Readme before you journey
Pin: South Vietnam
Trip: Left alone, I had to fly solo for a 3-day chill trip in Mui Ne.
Road trip: Bangkok-Ho Chi Minh City-Mui Ne
Travel Cost: 1200 THB for living expenses in Vietnam.
Detail: Couchsurfing offers a unique travel experience that deviates from traditional tourism. Let's explore how it breaks the mold!
... Where to travel abroad? "Vietnam" is one of the interesting countries that many tourists would like to visit at least once. With the abundance of landscapes with many seasons, be it summer, rainy season or winter, this country has many selling points such as Western-style resorts, the city of love like Hoi An (I don't know who I love) 555 The desert that doesn't have to go as far as the Sahara, and recently, 2-3 years ago, there was snowfall. And the cost is not much different from our Thailand. It's a complete barbecue set (is it time to be hungry?) Well, Vietnam is interesting because it has a lot of things mixed together. And because this country is longer than it is wide, there is some tourism in northern Vietnam, central Vietnam. But for this review, we would like to present tourism in southern Vietnam because southern Vietnam has something that makes you want to go (ohhhhh, the song is coming!)
Episode 0 The story that morning
You may have always wanted to visit a certain place. The person you want to take with you is probably a friend, but day after day, it seems like a sad story will come when no one is even free to go with you. But hey!! How many times will the plan you made, the place you want to go, be postponed if we are still hesitant and have to wait for someone who is not ready to go with us? When will we be able to go? Sometimes, traveling is about leaving the old world and going to a new place. Just go, just you are ready.
After the plan was ruined because the friend we thought we could stick to and hoped to rely on waved goodbye and asked to go next time, we could say that they ditched us before the flight. I think many people have been the lice of the trip, the person who doesn't do much, the person who lets their friends lead the way for almost everything, the person who has always been a follower. Then one day, the sky came crashing down, and we had to beg loudly. But it's okay. I think if we want to go, we must go. Come on, let's try it once. How bad can it be to travel abroad alone? If we don't try, we won't know. A nine-life cat like us must survive, right? 555
The long-awaited day finally arrived. I made my way to Don Mueang Airport, feeling a mix of excitement and loneliness. I scanned the crowd, hoping to find someone to travel with. My eyes landed on a young man who looked like a solo traveler, adventurous and handsome (though that's not really relevant). However, before I could approach him, he disappeared into the boarding crowd. Disappointed, I turned to my trusty companion, Google, for assistance. For this trip, I chose Air Asia, known for its frequent flights and promotions. Although I missed out on a bargain this time, I'm a regular customer anyway (secretly hoping to earn enough points for a free flight).
The morning sunlight is truly beautiful. It gives me a feeling that our journey ahead will have light at the end of the tunnel. (Where's the tunnel?) Stop talking so much. Let's get on the plane. Come on!
Traveling on a small AirAsia plane, if you want to see the view from above, tell the staff in advance that you would like a window seat. As for us, we always request a window seat in the middle of the plane (aligned with the wing) because it feels the most balanced. In the event of turbulence, you will experience the least effect (based on personal experience).
Entering the aircraft (is it necessary to describe it in such detail?) 555 Well, we want to give you the feeling that you are traveling with us, and we are the great leader, laughing in our throat, hehe (someone came to nudge me). As it was an early morning flight, there were naturally fewer people. It felt like being a VIP guest on a chartered flight, traveling with a few close friends and relatives. 555 Some people forgot to ask for a window seat during check-in, but they were able to move to a window seat when the plane reached cruising altitude and the seat belt signs were turned off. Since there were plenty of empty seats, we could inch closer to the edge of the window and look down.
Thank yourself for supporting this journey on this plane (Is this possible?)
... When boarding the plane, don't forget to read important documents, methods of self-protection, and potential emergencies that may occur to find a way to escape and chase for yourself. Or you can also pay attention when the staff introduces how to use various oxygen equipment for future benefits (Why is it so serious?) 555 Well, it's good to read and listen, but besides that, do you know that sometimes there may be good promotions hidden in the storage compartment? With restless hands, I have to twitch and pick up this and that to look at, which has brought me many Gift Vouchers. Try digging around, oops, pick it up and take a look. Especially if you are traveling during various festivals, such as New Year's Day, sometimes this airline may hide gifts for you (Advertising like being hired 555) Well, anyway, it is useful for everyone. Air Asia did not hire me, but if the team sees this message, you can hire me on the next good occasion, haha (dig a hole)
Come on, let's fly. I've been talking for liters of saliva, but what is it that makes people walk on the plane but in the end, no one wants to sit near us T_T Where did everyone go?
Thank you for the journey on this machine. Paying for an Economy ticket but feeling like a VIP. 555
The view from below is beautiful, let's go, Red-tailed Hawk.
Chapter 1: Hello Ho Chi Minh City, Land of Motorbikes
After crossing the sea, mountains, and hills (it felt like a long journey), the Red-tailed Hawk landed gracefully after a two-hour flight. We arrived safely in Ho Chi Minh City from Bangkok. The next step was to find a victim (my eyes were darting everywhere). I saw a young couple dressed in adventure gear, they must be heading to Mui Ne. Should I say hello? Or not? Since I was alone, time didn't allow me to think for too long. In the blink of an eye, my prey disappeared from the airport. Another miss! 555 Since I was alone, I decided to be bold. Alright, the next step was to find a SIM card to keep my little life going (that's why I couldn't follow them out of the airport). According to Pantip, after exiting the plane, walk straight towards the exit. Before exiting, there will be many SIM card shops. I looked for my target, which was Vinaphone (recommended by a post). I forgot which post it was. 555 I joined the queue, which was very long (it must be good). I heard it was cheap and good, so I decided to try it (I noticed that the shops next door didn't have long queues or crowds like this one. Maybe they bought it because they saw other people buying it, so I followed suit. I thought to myself).
