After Taiwan, I thought I was done traveling for a while. But nope, Vietnam had other plans for me. Vietnam’s street food and culture had long called to me. It was the second week of November 2019 when I boarded a plane again—this time heading to Vietnam. My fifth country and my second visit to the Indochina region, a place I’d dreamed about for years. I’m not the kind of traveler who splurges on luxury. I work hard, save harder, and believe that meaningful travel doesn’t need five-star hotels—just a curious heart and a little bit of courage. Vietnam had been on my list forever. Finally, it was time.
Our flight left Manila at 6:10 PM. Three hours later, we landed in Ho Chi Minh City, the city lights twinkling like a welcome party below. I still remember exchanging pesos for dong, watching those colorful bills flutter through my fingers—millions of notes but worth so little in peso conversion. Yet, holding that currency made it all feel real. We were greeted by a relative of my friend who offered us a place to stay in District 7. Right then, I learned something important about Vietnam: hospitality comes before any plan. A relative of my friend greeted us warmly and offered us a stay at their apartment in District 7. First lesson of Vietnam: hospitality arrives before the itinerary.
First Impressions: Motorbikes & Midnight Street Food 🛵
By 8 PM Vietnam time, the city was fully alive. Motorbikes ruled the streets. Scooters zipped past in endless streams, weaving through traffic like choreography only locals understood. The air smelled of grilled meats, herbs, and something slightly sweet I couldn’t name yet. Saigon felt familiar—almost like Manila—but sharper, faster, more alive. Here, the city didn’t just move; it danced. Welcome to the motorbike capital of Southeast Asia.
If District 1 is adrenaline, District 7 is exhale. Tree-lined streets. Quiet cafés. A slower rhythm. Many expatriates and foreign residents had made this area home, trading chaos for comfort. The apartment overlooked a peaceful stretch of neighborhood streets—a welcome contrast to the city’s roar. Whenever we wanted to explore, we hopped on a motorbike or booked a Grab. The commute was longer, but the calm was worth it.
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office 🏛️
We woke early the next morning. Before heading out, Ate Thelma served us strong Vietnamese coffee—bold, unapologetic, and unforgettable. It was my first true taste of Vietnam. Then came the banh mi, a crusty baguette stuffed with grilled meat, pickled vegetables, and fresh coriander. French influence meets Southeast Asian flavor. It was simple, affordable, and completely satisfying. I understood then why street food defines this country.
Our first stops were the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office—stunning reminders of French colonial history. Inside the post office, souvenir stalls buzzed with tourists. A large portrait of Ho Chi Minh watched from above.
I bought a postcard and mailed it home for VND 15,000 (around Php 33). A small price for something tangible. In a digital age, it felt romantic.
Bến Thành Market & A Return to Calm 🛍️
We went to Saigon Center and Saigon Square. Both were a different kind of adventure. Vendors were persistent—almost aggressively so—which caught me off guard. But Vietnam is layered. Gentle in some corners. Intense in others. After lunch at a local restaurant, we wandered into Bến Thành Market. We eventually found ourselves at Bep Nha Luc Tinh, a charming Vietnamese restaurant tucked off the highway. We ordered barbecue and rice. Perfectly grilled. Rich with flavor. Comforting. The total bill? VND 242,550 (around Php531). A feast that would cost double elsewhere.
It was loud. Colorful. Overwhelming in the best way. Vendors called out prices. Fabrics hung from every corner. Souvenirs stacked high. I picked up a few keepsakes, unable to resist. Vietnam doesn’t whisper—it announces itself.
That evening, we visited The Crescent in Phu My Hung. Lights shimmered across the lake. Couples strolled. Families gathered. I met fellow Filipinos working in nearby restaurants. Hearing familiar accents thousands of kilometers from home felt comforting.
“Where are you from in the Philippines? ”
That question instantly built connection. Sometimes, travel reminds you not only of where you are but also of where you came from.
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? What if something happened? Deported?
But we weren’t. We stopped for street food in a dimly lit alley, and I finally exhaled. Adrenaline slowly turned into laughter. Only then did I truly exhale.
My Vietnamese Welcome: Strong Coffee and Stronger Connections 🛬
I arrived chasing flavors and stories, but Vietnam gave me something more—an introduction to spirit. It gave me rhythm. Movement. Energy. Hospitality. Contrast. From bustling boulevards to chaotic motorbikes 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.
This blog post is part of my Vietnam 2019 series. It was revised from an earlier version originally published on my now-defunct Blogger account and has been updated to reflect my current writing style. From Saigon’s bustling streets to the serenity of the Mekong River and the quiet reflections before takeoff, this journey was unforgettable. The trip was incredible, filled with amazing insights and unforgettable memories. Travel Date: November 13–16, 2019. If you’ve enjoyed this adventure, you might like the other posts in the series. Thank you for reading and supporting these stories. ✨
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