I flew out on 5^th Oct, since I am a dumber traveler indeed I went to the wrong section. Instead of terminal 2 I went to terminal 3. I need to head up to other terminal by the shuttle bus.

Arrived in Ho chi minh almost 9 pm, and someone there was picking me (us) to the hotel.

 

Day 1 :

Taxi dropped me (us) at the Vinh Chung hotel (283/26, Pham Ngu Lao – Dist. 1). It took around 30 mnts to 40 mnts to get to the hotel from airport. We’re on the 3^rd level of the hotel which doesn’t have a lift. It’s a budgetary hotel, new building, clean, AC, LCD flat TV cable and hot water and internet line .. perfect. Pham Ngu Lao is a backpacker area, do not wish you’ll see a beautiful scenery, the place is overcrowd area with lot of hotels, small shops, small road, and of course ladies with a sexy dress.

I (we) went for a dinner in corner of the street, I forgot the name. Pho (read: Fe) is the main menu there. Good Pho, well recommended for dinner and lunch for the rest of my (our) days there.

 

Day 2 :

The trips began; starting from 8 am I (we) walked . Ho Chi Minh has a huge pedestrian way to comfort the pedestrian walk along the city.

The 1^st place to go which remind me of “Beringharjo” shopping center. Cho Benh Thanh is an old building a place of shopping center in Ho Chi Minh, we could find souvenirs and foods there. The price is quite reasonable for my pocket, but we have to be struggling to deal the price. Bid with a half price from the price that the seller offered.

2^nd place was a Bao Tang My Thuat is a fine art museum : Once used as a boarding house for French girls living in Indochina, the Fine Arts Museum chronicles the evolution of Vietnamese Art.  On display are a series of exhibits showcasing architecture, sculpture, drawing, lacquer and wooden sculptures and other arts from the Stone Age onwards to contemporary art, including works from the Champa and Funan Kingdoms, the Amitabha Buddha, and the Bodhisattva, a 16th century statue from the Hoi Ha Pagoda with 1,000 eyes and arms.  Absent from the museum are works from recent Vietnamese painters.( source : http://www.geckogo.com/Attraction/Vietnam/North-Vietnam/Ha-Noi/Fine-Arts-Museum-Bao-Tang-My-Thuat/) .

After walking around for a couple hours I (we) have a seated on a café “Giai Khat” to have some cold drinks. It was a shiny day and humid there. I forgot the road’s name but in the corner of the road near the café I (we) seated, there another old architect building. Grand Hotel building. My memory went to Bandung in Jalan Asia Pasific think that we have a building similar with that Grand Hotel building.

3rd place was a Bao Tang Thanh Pho (Ho Chi Minh City Museum). Ho Chi Minh City Museum (Vietnamese language: Viện bảo tàng Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh) is a historical site in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The museum is situated at the corner of Lý Tự Trọng street and Nam Kỳ khởi nghĩa street, near Reunification Palace, originally Independence Palace.

It was built during the French colonial era and was the residence of high-ranking French colonial officers. (source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Chi_Minh_City_Museum).

In the afternoon rain dropped, long the way back to the hotel. After showering and take a rest we ready headed up to Nha Trang by sleeping bus.

The bus picked up me (us) around 7 PM.

It was a lovely bus for me, sleeping bus is a bus that designed the passenger to have a sleep there. Instead of a usually reclining chair it is a bunk bed with 3 rows of bunk beds. If not a mistake the capacity of the passenger in one bus probably around 18 passengers. Like a travel bus in here, they stopped at 2 or 3 places for take a rest around 30 minutes, enough to have 1 or 2 cigarettes.

From Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang took about 9 – 10 hrs.

