Venturing into Vietnam is a journey that will transcend your present into wonderful memories. As usual, preparation is the key. I do not like visiting crowded spots unless it’s an absolute bliss. So my itinerary might not fascinate some audiences, but it would nonetheless be quite an adventure. Let’s go, shall we?
Arranging your Visas and finding a place to stay in Vietnam
Obtain your e-visa effortlessly by visiting the reputable website: Vietnam E-Visa. Be cautious of untrustworthy websites. This platform is the authentic solution for all your visa requirements. The approval process typically takes around one week. The cost is approximately $25 for a single entry and $50 for multiple entries.
Booking our flight tickets was crucial, like ensuring we had enough snacks for the journey! We nabbed some seriously cool deals and wrangled those flights there and back without breaking the bank. Want to peek at all the nitty-gritty spending details? Swing by the end of the blog for the full lowdown!
The accommodation in Ho Chin Minh turned out to be a nightmare experience. Despite booking the rooms well in advance, our reservation was canceled just before our departure, causing chaos in our entire itinerary. The staff were unresponsive and ignored our calls. Even the platform, Booking.com, failed to provide any assistance. I strongly advise steering clear of Masteri Thao Dien Apartment. In a last-minute scramble, we found another hotel, but the actual place bore no resemblance to the photos on the website. Finally, we settled for a decent hotel, only to encounter issues when money was stolen from the safe. It was a lot to handle, to say the least.
Intense negotiations with the higher-ups to finally uncover the top-secret CCTV footage.
Ho Chin Minh City
Food is a big deal when it comes to showing off a place’s traditions. And let’s be real, Vietnam has some seriously wild dishes that can make any foodie break a sweat. I mean, the Indian joints are fancy and pricey, so we went for the vegan stuff, and man, it was totally worth it.
Things to do in Ho Chin Minh City:
Klook is an important app in this area. You can book your sim in advance and pick it up at the airport. We did the Mekong River Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh. It was a well-organized trip with pick-up and drop-off services. The ride to Mekong took about an hour. The tour kicks off with a mini visit to the honey farm. Our delightful tour guide unveiled the secrets of honey-making while treating us to a delightful selection of honey-infused teas and snacks, taking our taste buds on an adventure.
After making another stop, we encountered a treasure trove of chocolates, coconut pastries, and wines that were out of this world. Only the most dedicated drinker would dare venture here, where even a snake got itself tangled up in the bottles!
And finally, the nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City is a world in itself. From lively party scenes to vibrant bars, this city never sleeps. Taking a stroll through the city is a beautiful experience in itself.
The following day, we embarked on our quest to explore the quirky corners of Ho Chi Minh City. First stop: the Saigon central post office, because nothing says adventure like mailing a postcard from a foreign land, right? And let me tell you, this city truly lives up to the “never sleeps” reputation—coffee pit stops galore! I swear, you can’t turn a corner without stumbling upon yet another caffeine haven. The locals’ obsession with coffee is next-level, folks. I’m talking about a consumption rate that would make your head spin faster than a whirring coffee grinder. And don’t even get me started on the flavors! From traditional brews to exotic concoctions, there’s a java journey waiting around every corner. But the pièce de résistance? Phuc Long. Yes, you read that right. It’s not just a name, it’s a revelation—a coffee paradise so divine, that it’ll have you questioning your allegiance to your morning cup back home.
Other places of interest include the Ben Thanh Market, home to some top-notch bargaining action, and the Jade Emperor Pagoda. At Ben Thanh Market, prepare to exercise your negotiation skills as the initial prices may cause a serious case of sticker shock!
After surviving the chaos and commotion, we were off on our grand adventure to Halong Bay! Trying to squeeze this epic escapade into one page would probably give my readers a serious case of literary concussion, so I’ve decided to spread this wild experience across the pages of my travel diary. The rundown of our expenses until this point is carefully laid out below.
Adios Amigos!! Stay tuned for the next installment of my globetrotting escapades.
Crunching the Numbers: Total Expedition Expenses from India to Ho Chin Minh City.
| Remarks | Purpose | Amount (INR) |
| Per Person | Visa | 4000 |
| Including 20 kg luggage per person | Flight ticket both ways | 15849 |
| Average room rent (double bed) | Room at Ho Chi Minh City | 5500 |
| Booking Via Klook App | Tour package | 1543 |
| Grab taxi | Aiport to Ho Chin Minh City | 500 |
| Air tickets (per person) with luggage (20kg) | Ho Chin Minh -> Halong bay | 3308 |
| Grab – Cab to airport | Ho Chin Minh -> Halong bay | 891 |
Rijju's Runway 