Amazing morning, my blog readers! How’s your holiday? How’s your long vacation going?
As for me, the last two quarters of this year were very busy, and I didn’t get much time to rest. So I took advantage of these days to sleep longer, clean my house, and create content for my TikTok and YouTube accounts. Later, I might listen to an audiobook and then watch a series. These things really keep me motivated in life and help keep me sane.
I’m truly grateful for slow days like these that allow me to reset, recharge, and appreciate the little things.
This year has felt challenging for so many of us, and we all know that obstacles never completely disappear. For me, finding comfort in prayer and keeping a conversation with God has been incredibly grounding, and playing music has been a beautiful way to lift my spirits.
Lately, I’ve been drawn back to Des’ree’s You Gotta Be—an old song I rediscovered on TikTok and have been playing all week—so let me share with you the first part of it, because its message feels like gentle guidance for facing the new year.
BEN THANH MARKET
If you’re a coffee lover like me, this place is pure paradise!
"Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead, release your fears
Stand up and be counted
Don't be ashamed to cry
You gotta be
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day"
This song is deeply inspiring, the kind that dares you to listen and reminds you that you can wake up, start again, and give life your best shot.
Moving on to my new blog post—one that feels deeply connected to this song—I want to share how we can find motivation again after surviving multiple challenges. This journey began more than two years ago, after my father passed away, when I wasn’t sure where or how to start again. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know how much I love to travel; it’s already a part of who I am, and it’s something I know will stay with me as I grow older.
I didn’t expect this to become my favorite: Bánh Mì!
I thought I would have to cancel my Vietnam trip because I was feeling so low, but later I realized that the journey might help me forget my sadness, even if only temporarily. I also knew my colleagues would be there with me, becoming my support system as we explored southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City.
Come and join us; let’s eat at this market!
It was a short trip—three days and two nights. At first, I planned to travel alone, but when I mentioned it to my travel buddies (who are also my colleagues), they said they wanted to join. I suggested we wait for the next seat sale so they could come along, and luckily, we found one and booked right away. Fast forward to the trip itself: we ended up with different flight schedules going to Vietnam and leaving the country. I thought that would be fine—but it wasn’t. The most traumatic part came when I was questioned at immigration, an experience that was both scary and, looking back, a little funny.
One important lesson I learned is that if you plan to travel alone, it’s better to do it solo from the start rather than inviting others later, since that can get messy—and if you’re traveling as a group, planning six months to a year ahead makes all the difference. It was only my second time traveling abroad, so unexpected situations were bound to happen—it was all part of the learning process. I chose to take it as experience, and the good thing is that now I know what to do differently next time.
So why did I choose Vietnam—specifically Ho Chi Minh City? There were several reasons that pushed me to book that flight. First, it’s only a few hours away from Manila. I’d also heard so many good things about the country, especially about the food being both delicious and affordable. On top of that, my plan was to explore more countries in Southeast Asia, immerse myself in different cultures, and—okay—maybe spot a few cute Vietnamese guys too. Just kidding! 😄
Our main priority was to visit as many places as possible in Ho Chi Minh City, try the best local food, and make the most of our short stay. Before going any further, let me first share some important details about Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam is a long, skinny country in Southeast Asia, shaped like the letter S. It’s hugged by China in the north, Laos and Cambodia in the west, and the South China Sea on the east and south. Mountains run along the west, while the east is lined with a stunning coastline. Two huge rivers, the Mekong in the south and the Red River in the north, flow into fertile deltas where most people live—and where some of the best rice and local crops are grown.
Most Vietnamese people live in the countryside, especially in the northern and southern river deltas, though more are moving to cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Popular sports include soccer, volleyball, table tennis, and martial arts. Vietnamese food mixes Chinese and Thai flavors, with lots of seafood, fruits, and fresh vegetables. While Vietnam is a communist country with no official religion, many people follow the “Three Teachings” of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.
Vietnam’s mountains, forests, wetlands, and coastline are home to a huge variety of wildlife, including around 270 mammals, 180 reptiles, 80 amphibians, and 800 birds. Rare animals like Indochinese tigers, Saola antelopes, giant catfish, and Sumatran rhinos live here. The government has created 30 parks and reserves to protect them, but habitat loss from logging and farming is still a threat. Tropical forests once covered most of the country, but now only about 19% remain, though replanting programs are helping to restore them.