 

Day 3 :

Arrived in Nha Trang around 7 am, have a breakfast. I was still under my medicine control since I’ve got a bad headache and flue after get wet in the middle the rain in Ho chi minh. Stayed at the “Oasis Hotel” (64B/12 Tran Phu – Nha Trang), a budgetary hotel, got on 2^nd  level has no lift, AC, TV cable, hot water and internet line on the 4^th level, wasted time to use the line if somebody there and using the line with ignorant and pretending that no one queue for that internet line. I (we) rent a bike cycle to go around the city. The city surround by the beach. For sure I still love Bali (Kuta, Legian and the rest) then the beach over the Nha Trang, though the beach is clean and not as crowded as Bali, but the scenery is so so.

1^st place to go was a temple (Po Nagar Cham Temple).. hah and now my memory began to shorted, I forgot the name of the temple I don’t even noticed when the temple has build. As long as I know the entire temple I ever went was build from billion stones, that’s all. A lil bit of a literature of a Po Nagar Cham Temple : The Fascinating Cham temple of Po Klong Garai

Just outside of the city of Phan Rang, you'll discover the beautiful 13th century Cham temple of Po Klong Garai. The temple itself is well preserved, and overlooks the city. The magnificent architecture and masonry work make this one of the outstanding Cham monuments in the country. Its setting makes it a better viewing experience than Po Nagar in nearby Nha Trang, where the temple is encased in an urban sarcophagus of traffic and souvenir hawkers.

Here at Po Klong Garai, the attendant will unlock the door of the kalan (sanctuary), where you'll see a linga (phallic statue, which represents creativity and fecundity), upon which is painted a male face. Outside of the vestibule is the bull, Nandin, which ensures agricultural productivity. Be sure to inspect the door pillars, inscribed with Cham text. (source : http://vietnam.wowasis.com/ssvibe/poklonggarai01.php) .

2^nd place was a huge Buddha Temple. We need to claim stones stair to get to the Buddha statue. Good to burning your fat. A lil bit literature of a Buddha Temple : On the northwest side of Nha Trang is Long Son Pagoda. It is an active Buddhist temple featuring an unusual red brass Buddha sitting on a wooden lotus pedestal. On top of a hill behind the pagoda is a massive 9-m high white Buddha on a lotus throne. Embedded in the octagonal base of the Buddha are 7 stucco likenesses of Buddhist martyrs, monks and nuns who died protesting the repressive Ngo Dinh Diem regime in southern Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Some of them immolated themselves and the white Buddha was built to their memory in 1963.

On the other side of the tracks, east of the railway station is Nha Trang Cathedral complete with its stained glass windows and French Gothic lines. It was built in the 1930s and the daily masses are still held here in the early morning and late afternoon. (source : http://www.threeland.com/nhatrang_muine_centerhightland.htm)

It was almost 2 PM and my (our) tummy is starting to get mumbling … we need RICE. Yes RICE not PHO. “Com Ga So 9”, the place that we ate steam rice served with fried chicken wing (big wing for sure) and a soup. Surprising me (us) the price was not friendly it is a small resto near to the road, though they have a good cooked and taste. It was a good taste or just because I (we) missed the steam rice … hehehe.

3^rd place was a Cathedral in Nha Trang. The construction of Nha Trang Main Cathedral was started on Sep 3, 1928. Archbishop Louis Vallet had the top of the mountain blown off with 500 mines to obtain a flat surface of 4,500 m2.

In March 1934, the colorful windows were fixed into the domed doors and in the cathedral, completing more than ten construction items. Three big bells were supplied by the famous Bourdons Carillons company (established in 1786) and were christened in July 1934 and in October 1939. The big clock on the top of the cathedral was inaugurated in December 1935. (source : http://www.vietnamimpression.com/attraction-detail.asp?Title=Nha%20Trang%20Main%20Cathedral&ID=H6KFFNKG)

4^th place was a sun bathing at Nha Trang beach. The sand is yellow, big waves and not a crowded beach. Accompany by “Ruby Tuesday” song on a bossa version. Get burnt skin.

Then I (we) went back to the hotel to get a shower and rest my (our) legs after around 20 KM cycling under the shiny, hot weather. Yeaaa … burnt all fat.

After, it’s a good time to craving a dinner. Another PHO waiting for me (us), it’s a seafood pho close to the main road. While other busy with their food and me with my Miu (Milk).

