ruins were not well preserved and some were heavily bombed during the war. Nonetheless, it was still an enjoyable trip and I feel it serves as a “preview” to Ang Kor Wat.
Hoi An is also the place to tailor-make suits, dresses or even the traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai for ladies. You can get high quality silk at a fraction of the price in Singapore. But please, bargain! Or else, you will join the long list of tourists who were being ripped off. Personally, I did not buy any garments or tailor make anything as I was simply too lazy to shop!
After 2 lazy days in Hoi An, we packed our bags again and made our way to another city, Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Why Stinky, Itchy Feet?
Someone asked me why did I change the name of my blog from “Pink is the new black!” to “Stinky, Itchy Feet!”?
Well… firstly, it’s time that I revamp my blog… especially since pink is no longer the new black. Purple is more “in” nowadays. ;) So, gotta get those fashion police off my back!
Secondly, I feel that I should always update and reflect my true self via my blog. So, currently, I am going through a phase: having stinky and itchy feet!
Itchy feet since I have a constant urge to travel… and stinky because… my feet really stink anyway! ;P
Someone asked me why did I change the name of my blog from “Pink is the new black!” to “Stinky, Itchy Feet!”?
Well… firstly, it’s time that I revamp my blog… especially since pink is no longer the new black. Purple is more “in” nowadays. ;) So, gotta get those fashion police off my back!
Secondly, I feel that I should always update and reflect my true self via my blog. So, currently, I am going through a phase: having stinky and itchy feet!
Itchy feet since I have a constant urge to travel… and stinky because… my feet really stink anyway! ;P
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Thursday, October 13, 2005
1st stop: Ho chin Minh city a.k.a Saigon
What ever you want to know about Vietnam, you can get that easily from the internet or from any decent guidebook. Personally, I recommend LonelyPlanet as the number 1 guidebook for budget travel to anywhere in the world.
Therefore, I am not going to drill too much about travel tips or places of interest in Vietnam, but I will share my travel hiccups and adventures instead!
Saigon, reminds me of how Singapore would have been during the 1960s to 1970s. Everything had a very retro feel. The shopping malls, shop houses and residential houses looked very much like the old photos of Singapore! That was the 1st impression that I had as I cruised along the highway, from the airport to the heart of Saigon, where our hotel was.
The next thing that hit me: the traffic. Specifically, the honking of the drivers and motor cyclists. These drivers did not seem to use their side mirrors at all?! Everyone horned and bonked every 2 mins on the road because they were either hitting a bend or just wanted to warn the pedestrians who were crossing the roads as if they were strolling in a garden.
After checking in into our tiny room, which we paid 15 USD per night, we set off exploring our neighbourhood. F.Y.I, we stayed in Le Le Hotel, the location was great, service and the staff were warm, however, our room was really, really tiny! For the same price or a little bit more, I believe you can something more value for money.
We had a wonderful dinner at a pricey French restaurant, which I have forgotten the name, but it was recommended in the LonelyPlanet. The food was really good and I had one of the very best foie gras and steak (done in the French style, of course). The restaurant had a colonial setting and everywhere was lighted by candles. Very romantic, indeed.
After the sumptuous (but very expensive) dinner, we decided to walk back to our hotel, which was a good 25 mins away. So, there we were, enjoying our romantic walk when suddenly, a woman, most probably in her 30s, ran towards the wall of the walk way, took off her pants, peed noisily and bared her bottom for the whole world (actually, just the two of us) to see!
I was shocked and disgusted. How could any girl pee in public?! Guys, I can understand since they can get away by peeing standing up. Girls…??!! Hello??!! So, there she was, peeing happily and noisily (she must had a lot to drink).
That is Saigon for you.
The next day, we visited Cu Chi tunnels, the area that was a stronghold for the North Vietnamese, the communists during the Vietnam War. This area was heavily bombed and countless of people died, both Vietnamese and Americans.
