HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

Beer at one of the rooftop bar at District 1

If you are seeking for a chill and friendly place, mark Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to your list.

You will never regret to the atmosphere here in HCMC aka Saigon.

 Vietnam is well-know for its rich history of war (American war) and also its busy streets. I was shocked when I first cross any streets (yes, any streets) in HCMC, because my heart nearly stops. These vehicles (motor vehicles) never stops and countless. Ha-Ha. But is fun and it remind me of Shibuya Crossing Street in Tokyo (Just shibuya are all human crossing, while HCMC is fighting against Bikers LOL-ed).

Right, back to the main topic, i'll share to you all my references based on whatever I had in my mind.

I've personally spent SGD490 (inclusive of return air ticket, 1 day private tour, food, drinks (lots of beers), souvenirs,  hotel (add on extra 1 night), airport round way private transfer, taxi)

8 Lovely formal and Ex- colleagues

Our trip to HCMC is in a group of 8 adults on 24 December - 27 December (4 days 3 nights - More than enough in HCMC only). I booked my trip with two different airline. Is XMAS + weekend, so flying is extremely expensive. So I've do some research and finding is cheaper to split out the bookings.

Airticket:-
Singapore to HCMC with Tiger airways with the price of SGD96 (one way per person）
HCMC to Singapore with Jetstar airways with the price of SGD107 (one way per person）

Hotel (Originally booked 4 days 3 nights, but our flight on the last day is 9PM so we decided to book another night to shower, so total 4 nights) SGD52 (total 4 nights , per person)

Airport private transfer round trip (1 van, 10 seater) : SGD10 (per person for round trip)

1 full day tour to ChuChi Tunnel with an English speaking tour guide: SGD75 (per person, inclusive of round trip air-con coach, 1 lunch, drinks (mineral water), entrance fees)

Personal expenses : I've changed a total sum of SGD150 (1SGD = VND 15,000) which my expenses concludes:

1. All entertainments and refreshments / good foods
2. Beers
3. Souvenirs (4 mini box of coffee + key chains)
4.  Cafe-hopping
5. Taxi

People told me that, expenses in HCMC is expensive (especially if you add in some shopping) and SGD150 is mainly not enough. Apparently, I don't believe and I stick to my own final decision, to use SGD150 for the whole trip, and I did have some more balances left. Probably because this time i'm travelling in a big group, so we get to share a lot of expenses such as : good BBQ meals, taxi, airport transfer, hotel etc.





But if you are willing to travel budget, trust me, you will find your way. I did a lot of research on Hotels and Private Tours to get the best price I could and help everyone save up. Homework is a must yo! Google, will be your best friend ^___________________^

Please do consider GREEN PATH TRANSFER if you would want to have a comfortable private transfer. Of course, taking the public buses down to District 1 (mainly backpackers area) will be cheaper. We are in a group of 8, so we booked up a round way 10 seater van. Great deal. Friendly, punctual and comfortable. Star rate: 4 out of 5.

Bye Hello House is located at District 1. (Click here) - Yea District 1, to be frank, HCMC was divided to Districts 1 ,2 , 3 and so on. Great, I feel like i'm in Hunger Game. Ha-Ha. Mocking Jay. Yeah man!

Okay. Back to Hello House. Environment is friendly, easy access, clean and quiet. They also provide you Italian style breakfast everyday. Price of the hotel, is reasonable. Do check them out. Location of the hotel, is just about 5 - 8 minutes walk to the famous and pack area: Pham Ngu Lao, District 1. Why? We will talk about it later. Star rate: 4 out of 5

The under secret tunnel during the war by Vietnamese. 

 Lets talk about the full day private one day tour with the price approximate SGD75 per person. (Inclusive of aircon private coach, 1 lunch, drinks, all entrance fee).

I booked our tour in advance with Here

The tour was guided by a Vietnamese whom can speak fluent English. I give the tour a full star rate.

The tour guide was extremely friendly. She even provide us services that was not included in the fee. You may ask her whatever question, she will be very happy to assist you.

We went to Chuchi Tunnel, the main attraction in HCMC. This is where one of the American war was held. I'm not a history person, but these attracted me so much that I'm attracted to the story of it told by the tour guide. These also shows how i'm so impressed and respect to Mr Ho Chi Minh who actually defeated the american.

By understanding all his techniques used during the war, by attacking from underground while the American was above ground. Is insane. I tried to climb through the tunnel, is so narrow, humid and i only did a 40m and i'm dying. Dam, these people, are.... absolutely deserved a big thumbs up. (BOW TO YOU).

