*without starring in a musical! =))
(Feeling) Miss Saigon
Go to Vietnam.
Duh. You really didn’t think that this is about ze musical, did you? Well if you did, sorry to disappoint you! We’re kinda going for the literal meaning of words here… Besides, I don’t think anyone can replace the Lea Salonga! NEVER!!! *fangirl mode insert here*
Ms. Lea Salonga in “Miss Saigon” 😉
Anyway, one of the first things you’ll notice when you go to Vietnam is their public transportation — motorbikes/scooters!
Kung sa ‘Pinas, mga jeep ang hari ng lansangan, pwes sa Vietnam, ITO!!!
Travel with your fellow misses.
Traveling with family is always special. Traveling with friends is another kind of special. But when you travel with both your family and friends… what more could you ask for? 🙂
Yep! I traveled with two of my sisters and three of my college friends! In good company, indeed!!! 😀
Be the best tourist that you can be (i.e. tour the place for at least EIGHT HOURS!).
Thank the heavens we went to Ho Chi Minh (formerly called Saigon). Why? Well obviously, if we went to Hanoi (the capital of Vietnam, btw!), I might as well use “Ms. Hanoi” in my title! Haha! Anyway, tama na nga ang pilosopohan. Time for some major sightseeing!!!
We availed of Buffalo Tours‘ Full Day Ho Chi Minh City Tour:
“A holiday in Vietnam is not complete without a tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as the city is still frequently referred to, is Vietnam’s largest city. It is a fast-paced metropolis full of contrasts, with street vendors selling fruit and vegetables next to glitzy western-style bars and boutiques. Amazingly, the city’s history dates back only 300 years. For quality Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon tours, Buffalo Tours has you covered.”
The Reunification Palace
“This is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30th 1975 the ‘American War’ officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.”
Binh Tay Market
“The name ‘Cho Lon’ can be roughly translated as ‘Big market.’ Although the whole district lives up to its name, a visit to this market really drives the point home. Selling everything from hats to dried squid, you are sure to enjoy a walk through the maze of stalls in this bustling market.”
Chinatown
What’s in a NAME? Hahaha!
Lacquer factory/showroom
In this factory, I finally found the perfect artwork to put in my room! Spell happiness!!!
Dong Khoi Street, the Opera House, and the Peoples’ Committee Building
“Built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene, the 800 seat Opera House was used as the home of the Lower House Assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. It was not until 1975 that it was again used for performances. The structure was restored in 1995. The Opera House is located on the historical Dong Khoi Street which is home to many boutiques and fine restaurants. Just around the corner are the iconic Rex hotel and the beautiful Peoples’ Committee Building.”
The War Remnants Museum
“Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks, and cannons captured from the American military machine.”
The Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office
“Built between 1877 and 1883, this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably, every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam. Her two forty metre towers, topped with iron spires, still dominate the city’s skyline. The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country’s largest post office.”
Eat the Vietnamese way.
Va-va-Vietnam! Ang sarap-sarap ng pagkain! Ang mura-mura paaa! I swear, EVERYTHING you eat in Vietnam is guaranteed to make you satisfied! Gastronomic with a capital G! And don’t even get me started with ze famous Vietnamese Coffee!!! @_@
From my hotel breakfast…
nilalakong tinapay…
our city tour lunch…
ready for our Vietnamese lunch!!!
PHO! PHO!! PHO!!!
down to their Vietnamese coffee!
Steps 1, 2, 3, and 4!
ANG SARAAAP TALAGAAA!
Arm yourself with your MATH SKILLS.
Who wants to be a MILLIONAIRE? Well, your wish can be granted in Vietnam! The đồng (or VND) actually has A LOT of denominations… with mind-blowing figures! And since math hates me as much as I hate it, I kind of got dizzy whenever I had to pay for some things that caught my eye! Hahaha!
just look at all those ZEROOOES…
But don’t get excited too much! According to Wikipedia, “the đồng currently ranks as the second least valuable currency in terms of exchange rate.” When we were in Vietnam, US$100 was around 2,840,000+ đồng. “Around” being the operative word.
Still, ang astig lang ng usapan minsan ‘pag tinanong ka kung magkano ang nabili mo tapos ang sagot mo, “Mga 1 million LANG!” Kalurkey much!!!
Fall in love with an American soldier.
THIS… I still have YET to try! Now if this really happened, you could finally call me The Lucky One! *cough*Zac Efron*cough* ‘Wag lang sanang blue eyes nga, tapos cross-eyed naman! Wahahahaha! Naging choosy pa eh noh?!
And that’s how you can be MISS SAIGON (The Lady‘s version): Go to Vietnam. Travel with your fellow misses. Be the best tourist that you can be. Eat the Vietnamese way. Arm yourself with your math skills. (See if you can) fall in love with an American soldier.
To my travel mates, did I miss anything?
If so, then sound off in the comments section below! Peace out! 😛
MIKAtolika 