Facebook Pixel

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam

By Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor April 25th, 2018 Posted in Asia Travel Blog, Inspiration and Love Stories, Travel Blog 4 Comments

This article is a guest post by Barbara Isla.

I was sent to Vietnam early December to attend the Coca – Cola’s Blogger Visit that will showcase their Ekocenters in the country which you can read more from my other posts.

As most of you know, Vietnam is located in the easternmost part of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. I haven’t been to Vietnam so I gladly took the opportunity for a 5 – day visit. You can say that it was timely because days before I got the invite, my dad and I were watching a documentary about Vietnam. Call it fate or coincidence but it’s as if something is preparing me for that trip.

And so, the much – awaited press trip came.

I had an early flight via Philippines Airlines. A funny thing that I have to share is that I almost missed my flight! You see, I was at the airport at 3 AM and didn’t get enough sleep. So when I stayed in the Mabuhay Lounge, I dozed off! Good thing that the people from the lounge woke me up because I didn’t hear my name being called by the ground staff!

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam
Blanket to keep you warm
Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam
Some movies while on flight

It was more or less, 2 and ½ hours travel from Manila to Ho Chi Minh. I have to confess, I’m not your regular traveller that can easily navigate herself in airports. Glad that the one from Ho Chi Minh is not as massive like the ones from Osaka and Hong Kong. It was a breeze getting through the immigration and it took me less than 2 minutes to see the hotel’s representative from Park Hyatt Saigon.

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam
Such a vintage and classy feel at Park Hyatt Saigon
Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam
I had everything I needed in my room

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam
Stayed in the shower for hours!
Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam
I took a quick dip on my last day in Vietnam

My ride from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the hotel

I stayed in Makati, Philippines for years so I’m pretty much used to the traffic. Quite frankly, the one from Ho Chi Minh was bearable. I wasn’t annoyed and in fact, I used the time to observe the locals and the environment. I noticed how everything is quite similar to my home and I thought that it wouldn’t be hard to adjust. I was right – in fact, after seeing more of the country, I fell in love with Vietnam! Here are the reasons why.

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam
Awesome service from Park Hyatt Saigon

1. The culture is undeniably interesting

During the visit, we were able to have a glimpse of Vietnam. We went to Mekong Delta’s Islets and Cu Chi Tunnel.

At first, I was scared to ride the boat on our way to the Mekong Delta’s Islets. My expectation was that it was going to be a rough river ride. But when we reached the river, I already knew that it was going to be a smooth one! And I was right. We were fortunate enough to see how the local coconut candies were made. I bought a bag for myself and ended up having a semi – sore throat the day after. It is that ADDICTIVE.

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam
Our happy group!

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnamReasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam
On our way to Mekong Delta’s Islets

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam

 

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam
Souvenirs made from Coconut
Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam
Making amazing coconut candies

The following day, we went to Cu Chi Tunnel, which I must say made me fall in love with Vietnam’s culture and history. Cu Chi Tunnels is a network of connecting underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong soldiers during the war. We braved few of its tunnels and our tour guide shared with us that these used to be smaller and darker back in the days. We asked if he is familiar with all the pathways and if they are still using it to this day. His answer struck me hard. He said, “No. Once is enough.” Our tour guide was only 2 years old when the war ended but I felt that he was scarred for life. When the other bloggers were busy taking photos, I took my chance to ask the guide on his thoughts on how they won the war. He then gave me another great answer – “We didn’t have the machines, but we had our spirits.” It reminded me of Philippines’ own struggles with its colonizers. I thought again – we have so much in common.

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam
Different traps made my Vietnamese
Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam
Depicting the life from the past

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnamApart from the iconic tourist spots, I was able to visit Ben Thanh Market where I bought souvenirs such as wallets, dried goods, clothes etc. I can’t really say it’s cheap but it’s not expensive as well. You can try to negotiate as most of the vendors are open to such.

2. Food is outstanding

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnam
Our usual feast!