Vietnam is a socialist country led by the Communist Party. The president serves as head of state, while the prime minister runs the government. Its main exports include rice, coffee, seafood, shoes, electronics, and clothing. After mostly trading with other communist countries until the 1990s, Vietnam has expanded trade with nations around the world.
Vietnam’s first civilizations began in the Red River Valley around 5,000 years ago. After centuries of Chinese rule, the Vietnamese gained independence in A.D. 939. Later dynasties expanded the country south, and in 1802 it was officially named Vietnam. The French colonized Vietnam by the late 1800s, and Japan briefly took control during World War II. After the war, Ho Chi Minh declared independence, leading to the Vietnam War between North and South, which ended in 1975 with reunification. Today, Vietnam’s capital is Hanoi, the official language is Vietnamese, the currency is the Dong, and the population is over 100 million.
Source: National Geographic Kids (kids.nationalgeographic.com)
Moving on to Ho Chi Minh City, according to britannica.com, it is the largest city in Vietnam, located along the Saigon River, about 50 miles from the South China Sea. Formerly known as Saigon, the city served as the capital of French Cochinchina from 1862 to 1954 and later as the capital of South Vietnam until 1975. After North Vietnamese troops captured the city on April 30, 1975, it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of Ho Chi Minh, a key figure in Vietnam’s independence. Today, the city still reflects its French colonial past through its European-style architecture and is home to Landmark 81, one of the tallest buildings in the world. Ho Chi Minh City has a warm climate, with an average annual temperature of about 81°F (27°C).
According to vietnam.travel, Ho Chi Minh City—formerly known as Saigon—is the economic center of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region. Known for its vibrant energy, innovation, and constant movement, the city blends historic and modern Vietnam within a compact, cosmopolitan landscape. Popular attractions include the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, and Ben Thanh Market.
277 HANDICAPPED HANDICRAFTS
Now that we’ve covered some important and helpful information about Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City—which I know will be useful if you’re planning a trip there—let me go back to my travel story. Because of my father’s passing, I wasn’t able to organize our tours myself, so I asked my colleague to handle the arrangements and we discussed everything before our flight. If I’m not mistaken, she booked our tours through Klook.
Looking back, I think our mistake was trying to maximize our time on the first day despite not getting enough rest. As a result, by the time we reached our last tour, the cruise, we were completely exhausted. We didn’t push through with it because we were so tired—I was already fighting sleep.
I remember the night before our tour when I arrived at the airport, expecting to stay only a few hours, but my colleagues' delayed flight extended my wait. It was unfortunate but normal, so I practiced a lot of patience—and it wasn’t all bad. I got to try Burger King, which I honestly think tastes better in Manila, and I also tried authentic phở for the first time. I bought my SIM card at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (around ₱600/$55, good for a week) and had already exchanged my currency in Manila, which I found more convenient. Everything felt slow and steady. The Ho Chi Minh airport reminded me of Manila’s arrival area, just smaller and simpler. One challenge was the language barrier, but I was relieved to meet a Filipino while buying my SIM. Tip: always have Google Translate ready for a smoother transaction.
Oh, I almost forgot to share one amazing moment from my flight from Manila to Ho Chi Minh City at night: I could see bright, glowing fields from the plane, which I later discovered on TikTok were dragon fruit farms. The sight was so luminous and unforgettable—I couldn’t stop thinking about it!
Another great thing about Ho Chi Minh City is the Grab app, which is widely used across Southeast Asia. We booked a ride to BAPHomestay—our accommodation for four nights, which we found on Agoda—and noticed that the fare was cheaper compared to Manila. In addition, our accommodation was also affordable, and booking a ride from the airport to our place was quick and hassle-free.
Since it was a late check-in, we rested for a few hours, unpacked our bags, took a shower, and changed clothes. By around 9 in the morning, we finally kicked off our first day of touring. Having already realized that the Grab app would be our best friend throughout the trip, we booked another ride—this time heading to Ben Thanh Market.