I tried one of the hidden tunnel, was so small, (i'm skinny enough) haha!

 I won't be talking too much about the tour, you may want to find out yourself. You will be impressed by experience it personally. Trust me. Worth it. YEAH!

What make this country so special, apart from its war and crazy traffic? Man, of course their COFFEE. Yeah, if you are a coffee lover, don't miss out Vietnam. (I'm not a coffee lover, so I can't comment much on how it taste). I smelled, is really nice. Ha-Ha.!

But i'm a beer lover and a cafe freak. I spend most of my time cafe-hopping (I don't drink coffee in cafe but soft drinks and mostly beers) and also of course sitting beside the streets for the cheap ass (sorry! Singapore beer is too expensive, forgive me) beer! Loving the SAIGON SPECIAL.. Oh mama mia~~~

The culture, the streets

Yeap, I mentioned, I stayed at Pham Ngu Lao area. Is full of massage, nail treatment and of course, amazing live band clubs / bars / pubs. I'm not too sure why they have the culture of sitting on little cute chairs and tables along the street, mainly facing the streets, chilling and drinking.

I tried. Is an amazing feeling. No words could describe how chill it is. Extremely amazing.

Pham Ngu Lao, District 1

Santa is real, his just trying to do a road-crossing coz he lost his deers..haha

Remember I mentioned, I feel like i'm in the movie of Hunger Game. I found this in the neighborhood while I was in the mist of survey / looking for themed / recommended cafes. (Tons of cafes, I can't finish it all)

Come across this. Yea. This cafe is named: MOCKING BIRD. haha.. I did not check this out, but have a glanced. I was at the other cafe, 2 floor down - BANKSY CAFE.

Environment is marvelous.

MOCKING BIRD CAFE

Remind me of THE VATICAN SPIRAL STAIRCASE in Italy
(This is actually a view when i was on my way down to BANKSY CAFE)

BANKSY CAFE

It took me a while to find this cafe, why?

1. It is located in an look-alike abandon neighborhood
2. They did not put up their sign board

Banksy, if you know who he is? I love his art, thats why this cafe attracted my attention to pay a visit. Of course, there is no art of his in the cafe, but these cafe, has a studio feelings, and is vintage. (i love vintage).

Interior of BANKSY CAFE

I mentioned abandon （alike) did i? It really is. Here is a proof！

A nature human nature respond will be like: OKAY, am I in the right place？
Answer: YOU DEFINITELY ARE!!! While exploring the location of the cafe, yea we spotted this:

A secret place of a clothing shop, looks cool

Okay, the other top things to do in HCMC, of course check out the panorama view of the stunning city during sunset. Yea, where to? Check it out!!

Yeap here!!! There is a cafe at Level 52. Where you just order a cup of drinks from their menu (which is over-priced.) But in order to stay for the sunset, yes, please just order. Is worth for the view. Be there by 4PM, Why? Is going to be crowded around 5Pm on wards. So you can grab a good seat for a great shot.

Soft drinks - VND99,000
Beer: VND99,000

What is your choice? What's mine? Do I have to mention? Ha ha!

Yeap! He is NOT my bf. Haha... Well, I met this guy (eric) whom is from the states, a solo backpacker whom has been traveling for the past 5 months and he has travel the whole Vietnam (salute). We chat a lot about our trip while waiting for the sunset.

Okay okay! I know. The sunset. Tada! Here you go!!

STUNNING!

You realized I do not talk about shopping. Is there NO shopping at all in HCMC? Nope, there is! Just is not my style and I don like spending most of my time shopping. You may go to SAIGON MALL. While others are enjoying shopping, me and one of my buddy, we went exploring around on foot.

We came across this stunning sunset view from the other side where others have missed it. Here a photo to conclude my blog post about HCMC.

Where is my next stop ? Yeap. I'm going Vietnam again in March. To HANOI , alone. ^____^

Travel, changes me, it will to you too.....

"Travel", it brings up a lot of different perspective on different people. People judge too quickly when they realize that you travel much more than they do, or a normal person would do. Often, wanderlust, are being judged :

• Rich
• Plenty of time
• No burdens

In fact, all aren't true. I was once in the shoe of thinking how everyone thinks, but when I try, I try to understand and listen to stories from others, it changes me, it brings me towards a world that you would only understand if you blend in. Travel aka wanderlust characteristic, changes me, and it will change you too, only if you believe. If you had the chances, go for it, no matter in a group, or in solo, just the matter of - Now or Never.