Apologies for the blurry image, it was taken by a rising star. 555
After queuing for a while, a group of friendly Chinese people cut in front of me, six of them. I'm not very vocal, so I just let it go. It was my first day and I didn't want any trouble. After queuing for almost 20 minutes, with only 3 people left before my turn, the host I was going to stay with messaged me asking if I had arrived and what I was doing. I told him I was buying a SIM card from this particular provider. The host suggested I switch to M Phone instead. I was surprised and asked if the current provider was not good. The host replied that it was good, but not suitable for the countryside. He explained that the signal would be patchy in the places I was going, as it was better suited for urban areas. He suggested that if I was going to Muine and other places, M Phone would be a better choice as it was more suitable for rural areas, although it was more expensive. I thought to myself that there were only 3 people left and this provider had a long queue, while the one the host recommended was almost empty. I was hesitant, but in the end, I decided to leave the queue and buy a SIM card from M Phone instead. I figured that the locals would know best which SIM card was suitable for the area they lived in. No worries. So I moved to the M Phone store nearby. They showed me their promotions and asked me how long I would be staying and where I would be going. They gave me recommendations.
The MPhone will be a Vettle sim card. We chose the 290,000 dong option, which is the best fit for us.
After sorting out the sim card, it was time to hunt down a bus into the city. We needed to get to Bến Thành Market to find a bus to Mui Ne. Bến Thành Market is a central hub for travel to many places. How do we get there? We looked for Bus number 152. Walk out of the airport, turn right, and walk about 100 meters. Bus number 152 will be on the opposite side. Just cross the street.
To be sure, ask the driver if this bus goes to Bến Thành Market. If they say yes, hop on!
Bus Travel in Vietnam: Affordable and Convenient
The cost of a bus ride in Vietnam is approximately 8 baht, or 5,000 dong. While exceeding the weight limit for a single seat may result in a double fare, it remains significantly cheaper than taking a taxi into the city. Additionally, buses offer several advantages over taxis, including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and friendly service. Passengers can also request to be notified upon arrival.
The bus was clean and tidy, with cool air conditioning. The bus conductor even took a nap! We were a bit dazed and looked out the window, checking the map occasionally to see how close we were to our destination.
When we arrived, the bus dropped us off at this point (it looks like something, haha). Now, what to do next? We needed to find a way to get to Mui Ne. We asked our host (we'll explain how we found our host in the next section) which bus company we should use to get to Mui Ne. We decided to try a new experience and get a recommendation from a local, hoping to find something different. Many people recommended Viet Sea, which is popular with Thai tourists, but we didn't know if it was good or not. We'll save that for next time. We like to step outside our comfort zone, haha. So we decided to try something else and looked for Hanh Café, which was a short walk away. No problem, we can walk. We figured we could also explore the city while we were at it.
Ben Thanh Market (GPS: 10.794288, 106.652779)
We followed the map and walked to the market. We had to cross many streets, and it was quite a thrill to avoid the motorbikes. In Vietnam, there are so many motorbikes that they honk their horns constantly, making your ears dance. Finally, we arrived at the area where many tour companies are located, including Hanh Café. We searched and walked around until we found Hanh Café 1, 2, and 3. But which one was it? So we took a picture and showed it to our host. The host said, "No, that's not it. Try another one." After walking around for a while, we finally found the Hanh Café we were looking for. It's the one in the picture.
Hanh Café (GPS coordinates: 10.768493, 106.692610)
We checked the schedule for the Sleep bus and decided to buy tickets for 110,000 dong (they don't accept US dollars here). It was a bit surprising, but it wasn't a problem as we had exchanged some money for dong earlier.
Hanh Café Sleep Bus Schedule
Approximately 175 Thai Baht for 110,000 Vietnamese Dong.
The host informed me that my arrival time was too late and suggested I find a tour with an earlier departure time. At 11 am, the host recommended The Sinh Tourist, a reputable agency with a larger office compared to Hanh Café. The Sinh Tourist is located one traffic light away from Hanh Café.
The Sinh Tourist (GPS: 10.768385, 106.693685)
While taking photos, it suddenly started raining. Yay! What else can we do but go inside? The Sinh Tourist prominently displays a sleep bus schedule for various cities, allowing us to check the routes and frequencies for the day. It's a good idea to save this information in case you need to make a last-minute decision, as some cities only have one morning and one evening bus.
The Sinh Tourist Sleep Bus Schedule
(For a clearer image, download here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8AU-rLqBfAebUpDNDBoM2hUZUk/view?usp=sharing)
After talking to the staff, it turned out that the bus departure times were not much different from Hanh Café. The price was also higher, if I remember correctly, around 160,000 dong. If I'm wrong, then it's not 555. So I decided not to cancel my Hanh Café ticket and instead walked around looking for something to eat nearby because it was raining. Luckily, there was a restaurant right next to The Sinh Tourist, so I didn't hesitate to move with a quick jump (wait, wait).
The restaurant boasts an impressive interior design and offers a diverse menu featuring Italian, Vietnamese, Tex Mex, Asian, and international cuisine, along with a wide selection of beverages. The sheer variety of options can be overwhelming, making it difficult to choose. Ultimately, I opted for the pork bacon burger, priced at 125 baht. While waiting for my order, I couldn't help but glance at the relaxed uncle sitting next to me.
As I'm still not very proficient with using a large camera, the flash always casts shadows, so I ended up with some artsy food photos with flickering shadows. (I tried my best!)
The delicious lunch at Thay An ended, leaving me with over an hour to spare. I decided to take a walk and explore the streets, challenging the motorbike riders to a game of chicken. 555 I continued taking photos as I wandered the streets. There are so many motorbikes here, and the riders are incredibly skilled. Each bike has its own unique character, with various decorations and modifications. Be careful when crossing the street, as they drive on the right side of the road, unlike back home (sometimes it gets confusing, and I almost got hit). 555 Honking is popular here. If you're in their way, they'll honk to warn you. Even if you're not in their way, they'll still honk (what's up with that?). The people here are kind. Sometimes when I'm crossing the street, they'll stop the traffic for me, as if I'm lost and confused. 55 Let's see what the streets of Vietnam are like. Come along!
The elder brother looks cool just by parking.
The chaotic traffic with cars passing in all directions left me confused about how to cross the street.
Following closely behind is the coolest uncle, making a beautiful right turn with his trusty motorcycle, which looks just like the Wave we have at home.
