Back in Saigon

Saigon is one of the dangerous place to visit. Do you know why? It makes your pocket hurts, badly.

Last year, in January I found affordable tailor made shop at Saigon. So here I am in Saigon again doing the same thing as last year - making shirts, pants, skirts and dress. This time - a lot more. Duh.

Its like terpaksa rela situation. If I did not do it here in Saigon, I will have difficulties to find my size @ home. Plus these days  I'm too lazy to spend my time at shopping complex. I'm now the homey type :) Those valuable time I can do so much other things kan. So now,  sudah menghabisi beratus US for these plus all kain and baju kurung.

While the rest going for a tour, I'm trying to focus to complete my office work inside the room. Kerja seperti hujan.. tak habis habis :) Oh begitulah kan.. mencari sesuap nasi.

I should back to work and then play :) Another massage would be good to compensate my hard work :D

Location : Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Thành, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City,
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Sài Gòn = Shòp Ping

Was in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) for 3N4D. Last year in Feb, I went to Hanoi and I think, Saigon is fairly modern compared to Hanoi. Most people know Vietnam because of the infamous Vietnam War. French, Japanese and US occupied the country many many years ago. They celebrate Vietnamese New Year which actually the same as Chinese New Year.

Few things about Saigon:

1. If you would like to go back to the past, say 15-20 years back - Saigon is the place to go. Somehow Saigon reminds me of our own country when I was a little girl. Terdapat banyak taman/padang. Kids and adults playing sepak yim. Kabel electric berselirat di jalan raya. Mereka kelihatan susah, tetapi tidak kelihatan pengemis di jalanan. Tapi jaga-jaga dengan si penyeluk saku. Mereka ni terror. Sedar-sedar dah kena copet. Jalan raya sentiasa sibuk dan confusing.

2. Saigon is paradise for shoppers. I was surprised. Tak sangka di negara yang 80% populasi nya Buddha, punya banyak kedai menjual kain (cotton and silk), baju kurung (with heavy mannequin), telekung dan tudung. Harga – memang sangat berpatutan. The only setback is that they are not that friendly, especially at Ben Tanh market. Do not bargain if you are not sure if you want to buy. They like to force you to buy.
3. Begitu juga dengan tailor made suit and shirts. They can make it in one day. Bought myself in total of nine pieces of shirts, pants and skirts. I felt that I’m a designer :). I can choose the material and design it. I like :).

4. I took half day tour to Cu Chi tunnels. I watched very old video about how the Vietnamese people outsmarted the Americans. Then the tour guide explained the weapons and traps used. I crawled inside the tunnels. It’s narrow, dark and hot. I felt suffocate inside the tunnel. So if you are claustrophobic, please do not enter. Ended my journey with ubi kayu dan menembak dengan senapang M16.

5. Sad to say one day Mekong Delta tour is just a waste of time. Traveling by bus and motor boat for few hours just to experienced candy making process, sampan and Vietnamese singing some old song. Tak berbaloi. Our own homestay programme is much more happening.

6. Halal food is not really a problem. VN Halal is very near to Ben Tanh market. If you opt for tour, bring your own food – roti, biskut or maggi. Otherwise – kelaparan. I did not have the courage to try chon coffee. Cukup lah sekali.

Akhir kata, jika ke Saigon – Selamat bershopping. That’s the only thing that worth to Saigon.

I'm in Hanoi, Honk your Horn!

There’s one unique thing about Hanoi.

Motorbikes, bicycles and cars – they communicate in one international language called horn honking. Drivers constantly honking their horn, (I guess every 8 seconds) to fight for road space. They move like ants in all directions, communicating with each other through the horn.

Honking the horn doesn't mean a driver is angry (I think) otherwise this city is full of angry people :), it's a polite courtesy to let everyone know they're coming through and to get out of the way in order to avoid an accident. After awhile somehow I get used to it.

Trying to cross the road is an experience. There are no gaps. The only way to is to walk slowly (don’t run), relax and hope for the best. Somehow the traffic will go around you.
Being so called adventurous, I’ve prepared myself with map courtesy of Google. Surprisingly, walking around Hanoi is quite easy. The old Quarter has everything- silk, shoes, shirts and all sort of souvenir. Shopping around are satisfying. I can ask price without any obligation to purchase. They communicate pleasantly. They accept both currency – Dong and USD.

Journey to Halong Bay was very tiring. Six hours journey was like forever. Should extend my stay and stay one night on the boat :) But it’s worth it. Wish I have extra canggih camera to take the photos :)



Food - not a problem. Found halal restaurant own by malaysian. This -photo below are their own version of mamak stall.



I need another vacation :-D