1. Try something that is out of your comfort zone

Is either NOW or NEVER. I live up to the word of YOLO (You Only Live Once) slogan. Why hiding yourself in a comfort zone and never ever wanted to try to explore what is outside? We share the same world, the same universe, but it is still so different, in terms of living and cultures. Get out, see for yourself, what is out there. Experience the different culture. The more you see, the more you experience, the more you be able to grow. You start to understand the different stories of different people. You start to understand, how rich or poor each individual or countries is. Learning-process, you never stop learning.

2. Discovering a brand new you

The more you travel, especially when you do it alone, the more you discover about yourself and I mean EVERY SINGLE TIME. Why?! You , yourself is the only one whom is going to be with YOU during the whole journey, you start to understand, what you really love, do, experience, explore. You find inner peace along the journey, you started to understand more about you, i mean the inner you, deep inside. You start to feel free, feel loose, freedom. Yes, freedom from inner, helps to boost you up.

3. Independent , never stop learning

I've always encourage people to try to do at least ONCE in your life-time for a solo - backpacking. You will gain more than you expected. You learn to be independent because you have no one to be there for you to give you a helping hand. You have to plan your own routes, do your own researches, searching the most affordable desire tickets, accommodations, etc. Is all about learning, independent and you never stop. You learn, how to survive, how to blend in, how to solve problems, how to maintain your budgets, how to communicate, you learn how to make tough decisions, you learn how to be responsible on  your path, your decision and everything. All these, you will never learn from school, from books or even from a group travels. Trust me, i've been there and is priceless. A slogan i love a lot - "Fear is temporary, experience is permanent"

4. Expand your circle

The more you travel, especially when you are on your own, the higher chances you get to know more strangers and these strangers, will inspired you, and even be part of your stories to share to others. Along your journey, you get to meet different people, different culture, different races, different backgrounds, but in fact you all come into ONE just because of TRAVEL. You started to learn about their story, and their stories are going to inspired you a lot. I met a lot along my way, met some whom just quit their 9-5 job, sell off everything, and went on to travel to the unknown, some just leave everything behind and do a 6 months journey, where, the journey extended, some ended their services with the ARMY, and start to do what they have not been or being granted the chances to do in their life, some tried their very first solo backpacking and try to experience, some telling you interesting stories on how they make it here, in front of you, some tell you how far their journey took them to reach, and the stories goes on.

I remembered I once  met two Australian in the hostel at ROME, I asked "How long you going to be in Rome for and when did you arrive?" Their reply :" We just got here this morning and we are leaving tomorrow night!" I was like :"Whoat? Tomorrow? That's rush!what makes you to come to Rome?" I was halfway drinking my beer, and I nearly chocked and I went LOL-ED when they told me :"We were so drunk the other night, and we decided - Let's go to Rome! Then, we just book our tickets, and hey, here we are!" You guys are madly awesome!

"We are given a blank book when we arrive this world, with nothing at all, is on you, on how you going to make the blank book, interesting, I have a dream, which is to see the world, and share you my story and feelings"

Wanderlust , go for it!

2015 is coming to an end soon, 4 more weeks to Christmas and 5 to a brand new year of 2016.

Flashing back all my memories,
travel have indeed changes my thoughts and life.

2015 have been a very tough year for me, ups and downs and I've even went through depression mentally stressed and I'm still here, which means I'm still strong.

Being on the path of WANDERLUST, is wonderful.
I hold on a full time auditing (external) job in Singapore and yet I still manage to travel the world.

Is not I have lots of money or time. Despite, my work is stress and busy, and to be frank, auditing jobs does not earn a lot of money, in fact i'm just working in a small firm which is pretty unknown.

Travel, is what I have been doing to keep myself packed and de-stress. You can take it as a temporary escape from reality, and it does work. Keeping myself locked up in a city for a long period of time would cause me depression, which is a terrible feeling that you could not express how it felt. Travel helps! How?

Trust me, stop telling yourself that you have no time, you have no money, just plan a short trip, over the weekend, get out, exposed, experience, everything will definetly to turned up really great.

I've burden, everyone does. I have mortgage loans, saving plans, living cost (Singapore is expensive man!), etc, everyone does. Who doesn't? But yet I'm still doing what I love to do - wanderlust. Yes, I faced difficulties sometimes, in terms of money, savings etc, but this dude - Click Here have some really great blog written in his own way, but BOOM, he did manage to unwind my thoughts.

