Today was such an unforgettable day for me when I just received a phone call from the Embassy informing me of my visa failure without giving me reasons for that. The author, though, still holds her head high and is strongly convinced that Ho Chi Minh city (HCMC) – where she is living now – has a plenty of things that are too way more superior than other countries. That means she does not need to go exploring other places anymore.
Yes, I do admit that the pain, however, still a bit aches since I still blame myself for making unwise moves in spending money.
#1. HCMC is a heaven of cuisine
Situated in the south of Vietnam, this populous city is a melting pot of different cultures and that means if you want to have different culinary experiences coming from variable countries, just come here. There are a variety of Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, French and Italian… dishes with staple food for your options. You do not have to be afraid of your rumbling stomach when coming to Vietnam. Of course, if you are not picky on food or keen on making comparisons between the original and the remake, it is not bad at all since the flavors have been changed to suit with the Vietnamese’s appetite.
Besides that, you should come to term with the fact that Vietnam’s living cost is low, in other countries, with $1,500, you can only make both ends meet, but, with the same amount of money, you live like a true king in Vietnam. Actually, I make 1/3 of that money every month but am still able to have sushi in Tokyo Deli with friends at weekends. So, it is all concluded that you can eat any type of food that you want in Vietnam as long as the restaurants are not considered 5 – star luxurious or you do not have to worry about your wallet in the end. As far as I know, restaurants on central districts are more expensive than others and cafeteria in department stores can be a good reference. I am pretty sure that they bring you taste bud!
Noticeably, if you choose middle – priced restaurants or even street food, you can save more money for other activities.
**Personally, as a Japanese culture maniac, I will be more biased towards Japanese cuisine. If you want to try Japanese food, go Thai Van Lung or Le Thanh Ton street – which is also known as little Japanese town!!!
#2. HCMC is a therapist for those shopping addicts
Why do I recommend street food for you? Simply, you have to save money for another exciting activity – shopping. HCMC is a concentrated area of all types of shopping that definitely serve your wishes. If you want luxurious shopping experience walking like queens with shopping bags on your hands and red carpets under your feet, let’s head to Vivo (this one is my favourite since it is near my house), Vincom, Diamond Plaza, Crescent mall, and Takashimaya (this one is newly opened) where you will be able to see stores of Mango, Guess, Top Shop, Warehouse, Valentino and Furla and other high-end fashion brands and not to mention – cosmetics, shoes, and bags.
And if you feel like having enough of these brands in your own country or are in search for specific products, try Vietnamese markets such as Ben Thanh market, An Dong or Dan Sinh one… where you can have only-in-Vietnam shopping experiences and have some little chit-chats (it could be longer, depending on your transaction) with vendors. Since I am not good at bargaining, these markets are the last places I think of when going shopping.
Recently in HCMC, flea markets which specialize in selling handmade stuff (clothes, accessories, and decorations) have attracted a lot of young people. They are held in district 7 and district 1 every month. Try there if you want to collect something unique for your own or friends.
Last call for those shopaholics out there, HCMC has you covered.
#3. HCMC makes you a better person
A Vietnamese-born and raised myself cannot help it when sometimes I feel as if my heart has fallen out of my chest when crossing the streets. HCMC has many streets and all types of vehicles, for example: motorbikes, bicycles, buses (I hate them the most), cars, trucks, tricycles and even cycloes. 25 years living in this country, I have learned that you either keep on walking or wait for other people to come and walk together with you, or you just cannot get to the other side of the street. The worst case is that you already walk half way there and are too afraid to go on, the chances of being hit or yelled at your face are high. So, this surreal scenario may somehow remind you of classic lessons that we have learned from books or teachers: “Never give up. Walk to the end of the street where you see the light of life”. Want to experience Fast and Furious? Just get down to the parks where you will see middle aged men lying (?) on their motorbikes and waiting for their customers who we call “motorbike hugger “ (of course, hugging them is optional). If you want to challenge your bravery, why not giving HCMC a try?
Also, the fact that pickpocketing happens around popular destinations never allows you to let your guard down. So, being nagged for your carelessness? This is such another good reason for your presence in HCMC.
I can recall a couple of months ago when Conjuring 2 came to Vietnam and swept all of its competitors in theatre. Despite hiding my face behind my hands almost all of the running time, I still remember dancing scene with “Can’t help falling in love” as music background and the main character’s saying something about facing your fear. It sounds cliché though, we just cannot deny it. What is the best way to deal with your fear? – Face it and you become invincible – It can never go wrong. As a person with trypophobia, noisephobia, germophobia and reptilephobia, I cannot thank HCMC enough for giving such opportunities to face my fears and get used to them (I cannot help some Ewww moments though).