 

Day 4 :

We have another road trip by sleeping bus at 7 PM from Nha Trang to Hoi An.

Thinking bout to spend half day in Nha Trang, we decided to join with boat tour to 4 islands in Nha Trang and have a snorkeling at one of that island. It is not recommended trip. Those islands were not interesting and good to see. Every time we need to enter the island we need buy a ticket, and the snorkeling wasn’t included to the trip fee. The coral is not good at all, no fishes but bushes. But the funny thing is the attractive performance from the boat’s crew. They called their selves as a famous band ; singing, dancing and playing some instrument like guitar, bass and drum. Sure they have a traditional drum. Have lunch on the boat, and by around 4 PM I (we) ‘re back to the hotel. While some other get showering, me and friend looking for an airlines ticket head up to Hanoi. We backed to hotel around 5 PM and our entire luggage ready to throw from the hotel. Yes .. the hotel management was kicking us from the hotel for the reason of no extended for late check out. I even tried to get 15 mnts more just to take a shower, they didn’t give it. Huh. I have to take a shower after swimming. I ran to the beach looking for a public bath room. Fortunately, I found it near to the beach and I have to spend money 10.000 VND to get shower there. Pity.

From Nha Trang to Hoi An took about 9 hrs on road by sleeping bus. The bus wasn’t as good as the 1^st time we went from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang, thanks God I’ve got a sleep pills.. heheheh, and get a good sleep along the way.

 

Day 5 :

Arrived in Hoi An about 8 AM. I forgot the hotel’s name but it was another nice hotel, AC, TV cable, hot water, internet lines, and swimming pool. It was the hotel where the bus stopped/arrived. Bikes were ready for use rent for 24hrs to go around to Hoi An. For me it was an interesting place, old buildings, good handicrafts and souvenirs.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

for the commune in An Giang Province see Hội An, An Giang

Hội An  pronunciation (help·info) is a small city on the coast of the South China Sea in the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is located in Quảng Nam province and is home to approximately 120,000 inhabitants.

The city possessed the largest harbour in Southeast Asia in the 1st century and was known as Lâm Ấp Phố (Champa City). Between the seventh and 10th centuries, the Champas controlled the strategic “spice trade” and with this came tremendous wealth. The boats still used today in Hội An probably have the same hull shape as those used by the Champas for ocean voyages.

Triều Châu Assembly Hall

The former harbour town of the Champa people at the estuary of the Thu Bon river was an important Vietnamese trading centre in the 16th and 17th centuries, where Chinese from various provinces as well as Japanese, Dutch and Indians settled. During this period of the China trade, the town was called Hai Pho (Seaside Town) in Vietnamese. Originally, Hai Pho was a divided town with the Japanese settlement across the "Japanese Bridge"(16th-17th century). The bridge (Chùa cầu) is a unique covered structure built by the Japanese, the only known covered bridge with a Buddhist pagoda attached to one side.

The town is known to the French and Spanish as “Faifo,” and by similar names in Portuguese and Dutch. A number of theories have been put forth as to the origin of this name. Some scholars have suggested that it comes from the word "hải-phố" (海浦) meaning "sea town", while others have said that it is more likely simply a shortening of Hội An-phố (會安浦), "the town of Hội An", to "Hoi-pho" which became "Faifo".[1]

In 1999, the old town was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO as a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port of the 15th to 19th centuries, with buildings that display a unique blend of local and foreign influences.

As of 2009, Hội An is still a small city, but it attracts a fair number of tourists, also being a well-established place on the backpacker trail. Many visit for the numerous art and craft shops and tailors, who produce made-to-measure clothes for a fraction of the Western price.[2] Several Internet cafés, bars and restaurants have opened along the riverfront. Hội An is famed for its centuries old cao lầu noodle, which can only be uniquely served here.The town is also famed for its unique lanterns. (source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%E1%BB%99i_An). If you want to looked around the museum and or theater in Hoi An, then need to buy a ticket for 75.000 VND for 5 museums to be visited. Worthies to buy. I keen with their theater and musical attraction.