The three-wheeled vehicle is also participating in this competition.
A long convoy of vehicles, all with two fingers raised. Why is that? 555 If you're interested in a city tour, this is the service for you.
The next contestant brought their beloved child for us to admire. Eat a lot, you've gotten too thin!
Next up, we have a three-wheeled vehicle with an exhaust pipe that appears to be malfunctioning.
Next up, meet the coolest biker who turned so hard his shirt ripped. Sexy uncles, huh?
The red-shirted girl with a powerful red car has arrived. Ah, there's quite a lot of dust here and the sun is strong at times. It's a good idea to wear a mask while driving.
Hello Brother Koala Marsh, the sacred object of worship in front of the van.
It only took 10 minutes for the Hanh Cafe van to take us to the bus station to travel to Mui Ne.
This is a Hanh Cafe tour bus in good condition. Surrounded by other tour bus parking lots, it can be considered a bus terminal. Why choose a Sleep Bus? Because the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne takes more than 5 hours, making the Sleep Bus a worthwhile choice.
The interior of the Sleep Bus is like this. Before boarding, you must take off your shoes to maintain cleanliness. The staff will provide you with a shoe bag. The seats can be adjusted up and down. Luckily, we got a seat on the upper floor, so we didn't have to worry about anyone kicking our heads. 555. It's a bit difficult to stretch your legs. Even though we are short, it was difficult to sleep. What about tall people? But since I like to sleep with my knees bent, it was very comfortable. In front, there is a place to put your belongings and a water dispenser. Free water is distributed on the bus.
Come sleep now. In a few hundred minutes, we'll go on a trip to Mui Ne!! Zzz
Episode 3 Hello Mui Ne
After approximately three hours of travel, we arrived at a rest stop. The rest stop offered a variety of goods, similar to souvenir shops found in our home country. There were also restaurants and restrooms available. Upon exiting the vehicle, there was no need to bring your own shoes, as Hanh Café provided footwear for visitors. However, individuals were welcome to use their own shoes if they preferred.
With approximately 3,000 Thai baht and nearly 1,000 Vietnamese dong in hand, I discovered that local vendors preferred Vietnamese dong over US dollars. This was surprising, as northern Vietnam typically favored US dollars. I approached a large souvenir shop, assuming they would accept US dollars, intending to break a large bill. After selecting a box of snacks and a bottle of milk, I was pleased to find that the shop accepted US dollars. After exploring the surrounding area, I boarded the bus to continue my journey.
As the sun began its descent, the Sleep Bus finally arrived in Binh Thuan (Mui Ne, a city within Binh Thuan province). Reaching the city center, I messaged my host, informing them of my imminent arrival and requesting a pick-up. (My host, incredibly kind, offered to pick me up at the bus station.) At 6:30 PM, the Sleep Bus pulled into the station. Bidding farewell to my fellow passengers, I waited briefly before my gracious host arrived on their motorbike. After a quick greeting, we set off together.
The Host's Proposal and the Journey to the Desert
The host suggested a nighttime trip to a desert landscape, located just 15 minutes away. Intrigued by the prospect of capturing the desert under the starry sky, I readily agreed. The host assured me that the chosen location offered a stunning view of the city lights against the backdrop of the desert.
As we embarked on our journey, the host drove us to a secluded area, away from the usual tourist destinations like White Sand Dune or Red Sand Dune. The path was steep, dark, and devoid of other vehicles, raising a momentary concern about our safety. However, having researched the host's trustworthiness beforehand, I decided to trust my instincts and enjoy the ride.
Upon reaching our destination, the darkness and isolation were overwhelming. However, the twinkling city lights in the distance presented a breathtaking spectacle. As a novice photographer, I struggled to capture the scene effectively. Despite using flash and consulting online resources for nighttime photography techniques, the desired results remained elusive. After some time, we decided to return and attempt capturing the desert in the morning light.
On our way back, the host pointed out various landmarks and provided insights into the local culture. Within ten minutes, we arrived at the host's residence, which consisted of several houses clustered together. The neighborhood was predominantly occupied by foreign residents, primarily from France, Germany, and Spain.
The host introduced me to his family, including his mother, playful daughter, and wife who was yet to return. With my arrival, their household temporarily expanded to five members. Interestingly, the host, who was Russian, primarily communicated using Google Translate. He informed me that he had been using the tool throughout our pre-trip conversations. While acknowledging the limitations of Google Translate for Thai, he expressed his satisfaction with its accuracy for Russian. This revelation added a touch of humor to our interaction, as he occasionally resorted to voice recordings for real-time translation when words failed him. Overall, the experience highlighted the power of technology in bridging communication gaps and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
The mother-in-law doesn't speak English at all. The 2-year-old daughter just cries "hungry, hungry". She's cute and very naughty. After the recommendations, the host took us to see the room. He opened a private room for us to sleep in, with air conditioning. That's all we need. The room looks like this (what language is this photo in?).
After finishing unpacking, the host took us to the kitchen. He had prepared food for us and gave us the option of Russian salad, Vietnamese fish curry, or rice porridge. Being a meat-lover, I immediately dismissed the salad (no veggies for me!). As for the fish curry, I'm not a big fan of fish (hence the nickname "minnow"!). So, my final choice was the rice porridge, the easiest option. (So picky when it comes to food, right?) In reality, I'm not that picky. If there are options, I'll choose what I like. But if there aren't, I'll eat anything. (See, I'm easy! Believe me.) The host generously served me a large portion of rice porridge, almost the entire pot. I was like, "Whoa, I didn't ask for that much!" But he insisted, saying, "You've been traveling, you need to eat a lot or you'll get hungry." Okay, okay, fine. So, I sat down and ate my porridge while being bitten by mosquitoes outside the house.