Yes, settling down in HCMC and without a doubt, you will finally manage to have characteristics that all mothers on earth have ever wished for – determined, firm, of never-give-up spirits, careful and fearless.
#4. HCMC helps you master the art of nudity
Probably you are learned from your geography class that the south of this tropic country in general only has two seasons: hot and rainy. Hmmm, I would say it is half true, in fact, the south has two seasons: hot and super hot. When walking down the streets, you may catch a lot of motorbike drivers, especially women, equip themselves with masks, gloves, socks and long dresses in order to avoid sever sunlight and definitely have some ideas of how hot they would feel. Whenever I go out and get back home, I feel like a volcano inside of me and cannot stop myself from taking out all of my clothes and jumping into a shower. I take a shower 3 – 4 times a day even when not going out because it is too hot. I do not like to sweat and have uncomfortable smell. Now, I have trained myself a skill of removing my clothes very fast which takes around 10 seconds; as for button apparel, it may be 30 seconds. If a competition like that is held, I would go for it.
#5. HCMC is too good for offspring production
HCMC at night turns itself from a business oriented city into an entertainment hub. Noticeably, at weekends, if happening to walk around concentrated areas in HCMC of the young, you will be able to find someone there. Even though the chances of love at first sight are not high, you may strike up friendship first and develop it later. Trust me: They are dynamic, sweet and of course, so good looking that you may feel weak in your knees, begging for their DNAs. Oops! I am taking it a bit way too far. But, Vietnamese people have their own facial features that are not mistakable, not to mention their cool personality.
Below are some representatives. Let’s Tinder and Super Like them.
Dorayaki Phan
Dorayaki was once a novelist but now is walking on a career path of a website content writer after realizing she was too bad to be a novelist. Normally, she is clueless and harmless but when her OCD gets worse, her acting out of control somehow reminds you of a patient trying to make an escape from the mental institute. Her on/off personality would make you either hate her or love her, depending on how you take it. If repetition bores you to death and you expect a life full of surprise, Dorayaki is not a bad choice at all!
Lan Pham
Coming from a wealthy family, Lan is a modern Juliet who knows how to play piano, appreciates aesthetics, loves to draw, and wears dolly dresses and shoes. You cannot help falling for her intelligence. With her admirably wide knowledge, you can talk to her any kinds of topics, let alone the fact that she is an easy-to-talk-to type. Definitely recommended for those who are in search for a brilliant girlfriend who can sometimes act as your advisor! Together with her, you can be another perfect Obama president couple!
Thanh Quyen
Thanh Quyen has some Scarlett O’Hara vibes that drive you crazy. Normally, she stays loyal to her “cool” image. Looking matured, Quyen is not the type that makes you fall in love for the very first time. The more you get to know her, the more love grows on you. She shows her tough and edgy sides on the surface but deep down Quyen has tenderness and sensibility of an ordinary woman and you just cannot walk away from her.
Tam Dang
Tam has what makes a typical IT guy – I mean he is smart, of a quick bug solver, calm, muscular, and indeed adorable. As his nickname “Ai” (Love) reveals somehow, he is super lovable and sweet. If you are into guys that never complain about your shopping bills or having to wait for you to try different dresses on stores hours after hours, look no further than Tam. He, however, is not an easy type who still has his own principles to follow too. Sometimes, you should let him have his own time and he will surely give great times in returns.
Uyen Vu
Her career as a Digital marketing gives you clues to her personality – she is down to the earth, flexible, easy going and smart. As a writer like Dorayaki, she is definitely not an intense case, though; on the contrary, she is sweet and looks like a cutie cat with her Tinkerbell –liked body, which brings out fatherly instincts from you. Uyen is into K-dramas and makes best film reviews so far using her critical thinking ability. Uyen knows how to enjoy the fun and her limit. A typical girlfriend in the era of the digital world!
Tien Nguyen
Graduated from an elite university in HCMC, Tien is now working for a global shipping firm and quick at numbers. As a well-mannered guy, he knows how to behave with women. Of course, his premium sense of fashion and food is something adding so many sweet flavours to your date. His softness and trustworthiness make you never want to let him go. One thing you probably feel pressured when going out with Tien is his forever young face. So, my advice is that you should know how to do proper makeup, girls!
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