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.