It's time to eat. The first bite was a disappointment. It wasn't very tasty. I guess I made the wrong choice. But I ate it anyway to survive. The host sat next to me, so I couldn't refuse. Maybe I'm not used to Russian food. We talked and shared our experiences until the big bowl of rice porridge was finally finished. (Tears were about to fall)
When he saw that I had finished eating, the host said that he would make me some coffee. I was surprised because it was late at night, and I don't usually drink coffee. The host said that I had to try it because Vietnamese coffee is very famous. He said that if I didn't drink it, it would be like I hadn't been to Vietnam. He said that it wasn't like the coffee I usually drink. He was very persuasive, so I agreed. He showed me how to make it. It's not like putting coffee in a cup and pouring water on it. He did it in a special way so that the coffee would drip. (I didn't take a picture because I wanted to try it myself.) In the end, he made Vietnamese-style coffee. I tasted it, and it was delicious. It was aromatic and smooth. I complimented the host, and he smiled broadly. He said that he had been practicing for a long time before he could make it. He said that if I wanted the equipment, he would take me to the supermarket to buy it. He said that the coffee here is delicious and that I could buy some to take home as gifts for others. I agreed. Let's do it!
As the evening progressed, it was approaching 10 pm, the time when Host's wife finished work. Host excused himself to pick her up, promising to return shortly. Before leaving, he announced that they would be having a welcoming barbecue for Yuna, a lighthearted introduction to Russian culinary culture. We readily agreed and began preparing a bonfire and setting up the barbecue in the front yard.
The host soon returned with his wife, who was charming and spoke fluent English. We chatted for a while, exchanging experiences. Later, the host's mother-in-law and daughter joined the barbecue party.
Chapter 4: The Benefits of Free Hosting
The party went well. My mother-in-law tried to communicate with us using sign language, which was adorable. After a while, a few neighbors started returning home, and we exchanged greetings. Eventually, they joined the party, creating a diverse group of people from various nationalities. The community here is very welcoming to strangers and delighted to have visitors. The house next door to ours also operates as a host. The person I clicked with the most was a French programmer who had traveled far from his home country to work in Saigon for Google. He's an avid traveler who has worked in several countries and has a wealth of experience. With such impressive credentials (and probably a lot of money), I couldn't help but wonder why he was staying at a host's house instead of a nice hotel. He explained that he's a laid-back person who enjoys traveling, experiencing local cultures, making new friends, and learning about different things. He believes that some of the best experiences can't be found in reviews. I was thoroughly impressed by his response.
"He asked me how long I've been traveling and what I've experienced staying with a host. I chuckled and said, 'This is actually my first time staying with a host and traveling solo.' He exclaimed, 'Wow, you're amazing! Crazy girl! If you ever come back to Vietnam and visit Saigon, let me know. I'll give you a warm welcome and introduce you to my friends.' I readily agreed. It felt incredible to be welcomed by a complete stranger as if I were a guest in their own home. I made a new friend and gained valuable connections. This friend was hilarious, and we had a great time chatting. He even joked about wanting to knock my head for being so funny.
Now, let's get down to business (yes, there's substance here). Regarding the host, I wanted to try something new during my trip to Vietnam. I decided to leave the usual travel guides behind and let the host guide me on where to go. As for accommodation, traveling solo can be expensive. So, to save money, I opted for https://www.couchsurfing.com. Plus, I wanted to have an immersive experience by staying with a local host. Couchsurfing was the perfect choice (or was it just to save money?)."
Ref. http://blog.foreigners.cz/couchsurfing-friends-you-havent-met-yet
What is Couchsurfing?
In simple terms, it's like "free accommodation with strangers." But what's the point? Well, it's a great tool for building relationships between people. (We said we'd use simple words, right? Haha) So, let's explain it in two versions: a casual version and a formal version.
Simple version: Requesting free accommodation with strangers to learn and exchange experiences with each other.
Official Version: A non-profit business that allows travelers to share accommodation, learn about local lifestyles, culture, language, food, and more, fostering positive relationships and creating a world-opening, enriching experience at no cost to foreign travelers, hosted by locals on a foundation of mutual respect.
Wow, who invited this writer? 555 Well, that's couchsurfing, the value you deserve.
How to Use and What It Can Do
How to Sign Up for Couchsurfing
Before you begin, read the instructions carefully. It's easy! (Okay, maybe I'm being a bit lazy here.)
Here's a quick and simple explanation of what you need to do to sign up for Couchsurfing:
- Fill out your profile as completely as possible. This includes information like your name, date of birth, location, occupation, lifestyle, interests, and why you're interested in Couchsurfing.
- Be honest and genuine in your profile. Couchsurfing is about building a community of trust and respect.
- Read more about Couchsurfing on their website: https://www.couchsurfing.com
Remember, the more information you provide, the better your chances of connecting with other Couchsurfers.
Here are some additional tips for creating a great Couchsurfing profile:
- Use clear and concise language.
- Highlight your unique interests and experiences.
- Be open and friendly.
- Show that you're passionate about travel and meeting new people.
By following these tips, you can create a profile that will attract other Couchsurfers and help you have a positive experience.
Couchsurfing is a hospitality exchange service that connects travelers with locals who offer a place to stay for free.
Ref. http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/how-to-crush-it-on-couchsurfing
When you benefit from Couchsurfing, remember to share something good with those who have shared things with you. It doesn't have to be money. It could be your local food, OTOP products, or even instant noodles. What we think is ordinary might be extraordinary for them. So let's share good things with each other.
What role do you want to play?
You can be both a host and a guest on Couchsurfing. In your profile, you should clearly state whether you want to be a host or a guest.
Example: If you are a host who wants to open your home to others:
In addition to your profile describing yourself, you need to provide details about your home, such as its amenities, the number of guests you can accommodate, and the gender of guests you are willing to accept. You can also set rules, such as no smoking or smoking allowed. If you are not available to host someone on the dates they request, you can simply offer them a place to stay. You are not obligated to show them around. You should state all of this in your profile. This information will be helpful to both you and your guests, and it will help you screen potential guests. You can also chat with potential guests before accepting them, which will give you a chance to get to know them better and make a decision. (Most hosts do this anyway.) If you are not comfortable with a guest, you can decline their request.
Example: If you are a surfer who wants to stay at someone else's home:
You can choose a host based on your preferences. Simply read the profiles of people who are willing to host guests. Searching is easy. For example, if you are planning a trip to Paris and want to stay in a particular area, you can enter your search criteria and Couchsurfing will show you the hosts in that area. You can then choose the host that best suits your needs. See? It's easy!