 

Day 6 :

Rush hours during the trip. I (we) went from Hoi An to Danang then to Hue. From Hue back to Danang to head up by flight to Hanoi. Flight from Hue to Hanoi is not operating everyday, thus we decide to go to Hanoi from Danang. Assuming that from Hoi An to Hue will take around 2.5 hrs it was took more then 2.5hrs. I (we) went from Hoi An about 8 AM by sitting bus, then arrived in Hue about 11.30 AM. It is a toll high way road and we need to enter the 2 KM tunnel. We could see the hills and beach along the way from Hoi An to Danang then to Hue. Another interesting road trip for me.

1^st place in Hue was a very wonderful temple, we only had 30 mnts to exploring the Khai Dinh temple : Emperor Khai Dinh (1885-1925) ruled Vietnam for 9 years. His tomb took 11 years to complete. Construction began in 1920 and was completed in 1931. Under Khai Dinh, Western culture and influence began to seep into Vietnam. The king himself visited France in 1922. As a result, his tomb has many elements of Western architecture. In fact, of all the tombs, Khai Dinh's probably least resembles oriental architecture. (source : http://www.vietscape.com/travel/hue/khaidinh.html).

2^nd place in Hue was The Imperial Citadel, Hue. In a rush minutes to see the Imperial Citadel Hue : Construction of the citadel began in the early 1800s. Originally the wall was made of earth, then a covering of bricks was added. It took tens of thousands of Vietnamese to do this by hand. (source : http://ssa.paris.online.fr/VietnamPages/Pages/Citadel.htm).

Time to get back to bus office, the bus will leave Hue to Danang around 2 PM, and hopefully I (we) could reach the Danang’s airport at least 4.30 PM as the flight from Danang to Hanoi departing on 5.30 PM. I (we) just arrived at Danang airport on 5 PM and I (we) ran out to the check in counter. Luckily, it because a domestic flight and the airport is small I (we) still have a time to catch the flight.

By 6.30 PM, I (we) landed in Hanoi. It was a Saturday night and the city was overcrowded on their main road area. Taxi gets stuck just like a lot park area, and then we decide to have a walked to go to the hotel. Damn !!! me and my heavy luggage walking along the road for a billion miles .. (heheheh, hyperbola), and the road was overwhelm by people, motorcycles and cars. The hotel that I (we) aimed was full and I (we) need to search another hotel.

Tintin hotel was the name of the hotel; I don’t give a damn where the hotel was. I (we)’re on the 3^rd level no lift, has AC, hot water, very small room.

 

Day 7 :

My time has come; I need to get back home. I only have a time until 9 am in Hanoi. No showering, rush went to down town just to look some stuff to be handed to home. Suddenly the clock was showing 9 am, and I was jumping to the “ojek” motorcycle wish the driver could dropped me to the airport on time. Well, he didn’t, he kicked me out in the middle on no where, where there was a shuttle bus going to airport. My flight from Hanoi to Ho chi minh departs at 10.30 AM. I jumped up to the shuttle bus. The road was quite busy though it was Sunday. By 10.10 AM I arrived at Hanoi’s airport and ran away to the check in counter. Another lucky time, the check in counter not closed yet though all the passengers already in flight, they were patiently waiting for me to come .. hehhehe.

12.30 arrived in Ho Chi Minh again, my flight to Jakarta departs at 8:00 PM, still have enough time to do some fool trip in Ho Chi Minh by bus. I put my luggage at the luggage counter in airport and it cost me 5 USD. Bus from Ho Chi Minh airport to Benh Thanh cost me 3.000 VND. Hope I could get the city check-in in Benh Thanh but I couldn’t. I have walked along the Pham Ngu Lao area the repeating went to  Cho Benh Thanh, continuing my shopping time. Rain dropped again there and I get wet again, then I decide to get back to the airport to change clothed. 

8:30 PM boarding time …

(photo will be submit later on)