DESTINATION : Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Travel period : 30.01-03.02.2014
i) Cu Chi Tunnels.
it took approximately one and half hours to arrive at Cu Chi from Ho Chi Minh city. this place is one of de Vietnam's most popular attractions and some even say that you cannot come to Saigon without a trip to de Cu Chi Tunnels. during Vietnam War, Cu Chi Tunnels were de underground network of several military campaigns. these tunnels were used by soldiers as hiding spots, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, and living quarters.
it took approximately one and half hours to arrive at Cu Chi from Ho Chi Minh city. this place is one of de Vietnam's most popular attractions and some even say that you cannot come to Saigon without a trip to de Cu Chi Tunnels. during Vietnam War, Cu Chi Tunnels were de underground network of several military campaigns. these tunnels were used by soldiers as hiding spots, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, and living quarters.
although there's nothing too fancy to sight-see (more to a leisure jungle walk with tunnels), but this is a place where you get de informative insight on how de Vietnamese soldiers survived during Vietnam War (and their booby traps too!).
well camouflaged when close.
you can start to imagine how people can squeeze their body through a size of A4 sheet.
finally, some daylight after few minutes of nearly total darkness.
well camouflaged when close.
you can start to imagine how people can squeeze their body through a size of A4 sheet.
finally, some daylight after few minutes of nearly total darkness.
this was part of de modified tunnel complex at Cu Chi that has been made wider to accommodate tourists. for de brave and adventurous soul, you can try to experience de underground city by crawling in de tunnel (with de only source of light came from our iPhones). please be noted that these tunnels are really small and barely leave any extra space after you're below (you may stuck in a "traffic jam" in between if travelling in a group). for those elderly or people with medical conditions (and claustrophobic), it is advisable not to try this as it could get hot and stuffy when you are inside. we managed to get through de 100m level 2 stretch but seriously, I don't think I can survive for even half an hour and how do these people survive for years in these tunnels?
some comfort food during Cu Chi tour.
at de end of de tour (after all de sweat and heat), we were rewarded with Cu Chi staple- steamed tapioca and complimentary tea. de barbecued corn was purchased from stall near de shooting range and it was just so-so.
ii) Vung Tau.
after lunch, we proceeded to Vung Tau which took another 2 hour plus by route. it was already evening when we arrived. we were brought by de tour for a cup of Vietnamese coffee while enjoying de sunset at Vung Tau.
#1 Vietnam coffee and sunset.
signature vietnamese filter kit and their iced coffee.
it was very rich, sweet, and thick and you must try.
#2 Sammy Hotel, Vung Tau.
this is a 4 star-rated hotel and it only required a short walk to de beach. we did not manage to get ourselves a beach view room but we were still delighted to have a beach picture hanging in our room.
#3 Seafood dinner @ Hue Anh Restaurant.
I personally think this place served de most delicious meal throughout our trip. giving a thumbs up to de fresh big prawns that was limited only one for each person.
de wonder of joining a tour is that you don't really need to plan and think what to eat and what to do. but do beware of de extra kgs you may unintentionally gain.
#4 Vung Tau midnight snacks.
we went to explore de stretch of night stalls located not far from our hotel when everyone went back to de hotel for rest (it wasn't part of de tour itinerary). street scene wasn't really impressive, and it seemed there were only few stalls but kept repeating as you walked along. it wasn't really interesting except for de food.
grilled octopus is one of de must-try.
a chicken and duck talk is expected, but seriously you must-try (use finger language or whatever you can do). we could no longer resist after passing by few stalls of these.
yummy.
it was served with some kangkung leaves in a styrofoam (not healthy I know) with toothpicks. they did provide a wedge and pepper for flavouring. de octopus and squid were chewy, tangy, and delicious despite one of our octopus was slightly overloaded with salt. and it felt so good to be seated on small plastic chairs and enjoy our Vietnamese street food (with beer lemon tea) just like de locals =)
#5 Vung Tau beach at dawn.
it was worth getting up from our comfort bed at 6am for this on de next day.
#6 The Christ of Vung Tau, Mount Nho.
de best time to visit is to come early because this is another hot spot that will be crowded with tourists during midday. coming early also helps to get rid of de heat of de sun at noon.
loving de lady at de top who posed like Jesus Christ.
according to our tour guide, de statue is 32 metres tall with two outstretched arms as a symbol of protection to de land, rivers, mountains, and preventing disasters that may happen to people. it is considered as one of de tallest statues of Christ in Asia. to reach de top you are required to climb a 133-step staircase inside de statue.
at de top of Jesus' arms with de breathtaking panoramic view of Vung Tau city.
de photo taking session was rather quick and we didn't have enough time to enjoy because de space was really limited (at most only for two) and there were a bunch of people standing beside, queueing, and waiting for their turn. you didn't have time for a beautiful picture and may probably end up with a messy hair because it was too windy up there. and also because time was insufficient for 1399680 shots.
claustrophobic climb at de staircase.
there is a dress code to follow in order to enter: shoes must be removed, no tank tops and for ladies, at least knee length skirts or pants are required. again, try to avoid peak hour or come early because de entire staircase will become grid-locked and you may end up passing people at really close proximity on your way down. I suppose everything is tall and thin in Vietnam.
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