I've seen a lot of successful travellers, their stories are amazing. Why telling yourself you can't when you say:-

"Com'on! I have kids to feed, I have no holidays! I have this that this that...."

You should seriously explore all those stories of those travellers whom are like you :- Having burdens & family (kids). Their stories are amazing, let me share you one of them - Sunny Backpacker

Inner peace is what I've achieved after a long period of travelling especially when you do it alone. I'm no different as you, I work, I pay my bills, and etc, and I am not afraid to say I only have less than 15Ks of savings which I still need to pay for all my burdens (loans, etc), so what make me so different to you? The only different is I build up my courage to stepped one step ahead of you to see the world.

Next stop :- Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 2015.

Tandem Skydive - I believe I can fly

Skydive Taupo Main Entrance

One of my bucket list officially V (tick) in February 2013. (Yeap, 2 years ago, time flies huh..)

The destination I chose to experience my flying moment - TAUPO, NEW ZEALAND

Me and my tandem master with the amazing view of LAKE TAUPO, NZ

I booked my slot through online at their website ( HERE ). You do not need to pay any single cents while booking (oh well, you may actually choose to pay in advance if you wish). They will confirm your slot and date you desire via email.

Whats next? They will request you to give them a call about 2 hours before on the day before your jump, due to weather forecast checking. (You won't want to jump out of the plane when there is THOR thunder right?xD). If the weather is bad, they would arrange you to another day or probably fully cancel your jump.

I originally signed myself up for the 12,000ft jump but I changed my mind on the day to 15,000ft after getting tempted by a solo traveler from Germany I met on our way to the center.

Oh wait, if you are staying around Taupo & Rotorua area, you could actually request for free pick-up by a limousine. What? Yea, LIMOUSINE.

I'm going to PROM, a flight to catch 

And not forgetting to introduce you the "death form"

IS THE JUMP COSTLY?
Yes. It is. But is worth for a lifetime. You gotta try once as words can't describe how it actually felt to been thrown out in the 15,000ft above ground. Only those who tried understand.

You can check their price HERE

There two basic options for you to choose: Handy cam and free fall cam. I personally suggest you go for Free Fall Cam.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES FREE FALL & HANDY CAM?
Free-fall Cam - You go with a master tandem (whom you will be tied to) and additional a camera/video man whom will be filming the whole process of your jump. From suiting up, boarding and off plane. If you want to get the scenery of the whole jump, best you go for Freefall cam, it seems to be like a 360 degree recording view (with GO PRO).

Handy Cam - You go with a master tandem whom will be the person you will be tied to and also the same person whom will be holding the GOPRO on his hand and record you via interviewing you, etc. During the whole jump, the only things that could be seen is your mouth flipping around (goosh, ugly - You just can't close your mouth for the few seconds or minutes till you get used to it because of the wind) and some "On-Air" interviewing.

Some freefall cam - photos:

 IS IT SAFE? IS IT SCARY?

Imagine you are above ground for 15,000ft.
Imagine you need an oxygen to breath with while you are almost reaching 15,000ft.
Imagine you have to slight over yourself towards the opened door of the plane.
Imagine you have NO experience at all.

YES, it is scary. BUT is just for the 5 seconds, after that, everything is more than amazing.

This photo proof everything. HA-HA

Overall, you have no other option once you board the jet. And the best part, you don't even need to jump off by yourself (unlike Bungy jump.. MAN). Someone will be there for you for your entire 5 mins of jump.

Before the jump, they will have a short briefing for you, telling you how things works and the procedures and rules. You will be attached to experience sky-divers (AND HANDSOME TOO). So, don't worry, you will be fine. The more you worry about it, the more you will lose your interest of giving it a try.

The moment I jumped out of the planed (well, actually pushed). I felt like i'm dreaming. I closed my eyes so tight (i'm afraid of heights actually). But somewhere inner me asked me to open up my eyes. The moment I opened, I saw the pink jet I was on, getting further. It was like a dream, turning a full 360 degree, then I saw the amazing LAKE TAUPO panorama view. It was amazingly beautiful. I was stunned, looking at it and started shouting "this is freaking awesome" 

My thoughts floating "Why people would want to jump of the building to suicide while this world is actually beautiful"

A successful jump and big hug to my master

My jump was very smooth, i get very cleared skies on the day with no clouds at all. A very unique experience in my life which I will never forget.