How to Choose a Host
When choosing a Host, you should check their profile to see how reliable they are. We recommend choosing someone with a profile score of 80% or higher. Couchsurfing displays profile scores, so you can easily check them there. Next, look at the References to see what others have said about the Host. Are the comments positive? What did previous guests or visitors think? This information can help you decide whether or not to stay with this Host. If you are a Host, you can also choose Surfers based on their accommodation history. If they haven't stayed anywhere before, you can read their profile and decide if you want to accept them. Ultimately, if a Host or Surfer has no References and has never been commented on, you could be the first person to give them a chance. However, it's important to consider your decision carefully. (Why do I have to make this sound so stressful?) 555 Okay, it may seem complicated, but it's really not that difficult. The only difficult part is signing up. If you just take a few minutes to filter what you want to receive and what you want to share, good things will be waiting for you in the future. Thank you! (Now I'm going to go receive my bouquet of flowers offstage) 555
What are the benefits of Couchsurfing?
Looking back at the message above (just kidding 555), it's good that it helps us save money on accommodation, as well as exchange knowledge and culture with the host. We also made new friends who are friends of the host's friends. Who knows, in the future our line of work may have to be related to him. Having new friends is like having a new home, getting a new job, anything can happen.
Who is Couchsurfing suitable for?
Anyone with an open mind and a willingness to explore new worlds can have an enriching experience by staying with local hosts. These hosts are adept at problem-solving, possess critical thinking skills, and most importantly, find joy in the experience. Couchsurfing can be a haven for travelers seeking authentic connections and cultural immersion.
Ref. https://welovewanderlust.wordpress.com
Back to the party (wow, is that all the knowledge?). Well, yes, 555 (because they hired us to play big like this). Just kidding, I just wanted to recommend it in case anyone is interested in trying this kind of experience. It's easier than you think. We continued to socialize and exchange experiences, and no one seemed to be going to sleep. But I really wanted to sleep for a long time. But even my mother-in-law wasn't sleeping, so how could I sleep? T_T Oh, and my desert has to wake up early tomorrow morning. But it's already 2 am now. In the end, we all went to sleep at 3 am. I made an appointment with the Host to go to White Sand Dune in the morning. How long does it take from here? The Host said, "You have to wake up at 3:30, and we'll go out at 4:00." I only had half an hour, so I went to sleep quickly. Zzzz
Episode 5 Falling in love with the desert trap
The clock struck 3:30 AM, a beautiful time but not a beautiful face, because the host woke me up. "Wake up!! Go take a shower, get dressed, prepare your things quickly!! Are you going to White Sand Dune?" Okay, I give up. I got up. We crawled out of bed, flowed into the bathroom, and then crawled back to prepare our things. At 4:00 AM, we escaped from the house. No, we went to White Sand Dune. There were three of us: the host, the host's wife, and me. In less than an hour, we arrived at White Sand Dune, a white desert as far as the eye could see. It was almost 5:00 AM. Let's go for a walk!!
The front of the desert offers ATV rentals for exploring the sandy terrain. The rental fee is 400 baht for 20 minutes. For those who have booked a jeep tour, they can speed through the sand with their four-wheel drive. Some online forums recommend renting an ATV to avoid exhaustion and cover more ground efficiently. However, we opted for neither tour nor ATV rental. Instead, we decided to embark on a walking adventure through the vast desert.
Our small group of three ventured into the expansive desert, acutely aware of the energy expenditure with each step. We anticipated weight loss upon our return. As we walked, we captured scenic views, starting with this test shot to adjust the lighting.
White Sand Dune, literally translated as "white sea," is located 25 kilometers from the city center. It is easily accessible, either by tour (price unknown) or, as in our case, for free with a host. The journey takes you along empty roads lined with trees, grass, and occasional patches of desert. Mui Ne boasts two major deserts: White Sand Dune and Red Sand Dune. As the name suggests, Red Sand Dune is a red desert. To capture the sunrise, we opted to visit the White Sand Dune in the morning, followed by a sunset shoot at the Red Sand Dune.
Wake up!
Wake up
Let's continue.
Why are you taking so many pictures? 55
You can also turn around to take a view.
And then come back to borrow my wife for a bit 555
Where are you running to, my lady?
She ran and transformed into a tigress. Meow!
Let me take a picture too. I want to kick the horizon, but it seems the desert doesn't understand.
The rain started suddenly, leaving us wondering where to seek shelter. Should we dig a hole and bury ourselves in the sand? (But sand doesn't hold water, does it?) We continued walking, resigned to our fate. Many people retreated, but they hadn't arrived on foot; they rode ATVs back. We could only pray for the rain to stop. After a while, it did, and we smiled with relief. However, the weather wasn't on our side that day. The sky was overcast, a storm was brewing, and the sun was nowhere to be seen, not even a glimmer reflecting off the sand.
Please help me.
Sleepy. Can I take a nap first?
Run awayyyyyyyyyyy
Run, Die, Runnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Hold on tight, my love.
The driver is gone. How am I going to get back?
You can drag it yourself.
Oh no! They're all gone! Should I run?
Taking a quick photo before the rain starts.
Can you please take me there?
Only two of us left, what should we do?
The sky suddenly changed, like a distorted canvas... Desert!! 555 We weren't afraid even on a cloudy day, we kept shooting, sometimes from a low angle.
After taking photos at White Sand Dune, we left at around 9 am. The host took us to the nearby Palace, which was only a 5-minute drive away. We were about to leave when we came across a lotus pond. We decided to stop for a quick visit.
Our models are ready.
The couple's work is coming...
I'm so lonely, can I have a hug? TT
Let's go!
We arrived at the Palace, which appeared to be either unfinished or undergoing renovation. We assumed it had been abandoned for some time. There wasn't much to see, just a row of statues of deities. We took a few quick photos and then left.