Crawling through the tunnels was rather creepy because I knew that just only 30 years ago, young girls and guys crawled through the very same tunnels, with their AK47s and grenades. Some were killed, while some killed others to stay alive.
Our very own guide, a man in his 60s, was a co-pilot during the war! He was fighting against the communists, together with the Americans and had lived and seen the horror of war. Having a war veteran and survivor to guide us through the tunnels, was indeed an experience of a lifetime.
Cu Chi tunnels, the place where thousands of Vietnamese died to fight for their country. It is the symbol of South Vietnam; so do NOT miss it when you visit Saigon!
After exploring Saigon for 2 and a half days, we took a domestic plane to our next destination: Hoi An, my favourite town in Vietnam.
What ever you want to know about Vietnam, you can get that easily from the internet or from any decent guidebook. Personally, I recommend LonelyPlanet as the number 1 guidebook for budget travel to anywhere in the world.
Therefore, I am not going to drill too much about travel tips or places of interest in Vietnam, but I will share my travel hiccups and adventures instead!
Saigon, reminds me of how Singapore would have been during the 1960s to 1970s. Everything had a very retro feel. The shopping malls, shop houses and residential houses looked very much like the old photos of Singapore! That was the 1st impression that I had as I cruised along the highway, from the airport to the heart of Saigon, where our hotel was.
The next thing that hit me: the traffic. Specifically, the honking of the drivers and motor cyclists. These drivers did not seem to use their side mirrors at all?! Everyone horned and bonked every 2 mins on the road because they were either hitting a bend or just wanted to warn the pedestrians who were crossing the roads as if they were strolling in a garden.
After checking in into our tiny room, which we paid 15 USD per night, we set off exploring our neighbourhood. F.Y.I, we stayed in Le Le Hotel, the location was great, service and the staff were warm, however, our room was really, really tiny! For the same price or a little bit more, I believe you can something more value for money.
We had a wonderful dinner at a pricey French restaurant, which I have forgotten the name, but it was recommended in the LonelyPlanet. The food was really good and I had one of the very best foie gras and steak (done in the French style, of course). The restaurant had a colonial setting and everywhere was lighted by candles. Very romantic, indeed.
After the sumptuous (but very expensive) dinner, we decided to walk back to our hotel, which was a good 25 mins away. So, there we were, enjoying our romantic walk when suddenly, a woman, most probably in her 30s, ran towards the wall of the walk way, took off her pants, peed noisily and bared her bottom for the whole world (actually, just the two of us) to see!
I was shocked and disgusted. How could any girl pee in public?! Guys, I can understand since they can get away by peeing standing up. Girls…??!! Hello??!! So, there she was, peeing happily and noisily (she must had a lot to drink).
That is Saigon for you.
The next day, we visited Cu Chi tunnels, the area that was a stronghold for the North Vietnamese, the communists during the Vietnam War. This area was heavily bombed and countless of people died, both Vietnamese and Americans.
Crawling through the tunnels was rather creepy because I knew that just only 30 years ago, young girls and guys crawled through the very same tunnels, with their AK47s and grenades. Some were killed, while some killed others to stay alive.
Our very own guide, a man in his 60s, was a co-pilot during the war! He was fighting against the communists, together with the Americans and had lived and seen the horror of war. Having a war veteran and survivor to guide us through the tunnels, was indeed an experience of a lifetime.
Cu Chi tunnels, the place where thousands of Vietnamese died to fight for their country. It is the symbol of South Vietnam; so do NOT miss it when you visit Saigon!
After exploring Saigon for 2 and a half days, we took a domestic plane to our next destination: Hoi An, my favourite town in Vietnam.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Back from Vietnam
Yup… It has been 13 days since I am back from Vietnam and things have been busy, busy and busy. So swamped with work that I do not have time to blog at all.
