Vietnam Trip Report

Randhir said:
Greetings from Saigon :)

Just wanted to do a blog/report from my travels in Vietnam (first time visitors). I don't expect this one to have as much engagement as the previous Thailand trip, since Thailand seems to be the destination of choice for SA travelers to SEA, with Bali in second place, but I'm sure some will welcome the info nonetheless.

We traveled using Qatar Airways, via Doha. The planes weren't great, especially Doha-Saigon, but the service was way better than Emirates in my opinion. Visas for South Africans need to be done with a 3rd party company that sends through a visa on arrival pre-approval letter, and there's a $25 VISA fee when you arrive at your port of entry.

We're staying in the backpacker district of HCMC, down a myriad of little alleyways full of local shops and apartments at an AirBNB townhouse apartment. We got to our place and headed off on foot in search of some local Banh Mi. On a recommendation we made our way to a place around 25 minutes on foot from our AirBnB, during rush hour.

There's a way to get used to the madness that are Vietnam's road "rules", and this wasn't it. It can be an overwhelming learning experience. Scooters rule the roads here, and while there is a method to the aforementioned madness, it can take a while to learn the rhythms of the traffic and when - and how - you can cross.

On the way, we had our first taste of Ca Phe Sua Da, Vietnamese Robusta - much more bitter than Arabica, so it's usually mixed with condensed milk. It's really really rich, but tastes amazing. The iced coffee really hits the spot in the oppressing heat.

Finally, we got to our destination, Banh Mi Tam Ba. I've heard so much about this baguette, and have wondered what the big deal is, but it really does live up to the hype. Fresh, crispy rolls with a soft interior, stuffed with homemade mayo, pate, roast pork, and some assorted veg with chili and fish sauce.

View attachment 559919

I neglected to take a decent pic before we devoured the rolls. Airplane food for almost a day and a half will do that.

Unfortunately, straight after wolfing down our rolls, the heavens opened up and the notorious Saigon downpour kept us under the shop shelter for the next 45 minutes (at least)

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We had arranged a mini tour for that evening, and by the time our guide joined us, the rain had let up. I didn't take many pics, but we were shown around District 1 and 3. We stopped off for a quick taste of something called Mi, a flavourful broth with some dumplings.

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As a side-note, this new forum layout is hot garbage.

One of the last stops was Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street

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We took an elevator up to a coffee shop near the top, where we watched the crowds go by over another delicious iced coffee.

Our guide dropped us back near our place, recommending a nearby 24 hour Pho joint.

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TF (the fiancee) had a Bho Kho, a beef stew.

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Uploading that last pic only took around 8 tries. Anyway, the pho left a bit to be desired, but the bho kho was pretty tasty.

I'm currently at the end of Day 2, but it's 2:26AM here now, so I'm off to grab a beer :)
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Was initially thinking of doing Thailand then taking a budget flight to Vietnam and a few other SE Asian countries then changed my mind in favour of Europe, your pics making me think twice
 
mmmig said:
Was initially thinking of doing Thailand then taking a budget flight to Vietnam and a few other SE Asian countries then changed my mind in favour of Europe, your pics making me think twice
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There is going to be a huge difference between your European budget and your SEA budget.
 
bokka1 said:
There is going to be a huge difference between your European budget and your SEA budget.
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I was checking visiting the same number of countries in Europe traveling by train is about the same as SEA flying. The plane tickets add up
 
On the Visa:

I traveled to Vietnam in 2016, and applied directly at the Pretoria Embassy. You fill out a 1 pager, and EFT the required funds. I did not use a 3rd party, and I didnt even go to the Embassy. I used a courier service to deliver & pick up my passport. Was done in about a week.

So tips from my side:

I also went more of less the same time of the year as the OP, and I avoided the South, due to it being monsoon season. I landed in Hanoi, spent some time there and then went to Cat Ba Island (biggest island in Ha long bay).

You can travel in the majour cities with Uber, and its DIRT DIRT cheap.

Vietnam is basically like Thailand, without the clubs & lady boys. Its not as commercialised, and not as many tourists. Im not big into the night life & strip clubs and actually preferred Vietnam.

I can highly recommend the trip, I would go back in a hearbeat.

Be sure to try the spring rolls!
 
mmmig said:
I was checking visiting the same number of countries in Europe traveling by train is about the same as SEA flying. The plane tickets add up
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Have you compared the food, drinks and hotel prices?
 
mmmig said:
Hotels yes, food and drinks no
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Food and drinks in Europe are expensive.

I went to Portugal in 2017 and it is one of the cheapest European countries and you won't get a plate of food for less than 10 Euros and wines start at the same price. Most foods are more expensive than that. Going to Amsterdam or Germany you are going to pay much more.

My wife and myself had a plate of pasta each, a bottle of the cheapest wine on the menu in Amsterdam and it was 70 Euros. This was not a fancy place. For 70 Euros you can eat like a king for a couple of days in SEA.
 
In Europe never eat in tourist areas. You will pay double for the same food and beer. In Porto Portugal we ate in the old city center in the beginning until we found that locals ate and drank in the outskirts and in side roads. A large plate of food is around €5 to €6 and we could never finish it all. A beer costs €1,25.
 
marco said:
In Europe never eat in tourist areas. You will pay double for the same food and beer. In Porto Portugal we ate in the old city center in the beginning until we found that locals ate and drank in the outskirts and in side roads. A large plate of food is around €5 to €6 and we could never finish it all. A beer costs €1,25.
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Europe cleaned out my budget.
 
marco said:
In Europe never eat in tourist areas. You will pay double for the same food and beer. In Porto Portugal we ate in the old city center in the beginning until we found that locals ate and drank in the outskirts and in side roads. A large plate of food is around €5 to €6 and we could never finish it all. A beer costs €1,25.
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The problem is that I am a tourist and like to eat at the scenic places. I enjoyed eating on the Ribeira overlooking the Dom Luis I Bridge. Why would I trek to the outskirts of Porto?
 
bokka1 said:
The problem is that I am a tourist and like to eat at the scenic places. I enjoyed eating on the Ribeira overlooking the Dom Luis I Bridge. Why would I trek to the outskirts of Porto?
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Wow. That's the same place we ate. Outside eating and the closest to the river. Very very disappointed with my fish at €8.50. Crumbed fish that comes frozen in a box bought at a supermarket. Not even flaky.

What I mean by the outskirts of the old city center is a few minutes walk from the main road to either side. Not the outskirts of the city.

When we go to foreign countries we love to eat local and not westernised foods that you find in overpriced tourist spots.

It's great to sit outside at these small cafes and get served with a cast iron pot with fresh octopus, potato and tomato stew with fresh bread made by the the big Mama in the back kitchen. A meal for 2 for €12.00 and you have soft Portuguese music in the background and the Mamas shouting across the street from their balconies to there neighbour on the other side. Now that's great.
 
marco said:
Wow. That's the same place we ate. Outside eating and the closest to the river. Very very disappointed with my fish at €8.50. Crumbed fish that comes frozen in a box bought at a supermarket. Not even flaky.

What I mean by the outskirts of the old city center is a few minutes walk from the main road to either side. Not the outskirts of the city.

When we go to foreign countries we love to eat local and not westernised foods that you find in overpriced tourist spots.

It's great to sit outside at these small cafes and get served with a cast iron pot with fresh octopus, potato and tomato stew with fresh bread made by the the big Mama in the back kitchen. A meal for 2 for €12.00 and you have soft Portuguese music in the background and the Mamas shouting across the street from their balconies to there neighbour on the other side. Now that's great.
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Now u making me lus for Portugal
 
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