Buzz
Day 1: Flight from Hanoi to Saigon (11:30 - 13:35)
Day 2: Exploring, Dining, and Dancing in Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City
Transportation
From Tan Son Nhat Airport, take a direct bus to District 1. Inquire about the one that stops near your accommodation. Buses are budget-friendly and convenient. For getting around Saigon, I opted for a rented motorbike on Pham Ngu Lao Street. Leave a passport deposit, pay around 5 million VND, and enjoy the flexibility of movement. The daily rental cost is 150,000 VND.
Bus from Tan Son Nhat to the City Center
Accommodation
When I arrived in District 1 looking for a room, everything was booked because I didn't plan ahead. Luckily, after some exploration, I stumbled upon 91 Ky Con, which had available homestays for just 100k/day. The price was affordable, but if you don't mind sharing a room, it's a great option.
If you're a solo male traveler without specific preferences, this place is worth considering. However, if you're in a group with females, it might be more economical to check out other districts like District 3 or District 4 for cheaper room options.
Recreation Spots
Nhà thờ Đức Bà and Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street are conveniently close, allowing you to combine a visit to both. Additionally, Ben Thanh Market and 23/9 Park are in proximity to my accommodation, so I decided to explore them right away.
Ben Thanh Market - a renowned landmark in Ho Chi Minh City
However, the place that left the most profound impression on me is the War Remnants Museum. Only by visiting this museum did I truly understand the devastating consequences of war on the people of Vietnam.
War Remnants Museum
Dining Spots
Saigon is truly a food paradise with a plethora of delicious options, especially when it comes to street food. What impressed me the most was the snail dishes in Saigon. The snails here are incredibly tasty, with spices and flavors distinct from the Northern region, making them even more delicious.
Delectable and enticing snail dishes
Day 3: Saigon to Singapore (08:55 – 11:55)
Day 4 exploring the land of Singapore
Singapore
Accommodation
For your stay in Singapore, visit agoda.com or booking.com to find a room that suits your preferences. In Singapore, there are two main areas to consider: the Chinese district and the Indian district, each offering a unique experience.
I chose to stay in the Chinatown area because I prefer Chinese cuisine over Indian. Generally, finding affordable rooms in Singapore is a challenge due to its high living costs, ranking among the most expensive places globally. Therefore, my stay in Singapore was only for 2 days, but I managed to explore all the key attractions.
Transportation
In Singapore, you must use the subway for commuting. Upon arriving at Changi Airport, head to terminal 2 for ticketing, where you can purchase a tourist pass for $10, providing unlimited rides for a day. To check the subway map, use the Singapore MRT app and simply input your destination and starting point for automated guidance.
Subway tickets in Singapore
Entertainment Hub
On the first day, right after dropping my luggage at the hotel, I headed to Sentosa Island (quite close to Chinatown) to visit UNIVERSAL. Booking tickets online in advance is more economical than purchasing them on-site (around 1 million VND per person). Although the entrance fee is a bit pricey, the experience is truly worth it. There are plenty of attractions to choose from, with the most thrilling being the suspended train ride. It felt like the train might flip over several times, keeping me on the edge of my seat.
Universal - the legendary entertainment center
Within this area, there are countless picturesque spots for photography. Note that the place attracts a large number of visitors, so upon entry, explore deeper into the park and play from the inside out. If you see a crowded queue for a particular attraction, try another one and come back later. This way, you can save a significant amount of time. I played a game in Jurassic World and had to wait in line for over half an hour.
Jurassic Park - Singapore
In the evening, if you still have energy, head to Gardens by the Bay to witness a spectacular light and music show. Arrive around 7 PM to secure a spot near the central tree where tickets are sold for the elevated walkway. Wait until around 7:30 PM to enjoy the mesmerizing music and light performance. The atmosphere is incredibly romantic, attracting many couples.
Enchanting music and light performance
The next morning, explore China Town and Little India. In Chinatown, visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple at the intersection of Sago and South Bridge Roads. This temple showcases numerous dazzling Buddha statues, with rumors of thousands of small Buddha statues inside. As for Little India, take a stroll to experience it for yourself; however, I found it less appealing than China Town, and Indian cuisine may not suit Vietnamese tastes.
Chinatown in Singapore
Haji Lane Haji Lane is a charming pedestrian street located in the Arab Quarter of Singapore, just a 10-15 minute walk from Bugis MRT station. It's a renowned shopping destination for fashion items and creative handmade products. The distinctive feature of this area is its small and picturesque layout, nestled between two rows of houses painted in various colors. When I visited, many people were there taking photos. Nearby, you'll also find a mosque that you can explore.
Impressive Arab Quarter
Afterward, head to Marina Bay – Gardens by the Bay – Marina Bay Sands to capture photos of the legendary Merlion. These three spots are quite close to each other, and you shouldn't miss them while in Singapore. If you wait until evening, you'll witness the light and music show called Wonder Full. The show takes place every night at the Marina Bay Sands resort casino. Just stand near the Merlion to enjoy the beautiful light effects. There are two performances daily at 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM, with an additional show at 11:00 PM on weekends.
Merlion Statue - Icon of Singapore
In the evening, after enjoying the free water show at the Merlion, head to Clarke Quay for some entertainment. Here, you'll find a vibrant area with unique and colorful restaurants, bars, and cafes reminiscent of Chinatown. What caught my attention the most was a ride for four people inside a cage that swings you back and forth in the air. I was too scared to try, but if you're adventurous, give it a go – it's sure to be an exhilarating experience.
Clarke Quay at night - dazzling and enchanting
Dining Spots
For budget accommodation, consider staying in a hotel near Chinatown and explore the local dining options. The food there is reasonably priced, averaging around $3 SGD per meal, much cheaper than other areas. Avoid roadside stalls and instead, venture to buildings resembling apartments where you'll find delicious food stalls on the second or third floor. The main street eateries tend to be pricier, with dishes costing around $10 each. If you need snacks or beverages, check out the 7 Eleven convenience stores.
Chinese dishes always infused with special flavors
As this review is quite lengthy, I'll continue with reviews of Indonesia and Malaysia in the next part. Stay tuned for more!
Source: Tien Chung
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