Now that I have a breather, I can share with you the 9-days trip in Vietnam. My boyfriend and I traveled from the south of Vietnam, to the north. The order of the cities:
1) Ho Chin Minh City (Saigon)
2) Hoi An
3) Hue
4) Hanoi
5) Ha Long Bay
Haha… if you realized, all the cities start with the letter, H. I will pay tribute to each city in time to come because each city definitely deserves a post of its own.
As an overview, I did enjoy my trip tremendously. It was a backpacking trip, so no luxury hotels, spas or much shopping. The only aspect we did splurge on was FOOD. Yummy Vietnamese and French cuisine! From the roadside stalls to high end restaurants, we tried every local delight we could, and boy, were we delighted!
The Vietnamese are so warm and take so much pride in their country. For instance, one of our local guides sang a song for us during the bus trip, and it was a song about their love for their country, their hero: Mr Ho Chin Minh and about their road to independence. How many Singaporeans would want to sing “Count on me, Singapore” when you have foreign friends around? I’ll reckon not even one, even on our National Day!
Vietnam was once a country torn by war but now, it’s an up-and-coming economic power house. Buildings are budding everywhere and traffic is getting crazy, yet the people are just so friendly… and strong.
Hmmm, will tell you guys more about each city and my trip in details. So, till next time then. ;P
Yup… It has been 13 days since I am back from Vietnam and things have been busy, busy and busy. So swamped with work that I do not have time to blog at all.
Now that I have a breather, I can share with you the 9-days trip in Vietnam. My boyfriend and I traveled from the south of Vietnam, to the north. The order of the cities:
1) Ho Chin Minh City (Saigon)
2) Hoi An
3) Hue
4) Hanoi
5) Ha Long Bay
Haha… if you realized, all the cities start with the letter, H. I will pay tribute to each city in time to come because each city definitely deserves a post of its own.
As an overview, I did enjoy my trip tremendously. It was a backpacking trip, so no luxury hotels, spas or much shopping. The only aspect we did splurge on was FOOD. Yummy Vietnamese and French cuisine! From the roadside stalls to high end restaurants, we tried every local delight we could, and boy, were we delighted!
The Vietnamese are so warm and take so much pride in their country. For instance, one of our local guides sang a song for us during the bus trip, and it was a song about their love for their country, their hero: Mr Ho Chin Minh and about their road to independence. How many Singaporeans would want to sing “Count on me, Singapore” when you have foreign friends around? I’ll reckon not even one, even on our National Day!
Vietnam was once a country torn by war but now, it’s an up-and-coming economic power house. Buildings are budding everywhere and traffic is getting crazy, yet the people are just so friendly… and strong.
Hmmm, will tell you guys more about each city and my trip in details. So, till next time then. ;P
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Just back from Vietnam
I was on a 9-day trip to Vietnam from 23 September 2005 to 1 October 2005, and had a blast!
So many travel tales to tell, but I do not have the time to blog! Currently, I am in the midst of the financial close (argh!!!), and at the same time, I am still clearing some of the accumulated paperwork while I was away.
Nonetheless, just want to drop a note that I am still well and kicking and will continue to blog and share what ever I have to offer. ;P
I got to know that quite a number of my friends are also visiting Vietnam in November… a better time to visit as the weather will be much cooler!
Will definitely blog more about my Vietnam trip and post some photos once I get the chance!
I was on a 9-day trip to Vietnam from 23 September 2005 to 1 October 2005, and had a blast!
So many travel tales to tell, but I do not have the time to blog! Currently, I am in the midst of the financial close (argh!!!), and at the same time, I am still clearing some of the accumulated paperwork while I was away.
Nonetheless, just want to drop a note that I am still well and kicking and will continue to blog and share what ever I have to offer. ;P
I got to know that quite a number of my friends are also visiting Vietnam in November… a better time to visit as the weather will be much cooler!
Will definitely blog more about my Vietnam trip and post some photos once I get the chance!
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