As tourists who love trying different kinds of food and buying affordable souvenirs like fridge magnets and key chains, Ben Thanh Market instantly felt like home to us. According to vietnamairlines.com
, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s busiest markets, Ben Thanh Market is more than just a shopping destination—it is a food paradise and a cultural icon. Visitors can wander through countless stalls selling everything from fresh produce to clothing and local delicacies. Known as a traditional market and an essential part of the city’s history and culture, its unique architecture and central location attract millions of tourists every year. Visiting Ben Thanh Market is truly one of the must-do experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
Ben Thanh Market is located on Le Loi Street in District 1, right in the heart of the city, making it very convenient for sightseeing and travel. It’s just 500 meters from the City Opera House and surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes that cater to every visitor’s needs. The market has four main entrances on Phan Chu Trinh, Phan Boi Chau, Le Thanh Ton, and Quach Thi Trang Square. Its central location and vibrant atmosphere make Ben Thanh Market not only a shopping hub but also a gateway to Saigon’s rich culture and attractions.
One of the best things about this place is that I was able to buy affordable, high-quality Vietnamese ground coffee, which I absolutely love. I also admire the artistry behind how it’s made—and the best part is, you can easily make it yourself at home. On top of that, some stores even accept Philippine pesos and are familiar with how Filipinos bargain. The Vietnamese people are incredibly friendly and welcoming, making you feel like you’re among brothers.
After indulging in a memorable food trip and shopping for souvenirs at the bustling Benh Thanh Market, we hopped on a Grab and made our way to the iconic Saigon Skydeck at the Bitexco Financial Tower. Standing 262 meters tall with 68 floors, the tower was opened in 2011 and is Vietnam’s first truly international-standard Grade A building. Inspired by the lotus, Vietnam’s national flower, its distinctive design symbolizes beauty, progress, and the country’s immense potential on the global stage. As one of the tallest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, the Bitexco Financial Tower represents the energy, ambition, and aspirations of the Vietnamese people, while offering visitors breathtaking views of the city and a glimpse of its rapid economic development.
Located on the 49th floor, the Saigon Skydeck offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City and its surrounding areas. The experience begins with a thrilling elevator ride traveling at 7 meters per second, adding a sense of excitement even before you reach the top. Once there, interactive screens and information boards help visitors learn more about the city’s key landmarks, while binoculars allow you to take a closer look at the skyline or capture beautiful photos with the cityscape as your backdrop. Before leaving, you can relax at the bar or restaurants for some refreshments and browse the gift shop for souvenirs to remember the experience.
This was a completely new tour activity for me, as I had never experienced visiting a Skydeck before or seeing a bustling city from a bird’s-eye view. I couldn’t help but feel a bit jealous, knowing that, as far as I know, Manila doesn’t have anything quite like this yet. Witnessing Ho Chi Minh City’s progress and improvements was truly commendable and inspiring, and it made me hope that the Philippines can one day develop similar tourist attractions. With better governance and less corruption, experiences like this could become a reality and showcase the beauty and potential of our own cities.
After the tour, we went down to look for a nearby coffee shop, and honestly, it wasn’t hard to find one since there were so many around. We had time to roam the area before heading to our third activity, soaking in the city’s lively atmosphere. I can confidently say that Vietnamese dark coffee is the kind of coffee I could drink all day, it quickly became my favorite and still is even now. Walking around felt safe and comfortable, especially when I compared it to my experiences in Manila. We even stopped by a 7-Eleven, and once again, sorry Manila, but the variety and options there were far better than what we usually see in convenience stores back home. One of the treats I picked up was a sweet potato, and it was absolutely delicious—soft, warm, and perfectly sweet.
By the time afternoon rolled around, we were already tired—me, especially, I was feeling sleepy. But there was no choice; we had to keep going and booked another Grab to Saigon Port. Looking back, I realized this was an activity we didn’t do on our first day, and we probably should have scheduled it for the second day when we had more energy. It was a bit disappointing to only partially enjoy it, but experiences like this are part of travel, and as a traveler, I’ve learned to accept that sometimes things just don’t go perfectly.
