Category: Vietnam

  • Falling in love with Hanoi the second time around

    The first time I went to Hanoi was in 2010. It was the last stop in my 10-day trip in Vietnam, and after going from Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, and Hue, I’m ready to just take it easy. Fortunately (or unfortunately), Toy Story 3 just came out, so instead of sightseeing as all the…

  • Vietnamese Encounters

    I forgot about my hunger when I got off the taxi in front of my hotel in Hoi An. I was excited to be in a new place, and after checking in and dumping my things into my room, I was out in the streets, eager to explore. I turned left in a crucial intersection,…

  • Travel Expense: Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia

    It’s not the cheapest of trips (specially if you see the version where my personal shopping was included), but relative to how much I spent on previous trips, this is pretty good for a 2-week jaunt across three countries. The tickets I hoarded last year played a big part in keeping the budget low. For…

  • Vietnam Diaries: Hanoi and Halong

    I’m at the Hanoi airport, sitting on the floor while waiting for Air Asia’s check-in counters to open. It’s my last hour and some stray minutes in Vietnam. Hanoi has been… interesting. The city has an old world charm. The streets are small in the Old Quarter, lined with shop houses with French and Chinese…

  • Vietnam Diaries: I’m in love with Hue

    I can’t stop saying it — Hue is awesome. Sure it’s freaking hot and the electricity goes out in some areas in the morning, but there are airconditioned mini malls with wi-fi. Like Ho Chi Minh City, there are also plenty of parks around that overlook the Perfume river. Sayuri celebrated her birthday at the…

  • Vietnam Diaries: Vietnam, hey I mean you no offense…

    Hoi an just didn’t agree with me. I don’t know why, but I don’t think the town and I are meant to be. I woke up early to catch my bus to Hue. I waited for the bus in my guesthouse, and it arrived five minutes before 8am. From the distance it looked impressive, but…

  • Vietnam Diaries: Mixed feelings about Hoi An

    Ever had a trip where everything felt right? The weather cooperated, you get a lot of free stuff and you basically have a great time. Ever had one where try as you might not to feel negative, there’s this nagging tug to pull you into negativity that the trip is less than what you expected?…

  • Vietnam Diaries: The heat is on in Saigon

    I’m in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. I arrived yesterday, 35 minutes after midnight, and I’m leaving the city tomorrow afternoon. It’s my first time in Vietnam and so far, I’m loving it. I’m loving the food an awful lot, though I seem to be the only one not enamored with the ban mi (baguette sandwich).…