The host then took us to a nearby village to see the community and grab a bite to eat (we were starving!). The host took us to a local coffee shop, where coffee is a popular drink (I forgot to mention that the host made us coffee when we woke up). We had to have another cup of coffee? T_T Even though it was delicious, why do we have to drink coffee? Their culture dictates that they don't eat breakfast and instead drink coffee. Oh, Buddha, I understand. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Soon, the traditional, aromatic Vietnamese-style coffee was served. Of course, it was delicious and smooth as always.
After finishing our coffee, the host took us to Fairy Stream. However, before reaching Fairy Stream, we passed by Red Canyon. Most tourists tend to skip this spot and continue on their way. The bottom of the canyon is accessible by foot and features red sand that has been eroded by rainwater, creating a smooth and fine texture. However, due to our laziness, we opted not to walk down and instead took photos from a vantage point above.
After that, we will continue to Fairy Stream. Let's go, brother. The host also said that Red Canyon is near Fairy Stream. You can walk through the forest stream. We asked back, how do other people usually go? The host said that we have to drive and start walking in the middle of the stream. Now you walk from here, walk alone. I and my wife will meet you at the end. My brother called, I have to go back and drive for my brother first. We were like, wow, we were left in the middle of the forest. 555 with the words that we will meet again.
Before leaving, the host went to explore whether the thorny forest stream was walkable. In the end, he found a hole to the stream. We followed him in. In conclusion, we had to climb down beside the waterfall at Red Canyon, which was not very high.
The price is quite high, considering it's just an ordinary waterfall. The host even suggested taking a quick photo as a souvenir before leaving. (This might be the last photo before...)
The host waved goodbye to us and said that the tour was over when we were about to reach the exit. He told us to wait there and he would come back to pick us up. He also told us to follow the stream when we walked, and we would find the Fairy Stream. We said okay and agreed to meet him again later.
We ambled along the stream, surrounded by trees and boulders. I wondered if I had taken a wrong turn, but after a while, I stumbled upon a restaurant. Yes, a restaurant in the middle of the stream! It belonged to the local villagers, and it was a unique experience to dine while soaking in the water. People were sitting on benches above, and they shouted down to me, asking why I was alone and where I came from. I told them I was from Thailand, traveling solo, and on my way to Fairy Steam. They confirmed the direction and we chatted for a while. It was a funny scene, me standing in the stream as a "lower-class" person, while the others sat comfortably on the bank as the "upper-class." We exchanged contact information, as they mentioned they planned to visit Thailand. We said our goodbyes, and I continued my journey. We have kept in touch since then, and they revealed that the resort and restaurant I encountered belonged to their mother. They offered me free accommodation if I ever visit Vietnam again. I readily agreed, and we made plans for a future visit.
Chapter 5: Falling in Love, Trapped in the Desert (Continued)
We continued walking, still not encountering anyone. It seemed like we had the entire place to ourselves. We took photos as we went, eventually reaching the Fairy Stream. This is where the real adventure begins... The Fairy Stream is a small body of water surrounded by large sandstone mountains that have been eroded over time. Along the way, there are restaurants and a zoo to visit. The walk from the beginning of the stream to the exit takes about 30 minutes if you don't stop to take many photos. However, we are the type of people who photograph everything in sight, so we took our time, admiring the scenery and taking photos until we finally encountered other people. It was a relief to see other people, even though there weren't many.
Hello there! It's great to meet another human after walking alone for so long.
The eroded sandstone will have a termite mound-like shape.
The scenery along the way will constantly change as a result of erosion.
Walking a little further, I encountered extras, oops, people passing by. 55
Some come in pairs T_T
And then the couple....
"Grandma told me to come sit with her, she'll comfort me."
After a while, the Host messaged me asking where I was and if I had passed the zoo yet. If I had reached the zoo, it meant I was close to the exit. He asked me to message him when I arrived so he could pick me up. I told him not yet, I'd let him know when I got there. I continued walking, and it took quite a while to reach the zoo. It was located along a stream and wasn't very big. I didn't see any unusual animals, so I didn't pay much attention and just walked past. There's no entrance fee for walking at Fairy Stream.
After a while, I reached the exit, which was an upward path that emerged from the water onto land (what does it look like?). Since I had only had two cups of coffee from morning to noon, I decided to head straight to the restaurant to order some rice while I waited for the Host. I couldn't think of anything else, so I just ordered fried rice. After waiting for a while, the fried rice arrived looking like this. It was pork fried rice. Interestingly, the fried rice here is mixed with butter, but it's full of corn, peas, carrots, and other things (I don't usually eat these, so I would normally remove them all). But here, oh my, there was just too much. No matter how I tried to remove them, I couldn't get rid of them all. In the end, I just stuffed it in my mouth and ate it. I was hungry, so it wasn't the time to be picky, haha (I told you I'm easy to please). But let me just complain a little while I eat: it was greasy and delicious at the same time. I'm confused. The taste was strangely well-balanced (or maybe I'm just dizzy, I'm not sure).
After waiting for a short while, the host arrived. He asked if I had any plans for the day, but I declined as I was feeling sleepy. I assured him that I could take care of myself and asked him to help me rent a motorbike so I could explore the area. The host agreed and took me to a rental shop he knew. On the way back, we passed the Red Sand Dune. However, I was not impressed as it was littered with trash and the sand was not smooth. There were also many footprints, so I decided to skip it. The rest of the journey was uneventful.
Unable to bear it any longer, I collected them all (just kidding) 55 Driving along, you will get natural views like this. Cars pass by occasionally.
In less than an hour, we arrived at the motorbike rental shop that the host knew. After some negotiation, we managed to secure a friendly price of 100 baht per day. The motorbike we got was a Honda Click with one helmet. The host kindly taught us how to drive, explaining things like how to turn on the lights, how to look out for traffic when exiting an alley, and which turns were allowed or forbidden at roundabouts. He even drove alongside us to demonstrate the proper way to drive. Once we were comfortable, the host set us free. Now, in Vietnam, the land of motorbikes, it was time to join the fray and honk our way through the streets! As we sped off, we could hear the host's voice trailing behind us, "Don't drive too fast! Take care of yourselves!"