The third activity I mentioned was the Saigon Princess Dining Cruise in Ho Chi Minh City, which we booked through Klook. This experience sounded like a highlight of the trip—perfect for sharing a memorable evening with friends or family. The plan was to board a luxury cruise ship for a scenic 2-hour ride along the Saigon River, enjoy stunning views of the city’s illuminated skyline, savor a delicious mix of local and international dishes, and be serenaded by a live band for a romantic and unforgettable evening.
Unfortunately, our experience didn’t go as planned. When we arrived, the cruise was still docked, and our food had just been served. Most of what we ordered was vegan, but by that point, we were so tired that we couldn’t fully appreciate the meal. With the cruise about to start and our energy running low, we decided to pay the bill without finishing our food and left the ship right away. We never got to experience the actual cruise, which was really disappointing. That said, if I ever get the chance to return to Ho Chi Minh City, I would absolutely book this cruise again—and this time, it would be the very first activity on my itinerary.
It was a bit traffic going back to our accommodation, but it felt like a huge relief when we finally arrived. We were extremely sleepy and tired, and my tummy was hurting, so I rushed to the bathroom. We had to rest early because our tour would start early the next morning.
Waking up early was exactly what we did the next day for our tour, which we also booked through Klook. It was the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh City. I remember that our minivan was scheduled to pick us up at NHÀ HÁT QUÂN ĐỘI, an army theater. While waiting, we went to a nearby eatery where we had the best breakfast we experienced in Saigon. It was very affordable, and everything tasted fresh, from the phở to the Vietnamese coffee. It was absolutely delicious.
Fast forward to the tour itself, we made a stop at 277 Handicapped Handicrafts. This is a well-known workshop in Ho Chi Minh City that employs war veterans and victims, who create intricate crafts such as eggshell art and lacquerware. The place offers unique and meaningful souvenirs, although purchases are usually made in person since they do not sell online. Visiting this workshop truly highlighted Vietnamese artistry and its poignant history.
I can confidently say that our second tour was the highlight of my short trip to Vietnam. We ventured away from the bustling city to explore the beautiful countryside of Southern Vietnam. We explored the intricate tunnel systems that once served as military bases and hideouts for Vietnamese soldiers, discovering the hidden underground world of Cu Chi and its complex network of tunnels.
We also took a relaxing boat tour along the Mekong Delta, passing rickety river vessels and watching locals skillfully toss fruits between boats. Along the way, we learned how coconut leaves are used to thatch rooftops and enjoyed the peaceful scenery while having lunch.
Today, the Cu Chi Tunnel Historical Site is preserved in two areas, Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh, located about 70 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors come to explore the tunnel structures and learn about the remarkable victories of the Cu Chi people and soldiers during the war. The site recreates life in the Cu Chi Liberation Zone from 1960 to 1975, offering insight into how villagers lived during wartime. It is now a popular tourist attraction, as well as a meaningful place to reflect on history, enjoy picnics, and go camping, especially for students and groups.
This tour made me realize how resourceful and incredibly clever the Vietnamese people had to be to survive the war. I even had the chance to go inside a very small underground shelter. It was a unique experience, but also nerve-racking for someone like me, who struggles with claustrophobia. The next part of our tour was a boat ride through the Mekong Delta. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to take any photos because my phone was acting up. The tour itself was amazing—literally a jungle adventure—and at times, it felt like we had stepped into a scene from an Anaconda movie. After the ride, we enjoyed a delicious lunch, which was absolutely worth it.
I remember taking another big boat to travel to a nearby island, passing the Mekong River along the way. We visited a coconut candy factory and got a glimpse of local life, with cheerful locals singing as we enjoyed fresh fruit. We also explored a honey farm, discovering all sorts of local products made from honey, even bee pollen. The whole experience was both relaxing and literally sweet.
Experiencing the timeless charm of Ho Chi Minh City was truly worth it—amazing food, everything surprisingly affordable, friendly locals, and so many interesting tourist spots. I wish I had joined my colleagues on the Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing Double-Decker Bus, but I missed it because I had to catch my flight back to Manila. That’s okay—I’m sure I’ll get another chance to do it when I return.
That’s a wrap! Thank you so much for reading my blog—I can’t wait to share my next adventure with you. Any guesses? It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been in my life: Palawan. Truly, it’s heaven on earth!
“Since life is short and the world is wide, the sooner you start exploring it, the better.” - Simon Raven
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