After the jump, they will ask you to wait for a few minutes for them to get your video and photos ready. When it is ready, they will asked you to enter the theater room where they show you your jump videos on the big screen. Is really amazing and till today, whenever I board a flight, I always looked out of the plane window and start flashing back:

"Did all those jump was real? Because it seems like just a dream, a wonderful peaceful dream"

I look freaking ugly with my suit and also my mouth being "dancing" and "flipping" around for my entire jump. But I still would like to share it out to you.

Here, ENJOY

My Backpacker Hostel Experience

World Map at BOA Guesthouse , South Korea, Seoul

I have been officially addicted to travel since year 2010 to present, and I'm still continue on what I love to do.

I've come across people asking me about "Backpacker Hostel / Guesthouse / AirBnB / Couch-surfing"

I start to realize, people who want to travel start to worry a lot (Is normal, I do too). Backpacker Hostel or Couch-surfing, seems to be a NONO to a lot of people for the 2 major problems :

1. Insecure (as you need to share the room with strangers)
2. Hygiene

I've been traveling across about 17 countries (still counting) and have been experiencing backpacker hostel since year 2010.

I've chosen to stay at the backpacker hostel because i'm usually on a solo travel or with just 1 friend. My only concern on my travel is Keep It Budgeted. The only way for me to do so is via backpacker hostel or couch-surfing.

Trust me or not, it help you to save a lot on your travel. One point (honeymoon and family trip exceptional), while you are traveling to a city, you won't be in the Hotel for 24 hours. I believe you will be spending more than 10 hours wandering at the city and exploring, so why spend hundreds of bucks for a place where you are going to use the bed and the shower room only? (Well, this is my perspective, I respect everyone's different point of view tho)

People I met at the Hostel in Rome

Choosing and determined on which hostel, is a tough one. Basically, you are in a gamble, you either spend a worth amount of money on a very good and comfortable hostel or you are throwing your money on a place where you don't even want extra night in there.

Tips: Google the budget hostel, and spend some little time on reading REVIEWS. You may glance all the photos but to my experience, do not trust photos.

My amazing roommate in Rome.

Hostel at Hakone, common area

Hostel at Hakone, common area

Hostel at BOA guesthouse, Seoul

I usually choose a hostel that have a common area AKA living room. WHY? This is the best place where you can have a relax moment on the computer, getting a tea, and know some friends. Some hostel (well I can say 70%) has their own gathering event where you get to pay some money (trust me is not expensive) and get to gather with all the people who stayed in the hostel.

I've made plenty of friends across the whole world through backpacker hostel/accommodations.

The best part: You get to listen a lot of different stories. All these people, they have interesting stories. How and Why they travel. I got all my inspirations from all these people. Be open minded to accept anyone you met. There may be jerks, may be asshole etc, but who cares? Just learn to protect yourself, you will be fine.

Met this two at Athens

Japan vs America vs Malaysia

I tend to enjoy my moment by meeting all these people, and I even spend time going out with them.

My roommates at Athens, Greece

When I look back all my photos with all these people, it gives me a lot of memories. Why not try to let your trip to have some amazing experience and memories to share with others?

Roommate at Barcelona

Room mates at Barcelona

Insecure, it is normal that people felt insecure while staying at the hostel, so do I. All you need is to be extra alert by keeping a good eye on your own important documents. I pack all my important documents with me in a small bag and put it beside me and hugged it to sleep LOL.

Hostel do come in a 4 bed, 6 bed , and so on . (Some hostel even provide private rooms). You can also choose to go for mix dorm (which means male and female share the same room), or female dorm / male dorm separately based on your own choice.

You can also rent a locker in the hostel where you keep your own key etc.

Hygience, to be honest, it is quite hard to ensure that the place you chose is going to be super hygience. But, you still have to try tho. As I mentioned earlier, reviews, reviews, reviews. =)

Additional things I love about backpacker is also most (80%) of the backpacker hostel do have a kitchen, where you just cook your own food. Is a very good deal if you would like to travel budget.

A group photo at the traditional Hanok style hostel at Seoul with my group of High School Friends

Before, many of my friends do not understand why I want to choose all these backpacker hostel and not go for a good hotel, they also told me that I should learn on how to enjoy my trip.

My point of view is that: Those who knows me, understand that the way I travel is slightly more towards YOLO (You Only Live Once). I love hearing stories of others, that's why I love meeting different people, difference races and different citizenship.

Some friends of mine, tried their very first backpacker hostel experience, and come to me: Now I understand why you always say , try at least one in your lifetime in a backpacker hostel/couch-surfing.


WHY NOT? =))