Cu Chi Tunnel Tour | That Day I learned I have Claustrophobia.

Our tour guide give us a warning that, those with heart problems and those who suffered from claustrophobia should not go inside the Cu Chi Tunnels. I know that I don't have any heart problems, unless a broken heart counts. Lol. 

..and I didn't know I have claustrophobia until I get in the tunnel. The tunnel are extremely narrow and dark. You have to crawl and there is only a space to go on a single file, so you can not turn back should you change your mind. I scurried along in the darkness, wondering where the exit was and how long will I be inside the tunnel. I could hear other tourists breathing heavily which makes the situation a lot more scary for me. The minutes I was down there seems like forever until I finally saw the exit, I stumbled out panting and sweating. 

So, if you think you don not have a heart problems or does not suffer from claustrophobia book a trip to Cu Chi Tunnel. Tour operators is everywhere in Ho Chi Minh City. I paid 125,000.00 Dong for the tour and 90,000.00 for entrance fee. One last warning: YOU SHOULD BE OPEN MINDED LISTENING TO A STRONG ANTI-AMERICAN SENTIMENT. I don't think your tour guide will warn you about this.

On the way to Cu Chi Tunnel, we stopped at a a gallery where local people make various handicrafts and souvenirs. 

Our tour guide played a video about the war or should I say their point of view about the war while we are on board to the Cu Chi Tunnel. 

When we arrived we went inside one of the huts to learn more about the war and Cu Chi Tunnel. Afterwards, we go into the woods for a tour.

First thing the tour guide showed us is the little trap doors, which was used by the Vietnamese during the war. Each person in our group then took turns jumping into the holes for a picture.

Next thing the tour guide proudly showed us various traps that the Vietnamese deployed during the war. An exhibits of holes in the grounds with spikes arranged in different patterns, sizes and depth. I winced just by looking at them and the rattling sound of gunfire from somewhere within the forest adds more chills to my bones. 

Finally, the tour guide brings us to where the rattling sound of gunfire is coming from. For a few dollars, you may fire an AK-47 or any weapon from the menu.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Vietnam is the starting point of my first solo backpacking trip abroad. The thought of traveling abroad alone for the first time got me scared at the beginning especially at the immigration. Lol 

Luckily, I made it through the immigration smoothly and has landed safely in Tan Son Nhat International Airport. It was around 3:AM when I arrived so I don't have any choice but to take a taxi to my hotel which is HongKong Kaiteki Hotel located in Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, Dist.1. 

Saigon, Notre-Dame Basilica

I woke up at 10:00 in the morning and as soon as I had breakfast, I started my Ho Chi Minh City Tour on a motorbike. That was not the first time that I've been on a motorbike but doing it in Vietnam is a little scary but really liberating and fun. 

My morning in Vietnam is always made perfect with a cup of Ca Phe Sua Nung

Situated right in the center of Saigon and is one of the most famous landmark in the city, I ask my motorbike driver to visit THE NOTRE-DAME BASILICA first.

Saigon, Notre-Dame Basilica

Constructed between between 1863 and 1880, the cathedral attracts not only the Catholics but also most tourist for its neo-Romanesque style architecture.  It has two bell towers reaching the height of over 58 meters. In front of the church is the statue of The Virgin Mary which is said to have shed tears in 2005. 

Across the Notre-Dame Basilica is the SAIGON CENTRAL POST OFFICE. The building was constructed in the early 20th century when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. It has a neoclassical architectural style and was designed and constructed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel.

Saigon Central Post Office

Inside Saigon Central Post Office.

After visiting the Saigon Central Office, my Driver brings me to THE SAIGON OPERA HOUSE.  Among the few places and landmarks I've visited in Saigon, this is my favorite because it has so much "Paris feel" in it. Maybe because of the Louis Vuitton shop across the street. Lol. 

The Saigon Opera House.

Lastly, my driver took me to THE REUNIFICATION PALACE. Also known as Independence Palace. This is an important landmark because it serves as a vivid reminder of the end of the Vietnam War.

It was almost lunch time when I finish my tour, so I eat at a restaurant near my hostel and had these delicious Vietnamese Dish for lunch.

In the afternoon, I joined a group tour to Cu Chi tunnel which made me realize I am claustrophobic. Lol. I will post my Cu Chi Tunnel experience on another blog post.

Vietnam & Thailand Backpacking Adventure on Instagram

Last December, I go on a solo backpacking trip to Vietnam and Thailand. Initially, my plan is to start the trip in Vietnam, fly to Bangkok and then travel overland to Cambodia. The plan failed because I've spent most of my "Cambodia Travel Fund" getting drunk in Silom Area in Bangkok almost every night. LOL

Anyway, let me show you My very first Backpacking Adventure through my Instagram post. My Instagram is a "micro blog" updated regularly with my selfies LOL :) so follow me @esnerazul for travel updates and more.

Fly from Manila to Ho Chim Minh City with Cebu Pacific Air. #delayedflight

Touch Down Tan Son Nhat International Airport, exchange 50USD and I become an instant millionaire, YAY!!! until the taxi driver asks for 700,000.00 of it plus 20USD. #I-Think-I-Got- Scammed.

My first morning in Vietnam is made perfect with a cup of Ca Phe Sua Nung. #I-Dont-Need-Starbucks-In-Vietnam

Started my Saigon City Tour on the back of a motorbike. I visited, Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, Saigon Central Post Office, Saigon Opera House and Reunification Palace #French-Colonial-Architecture

Joined a group tour to Cu Chi Tunnel in the afternoon but stuffed myself first with local dishes. #Delish  

Fly to Bangkok after two days in Vietnam. #excited-to-be-back-in-Bangkok

But, I fell in love with Vietnamese Coffee, that I get some of these at the Duty Free Shop in Tan Son Nhat International Airport's Duty Free shop. #I-love-Vietnam's-Coffee

Touchdown Suvarnabhumi Airport and figuring out how to get to my hotel while stuffing myself with Chicken Satay. #I-eat-A-Lot-When-I-Travel

Experiencing  "The Venice of the East" on a long tail boat locally known Khlongs. #The-Venice-of-the-East

Travel to Ayutthaya for temple hopping. #Ayutthaya-Temple-Run

Visited the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) #must-see

Tried Bangkok's Street Food, surprisingly, they are good. #I-have-no-idea-what-im-eating-but-they-are-good

... and the adventure has ended. Flying back to Manila. #and-the-flight-is-delayed-AGAIN.

This is just an overview of my first backpacking adventure, more and detailed post soon. Do not forget to follow me on Instagram @esnerazul for selfies like the one below :) just kidding.