The first ever solo international happened to be in Vietnam in December 2018. Landed in Ho chi minh city airport at night. Booked a cab from the Boutique Cafe that i booked myself for 2 nights from Air Bnb. [p.s. many people do not understand the concept of staying in cafes or home stays but I believe it really help you in settling down in the new city and feel like a traveler and not just a tourist]. Stayed at Domino Coffee Garden in District 7. Quite and lovely place with friendly staff, warm owner and super cute cats.
A little anxious and supper excited i slept off the night for the adventures of coming day. You can get the food and fantastic coffer from the cafe downstairs.
Day 2 started with the sight seeing and getting to know the city. Money saving advice: download the Grab app ( just like ola/uber in india) it is quick, easy and money saver. I went to some of the popular attractions at the centre of the city.
1) Saigon central post office from where you can send the post cards and buy souvenirs
2) Church across the post office
3) some street shopping from district 1 and 2
4) A guided tour of district 3 where British soldiers used to stay during second indochina war or America war (as some local would say)
5) Museum of vietnamese history
6) Palais de justice
7) Star light bridge
And list can go on. You can choose based on you preference, time and energy. Ho chi minh city earlier know as saigon city is the perfect amalgamation of modern and historical times.
3 of my friends joined me and we all headed towards next destination which was Vung tau. A beautiful small town with sea on one side. Stayed at Ky Hoa Hotel for next 2 days. Places to visit:
1) Front beach
2) Bai Dau Church
3) Night market
4) Christ statue
5) Hon Ba (island)
New day new city. The bus ride from Vung Tau to Mui ne ( beach city) is exhausting but worth it. Next 3 days were at Viva Resorts. Breathtaking views and beautiful vibes.
Headed to the White sand dunes with a beautiful drive in the vintage blue jeep.
Places to visit in Mui ne:
1) white sand dunes ( you can do the car and rv ride on the sand dunes)
2) fairy spring
3) red sand dunes
4) Plenty of beaches
Visited fishermen’s harbour, Joe’s cafe for Christmas, beach visits, local shopping and a lot of local eating.
And a local bus journey to airport with lots of memories to cherish.
Budget of this trip was about INR 70,000 approx including 4 inter connecting Thai flights.
Some tips:
1) Pre book your accommodation. Try AirBnb for boutique hotels and agoda for reasonable hotel deals.
2) Try and use local and public transportation like bus, taxi, bike rides. Use app Grab.
3) Communicate with locals. Use google translate.
4) Try local food as well as fine dine. If you love sea food this is your place.
5) Get a local sim from airport. Will not cost too much.
Hope this will help you plan better. Happy vacations.
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