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Vietnam (Indochina Tour - Part 3)

August 5, 2024

After the Angkor temples tour, we returned to the hotel to pack our things because we were leaving for Vietnam by bus. We booked again through Klook with Giant Ibis Transport. There’s no direct travel from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (the largest city in Vietnam); we needed to go through Phnom Penh first and then take another bus to Ho Chi Minh. The total travel time was around 14 hours, so it took up an entire day.

We left the bus terminal in Cambodia at 11 PM. The bus had beds, making it suitable for overnight travel. We arrived in Phnom Penh (the capital of Cambodia) at around 6 AM. We stayed at the bus terminal because our bus to Ho Chi Minh City was scheduled to leave at 9:45 AM. We stopped again at immigration at the Vietnam-Cambodia border, where our passports were checked before we were allowed to continue. We arrived in Ho Chi Minh City past 4 PM and took a taxi to our hotel.

Upon arriving at the hotel, Duc Vuong Hotel, we checked in and dropped off our luggage. We rested for a while, then went out to experience the nightlife in Vietnam and have dinner.

We searched for the popular night market in Ho Chi Minh, the Ben Thanh Market. It was a 20-minute walk from our hotel, but since we were in the mood for a walk, we decided to go on foot. The first thing you will notice in Vietnam is the sheer number of motorcycles. They’re everywhere, popping up from all directions, so you need to be very attentive to your surroundings.

After a long walk, we finally arrived. The market is housed in a large, historic building with a distinctive clock tower at its entrance, making it an iconic landmark. Inside, the market is a vibrant maze of stalls selling a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, local delicacies, clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and handicrafts. The aroma of spices and street food fills the air, and the sounds of vendors calling out to customers create a lively and energetic atmosphere. It was super crowded. We had dinner first to recharge before exploring. There were so many things to buy. I’m not sure if I got carried away because I ended up buying a lot of things I didn’t really need.

Overall, Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit for those looking to experience the local culture, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

After shopping, we walked back to the hotel and rested to prepare for the tour the next day.

We woke up early the next day for our booked Full Day Excursion to the Mekong Delta. The service was scheduled to pick us up at the hotel at 7:30 AM.

After being picked up at the hotel, we headed to My Tho to see the peaceful Buddhist Vinh Trang Pagoda. The place had many large Buddha statues, and I took a lot of photos. Then, we hopped on a boat for a calm cruise along the river, observing stilt houses, fruit plantations, and fishing villages. We went to Tortoise Islet for lunch before continuing by boat to An Khanh in the beautiful green province of Ben Tre. It was so relaxing. Here, we enjoyed a light snack of seasonal fruit and aromatic honey tea while listening to Vietnamese folk music.

After that, we visited a coconut candy family business for another delicious treat. It was amusing to see our fellow tourists so fascinated by the various uses of coconuts. Coming from the Philippines, where coconuts are abundant, I was already familiar with the many things that can be made from them.

Overall, the Mekong Delta tour was a truly unforgettable experience. From the serene boat rides and lush scenery to the cultural delights of local snacks and crafts, every moment was captivating. If you’re visiting Vietnam, this tour is a must for a peaceful yet enriching escape into the heart of the country’s vibrant rural life.