Chapter 6: To the Edge of the Horizon
After getting our trusty motorbike, we set off on a joyride! We followed the map we had pinned, with recommendations from one of our hosts. (We booked two hosts for this trip: a Russian host for the first day and a Vietnamese host for the second. Why not just book one host for both days? Well, we wanted to exchange experiences with foreigners who had moved abroad, both with someone of Vietnamese nationality and someone from another country. This way, we'd get the full experience! However, we left our belongings with our Russian host, who kindly offered to keep them for us so we wouldn't have to lug them around while sightseeing. We would pick them up after returning the motorbike and then head to our Vietnamese host's place, who would then kindly drop us off at the bus station to return to Ho Chi Minh City. Our Vietnamese host's house was conveniently located in the city center, which was another reason we opted for two hosts.)
Before we delve into our adventure, it's important to note that driving in Vietnam requires considerable concentration. The roads are busy, and some intersections lack traffic signals. Surprisingly, accidents are rare, perhaps due to the constant use of car horns as a warning system.
**Do you need a driver's license to ride a motorbike in Vietnam?**
The answer is yes. The police frequently set up checkpoints, and tourists are often targeted due to the lack of international driving permits. A helmet alone won't suffice. As for us, did we have one? The answer is no! Our host reassured us, saying, "Don't worry, I have a way. I'll teach you how to avoid the police." Fantastic! That's the advantage of having a good host and traveling with a local. Our host showed us the map and said, "You'll be riding this route, right? The police will be stationed at these intersections. Then, at this intersection, there will be more police." In short, we had to avoid four police checkpoints. Our host suggested, "You can take this alleyway and emerge here. The checkpoints operate from this time to this time." Okay, we got it. This was our forte! (Just kidding!) However, for those planning to travel abroad and drive, it's best to obtain an international driving permit beforehand to avoid any issues. (In our case, it was an emergency situation.)
Our destination was Ta Cu Mountain, approximately 80 kilometers from Mui Ne. With directions in hand, we set off. The roads in Vietnam are dusty, and the sun is intense. It's advisable to purchase a face mask and sunglasses for a more comfortable ride. Unfortunately, we didn't have either, so we had to endure the elements. During our journey, we encountered toll roads three times. However, there were dedicated lanes for motorbikes, and they were free of charge. The motorbike lane is on the far right, and you can simply drive into it. Throughout our trip, the roads were packed with vehicles, especially tour buses and ten-wheeled trucks. Motorbikes were less common, allowing for a more enjoyable ride. We honked our horns frequently.
After just one hour, we finally arrived at Ta Cu Mountain. Our faces, however, were a different story! They were a mess! The dust was relentless, and the sun had scorched our skin. Our faces were practically glowing!
(GPS: 10.828383, 107.882746) Parking fee 4,000 dong
After parking the car, we bought tickets to enter Ta Cu Mountain. There were several options to choose from: visiting the garden, trekking the trails, or taking the cable car to see the sacred sites above. We opted for the all-inclusive ticket, allowing us to experience everything the mountain had to offer. The ticket looked like this:
Flat rate ticket 180,000 dong, approximately 282 baht
Welcome to Ta Cu Mountain
A complimentary golf cart service is available due to the vastness of the area. Simply inform the driver of your desired destination on Ta Cu Mountain, and they will transport you there. We opted to be dropped off at the cable car station leading to the religious site above, given our limited time (it was already past 3 pm). Get ready to soar through the sky!
It only takes 15 minutes to reach the top of the mountain, where there are many sacred statues, including a large Buddha statue and Chinese-style architecture.
The sound of a car engine starting, followed by a long, high-pitched screech, and then complete silence.
The absence of tourists raises questions about the site's obscurity, its status as a hidden gem, or the reasons behind the Vietnamese recommendation. Despite online evidence suggesting tourist activity, the current lack of visitors remains unexplained. The vastness of the location could potentially explain the dispersed presence of individuals. Optimistically, further exploration may reveal the whereabouts of other visitors. With a wave of farewell to the staff, the journey continues, promising a future return.
The place is deserted and eerie.
The silence was so profound that I could almost hear my own breath.
The mountaintop is shrouded in a thick fog, making it difficult to see. Suddenly, a storm breaks out, with thunder and lightning. The rain falls heavily, and the fog dissipates. The once beautiful scenery is now gone, and the loneliness is unbearable. (Turn off the music!)
Listen to the full song here:
After a moment of shock, my senses returned. It was raining, so I had to get wet! I realized I had to run, so I ran up the stairs to find shelter from the rain. I came across a statue of a monk (I couldn't read the inscription), which was enormous. However, the eerie atmosphere, the loud thunder, and the rapidly moving mist all added to the mystique of the location. I was afraid, but I had to find shelter from the rain. Fortunately, there was a place to hide next to the monk statue, so I hurried inside.
Exercise caution when alone with Luang Pu.
Listen to the sound of the strong wind.
The problem now is that Ta Cu Mountain closes at 5 pm!! But it's already 4 pm and a storm is coming. How will I get down from this mountain? It's already a long walk from the cable car stop, and from the looks of the storm, it doesn't seem like it will calm down easily. I don't think the staff will let us go down because there is a risk of the cable car falling. But if I have to sleep on this mountain, it won't be good. The air is very cold, very different from the bottom of the mountain where the sun is shining brightly. Actually, I'm not afraid of ghosts, it's just that there's no one on this mountain except me, haha. I chatted with the Vietnamese host and told him that I might be late for our appointment because of the storm and I can't get down from the mountain. He was shocked and asked how I was doing and if I was safe. I told him I was still okay (tears in my eyes) but I wasn't sure if I could get down from the mountain. If I can't, I won't be able to see him today. He said he hoped I could come down and that he wanted to see me. He said to chat with him again if anything happened. After I finished talking to him, I sat and played on my phone, waiting for the storm to calm down. It turned out that not only was the weather cooperating, but my phone signal also loved me. Suddenly, the phone signal disappeared. The signal disappeared. The signal disappeared. The signal disappeared. The signal disappeared. The signal disappeared. (Screaming loudly) What am I going to do now... The rain is still falling, and the phone signal is gone.
Cut back to the old monk.
