A few days after my Taiwan trip, I embarked on another adventure—this time to Vietnam, my fifth country and second journey into the enchanting Indochina region. In the lively second week of November 2019, I finally checked Vietnam off my travel bucket list, a destination I had long dreamed of exploring.

If you’re wondering, I’m just someone who worked hard and saved harder to sustain my wanderlust. Still, I’m one of those budget travelers who believes that meaningful experiences don’t have to come with a luxury price tag.

✈️ Arrival in Uncle Ho’s Land

Our flight from Manila to Saigon was scheduled for 6:10 PM, just as the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh began to glow with evening energy. After clearing Philippine immigration and security, I was ready to meet Vietnam—Uncle Ho’s Land.

Three hours later, we touched down at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Terminal 2. Xin chào, Vietnam! Finally, we met.

We exchanged our pesos for Vietnamese dong, watching the colorful bills flutter through our fingers. My friend’s relative greeted us with a warm smile and graciously offered us a complimentary stay at their cozy apartment in District 7.

🛵 First Impressions: Motorbikes & Midnight Street Food

As we made our way to District 7, the city unfolded around me—strikingly similar to Manila, yet distinctly its own. The streets were a blur of motion and motorbikes. It was 8 PM, Vietnam time, and the city pulsed with life. Scooters zipped past in an endless stream, their riders weaving through traffic with practiced ease. On the sidewalks, locals and tourists savored the aroma of grilled meats and fresh herbs wafting from street stalls. Laughter and chatter filled the air.

Welcome to the motorbike capital of Southeast Asia, where the streets roar with engines and the night glows with neon and noodles.

🌿 District 7: A Breath of Calm

District 7 felt like a breath of fresh air compared to the chaos of District 1. Tree-lined streets, quaint cafés, and a relaxed atmosphere made it a peaceful retreat. Most of our neighbors were expatriates or foreigners who had found love—or at least a slower pace—in Vietnam. The apartment was tucked away from the highway noise, offering a quiet space to unwind.

Whenever we wanted to explore the city, we hopped on a motorbike or booked a Grab. The distance from commercial hubs required a bit of travel, but the tranquility was worth it.

🏙️ Exploring District 1: Colonial Echoes & Banh Mi Revelations

We woke around 6 AM, slowly syncing with Indochina time. Our host, Ate Thelma, invited us for a steaming cup of Vietnamese coffee before we set out.

She led us to a bustling spot known for its banh mi—a crusty baguette stuffed with grilled meats, pickled veggies, and fragrant coriander. It was my first taste of Vietnam’s street food, and it was a revelation.

Our first stop was the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French colonial architecture. The atmosphere was steeped in history, and I found myself reflecting on the cultural imprints left behind by colonization.

Next door was the Saigon Central Post Office, where souvenir stalls buzzed with activity. A large portrait of Uncle Ho watched over the crowd. I picked out a postcard, scribbled a message, and sent it off for VND 15,000—about Php33.00. A small price for a tangible memory.

We browsed through Vietnamese books tucked in the back aisles and skipped the coffee shop in favor of more exploring.

🛍️ Bến Thành Market & A Return to Calm

After lunch, we wandered through Bến Thành Market, a vibrant maze of stalls selling clothes, snacks, and souvenirs. The prices were astonishingly affordable, and I couldn’t resist picking up a few keepsakes.

We returned to District 7 to rest, but the night was still young.

🌙 The Crescent & Filipino Camaraderie

That evening, we visited The Crescent in Phu My Hung. Twinkling lights reflected off the lake, and the atmosphere was lively yet serene. I met several fellow Filipinos working in nearby restaurants. Their familiar accents and warm smiles created an instant sense of camaraderie.

We strolled through boutique shops and lush parks, exchanging stories that began with “Where are you from in the Philippines? ” These brief conversations were more than small talk—they were reminders of home.

🛍️ Shopping & Surprises

My friend was excited to shop, so we headed to Saigon Center and Saigon Square. The vendors were pushy and persistent—something I hadn’t expected. But this is Vietnam, after all: full of surprises and sensory overload.

We lost track of time and finally settled on lunch at Bep Nha Luc Tinh, a charming Vietnamese restaurant tucked off the highway. The warm lighting and traditional decor made us feel instantly at home. We ordered barbecue and rice—perfectly grilled, bursting with flavor. The bill? VND 242,550 (around Php531.00). A feast at a fraction of the cost.

🛵 My First Intense Motorbike Experience

The journey back was… intense. Three of us squeezed onto a single motorbike, and one of us didn’t have a helmet. I scanned the streets anxiously, hyper-aware of the risk.

But Ate Thelma, with her quick instincts and calm demeanor, navigated us through the chaos. We avoided the traffic enforcers and made it back safely. My heart was pounding—equal parts fear and exhilaration.

What if we were caught? Deported?

But we weren’t. We stopped for street food in a dimly lit alley, and I finally exhaled.

🛬 My Vietnamese Welcome: Strong Coffee and Stronger Connections

I arrived chasing flavors and stories, but Vietnam gave me something more—an introduction to spirit. From bustling boulevards to quiet moments in front of Uncle Ho’s statue, my first taste of this country came seasoned with warmth, resilience, and a rhythm unlike any I’d known.

Vietnam doesn’t just greet you—it invites you in.

*** I went to Vietnam on Nov. 13-16, 2019. The trip was incredible, filled with amazing insights and unforgettable memories. This blog post undergoes revisions and was once posted at my now-defunct first Blogger account. I have updated it to reflect my current writing style. Thank you for reading and supporting my work.***