I’m not really your adventurous ‘eater’. In fact, I consider myself as a picky one. Before the trip, I thought that I will lose pounds knowing that I might skip meals. But I was wrong. Every meal is like having a feast!  I am also sure that the food is fresh, most especially the shrimps. You see, I usually get allergic reactions by eating few. However, I ate shrimps in most of our meals and never experienced having allergies. We have been served with the best local foods such as spring rolls, papaya salad, tofu coupled with amazing sauces, and a whole lot more. We even had dinner at ChillBar, known as the best dining place in Ho Chi Minh. Well, we had the best view of the city and the food satisfied our cravings. The place deserves its title! 

Monkey Dividers

3. Weather is similar to the Philippines

Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam @Cocacola 2016 Blogger Visit #EkocenterVietnamThe other bloggers are from the UK, US and Canada. I’m the only Filipino in the group and the only one who is used to living in a tropical country. While most of them would comment on how humid and hot the weather was, I was like – oh gosh, this is normal! With that, I don’t think I will have a hard time adjusting just in case I decided to live in Vietnam. We were actually lucky because it would always be a nice and sunny weather when we were outdoors and the rain would pour when we were in the hotel or in the bus. I guess the universe plotted the weather for our trip, don’t you think?

4. People are extremely hospitable

I just love our hosts! On our first night of getting together, we were already laughing like we’ve known each other for quite some time.  And this goes to the other locals I’ve met along the way.  They are genuinely warm and I appreciate every second I spent with them. And you know what – Nhu from Coca – Cola Vietnam happily agreed to tour me around the city on her motorbike. I knew it was out of her scope of work but she was too kind to do it.

5. Locals have the urge to live better lives

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - 2016 Vietnam EKOCENTER Blogger Visit
Inspiring women that were involved in EKOCENTER’s program

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - 2016 Vietnam EKOCENTER Blogger Visit

Lastly, meeting the locals most especially in the EKOCENTERs proved one thing. The people from Vietnam are passionate enough to live a better life.

I am definitely inspired by the stories of female entrepreneurs who are now making it big.

My 5 days in Vietnam was indeed short, but I have seen a lot and willing to see more. It made a great impression and I will definitely be back. I have learned so much about a country that has so much resemblance with the Philippines.

Two Monkeys Travel was invited as a press by Coca – Cola for 2016 Vietnam EKOCENTER Blogger Visit. All words and opinion are my own.

Line seperator

Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

4 thoughts on “Reasons Why I would Go Back to Vietnam

  1. Hey! It’s a nice blog You can briefly explain about the Vietnam Tour in Ho Chi Minh City. The pictures you have posted are clearly defined about the places you have visited. I also Think you enjoy a lot on this tour. Vietnam is a beautiful country and Ho Chi Minh City is the most wonderful place of this country filled with natural beauties. So I think to go there and do enjoy this beauty of nature. Thank you for your post.

  2. Hello I am from Philippines too and is going to Vietnam in 2 days. Do i need to get a visa? Where? Can u share a link ? Thank you so much and hope you can reply

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:Many of the articles on Two Monkeys Travel Group are guest posts by a number of Approved Contributors and are hosted by Two Monkeys Travel Group. Approved Contributors control their own work and post freely to our site. This includes all text and images that they use within their own work. All contributors are instructed to follow internationally recognised copyright and intellectual property guidelines. Two Monkeys Travel Group takes its own responsibilities very seriously, so if you feel that any part of this work is abusive in any way, please send us an email so that we can investigate - [email protected]


DISCLOSURE: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. So when you make a purchase we sometimes make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. The cost to you remains the same, sometimes even cheaper if we have negotiated a special deal for our readers.We use all of the companies we have listed here and that’s why they are in this list, but of course we need to keep Two Monkeys Travel Group running as well as it can, which is exactly what you’re helping with if you do decide to buy or book something through an affiliate link! If you have any more questions about the companies we use or any other companies you’re looking at, just email us and we’ll be happy to help.Please see our full disclaimer page for more information.

Written by Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

Two Monkeys Travel Group – Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. We quickly grew into a valuable source of inspiring travel stories, advice, itineraries and travel guides, with the aim of demonstrating how to live a sustainable life of travel, whilst living your own definition of success. If you'd like to contribute and write a guest post, contact us at [email protected]