No, Venerable Kong probably doesn't want to talk to us, right? We can stay alone quietly, it's okay. Don't move, okay? But can Venerable Kong bless me? Please stop the rain and the storm. (Blinking) As if the request worked, after a while the storm calmed down and everything returned to normal. But the fog was very thick. Wow, wow, wow!! It's so sacred, or maybe it's just a coincidence. Anyway, it's good for us. (Kowtow)
Thank you T_T
We looked through the fog and saw that there was still a path leading up. Since we're already here, let's explore a bit. Goodbye, Venerable Kong. After walking up for a while, we found Chinese architecture with a sacred object that looked like Guan Yin. Oh, when we walked closer, it turned out to be Guan Yin.
The atmosphere was very eerie, with a gentle breeze blowing. I asked for a demonstration of the fabric fluttering, and it actually happened. -0-
I give up. I'll go take pictures somewhere else. The atmosphere here is too magical to capture. Thank you.
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###Chapter 6 (Continued)
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Following the winding staircase, we encountered a figure resembling a young monk, though perhaps more accurately described as a mountaintop ascetic. He glided through the mist, his presence a welcome sight after our solitary ascent. Continuing our journey, we stumbled upon a construction site teeming with workers. It seemed the source of the human presence we had detected earlier. As we approached, the workers ceased their activities and stared at us with a mixture of curiosity and bewilderment. We maintained our composure, capturing the scene with our camera despite the ongoing renovations and the red and yellow警戒线 cordoning off the area.
The saying "the sky is always clear after the rain" does not apply here. The post-rain sky is always obscured by fog. It's beautiful, like heaven, but it's a deserted heaven. After taking some photos, I couldn't stand the pressure of the stares, so I moved on to another spot. I had searched the internet and found that there were many other viewpoints that we hadn't found yet. I also wanted to take photos of the Big Buddha, so I walked down to the other side of the religious site's gate (they weren't connected).
Eerie but beautiful.
After searching for a long time, we were unable to locate the scenic viewpoint and other sculptures. We were unsure of their location on the mountain, and the areas we explored did not match online descriptions. Due to the challenging weather conditions, visibility was limited to 10 meters, making it difficult to navigate. With only 15 minutes remaining before our allotted time expired, we had to descend the mountain quickly to reach the cable car station. The distance was considerable, and we practically ran down the mountain.
We finally arrived at the cable car station, surrounded by thick fog.
Two Chinese tourists appeared out of nowhere. Where have you been? Why didn't you show up earlier? You left me, a young girl, to walk alone. I suspect you were sipping coffee at the shop downstairs. I asked the staff if I could take the cable car down the mountain yet. They said no, wait another 15 minutes because it looks like another storm is coming. They are checking if the cable car can withstand the wind. I was okay with that and sat down to wait patiently.
After a while, the staff called me to board the cable car. They told me to sit with the two Chinese tourists. As we rode, the Chinese tourists were very curious about everything. They knocked on the glass here and there. When they saw a beautiful view, they stood up. There were three people in the cable car: me sitting alone on one side and the two tourists sitting on the other side. When mischief struck, the cable car tilted. T_T It was already in a precarious state. Suddenly, one of the Chinese tourists, in a fit of excitement, opened the door to look at the view below. I was shocked, amazed, and scared. (Why did you open it?) I wanted to give him a deadly glare. Thankfully, his friend sitting next to him stopped him and told him to close it, saying something like, "You might fall out." 555 After a while, everything returned to normal. Phew!
We finally returned to the ground safely, despite the heart-stopping moments and anxiety caused by the storm. However, we promise to return to capture more images, as we haven't explored the entire area. Until then, farewell Ta Cu Mountain.
Chapter 7: The Sudden Change in the Sky, Angkor
After successfully descending Ta Cu Mountain, we headed towards Hải Đăng Mũi Kê Gà, also known as Ke Ga Lighthouse (as recommended by the host). The host suggested that if you finish Ta Cu Mountain, you can return on this route and stop to take photos of the sunset here. Then, return on this highway. The road will run alongside the sea for several kilometers, lined with pine trees. It's a beautiful road, so don't forget to take pictures. We were excited about the prospect. After searching on the map, we set off, aiming to arrive before sunset. Ke Ga Lighthouse is only 29 kilometers from Ta Cu Mountain.
On the way to Ke Ga Lighthouse, you will see a view like this. Looking from below, you can see Ta Cu Mountain almost half covered by fog. I wonder how we could be up there in the thick fog.
Google Maps led us on a lunar odyssey, traversing a desolate landscape of cratered roads and sparse settlements. The journey took us through thorny forests and abandoned dwellings, adding a touch of eerie charm to the adventure. As the heavens opened up, a torrential downpour transformed the scene into a surreal spectacle, accompanied by the haunting melody of an immortal song. The relentless rain tested our resilience, and with dwindling fuel reserves, the prospect of civilization seemed distant. Yet, we persevered, determined to keep our trusty steed, christened "Somsiri" moments ago, going. Somsiri, loyal and unwavering, refused to succumb to the treacherous terrain, her tires remaining steadfast despite the deplorable road conditions.
We finally saw a glimmer of hope at the end of the road. Spotting a few houses in the distance, we sped up, hoping to find help. It turned out to be a small, family-run car repair shop in the middle of a rice field. The houses were still several dozen meters away, but it was better than being surrounded by nothing but grassland. We rushed in to escape the rain and asked if we could buy some fuel, as ours was running low. They said they didn't have any, but they offered to pump some from their machine. We were incredibly grateful. After filling up, they told us to stay until the rain stopped before continuing our journey. They even invited us to eat with them (how kind!). They didn't actually speak, as they didn't know English, so we communicated using sign language (it truly is a universal language). After the rain subsided, we said our goodbyes and thanked the family at the repair shop profusely for their hospitality. But then, disaster struck: we couldn't find the car keys! We searched high and low, but they were nowhere to be found. The family helped us look, and eventually, we found them stuck in the fuel tank. Thank you!! -.-
After bidding farewell to the friendly car repair shop, we continued our journey (but not to Ke Ca Lighthouse). As the sun had likely already set, we changed our route to our Vietnamese host's house. Other places on our list had to be canceled due to the inclement weather. However, we still had to drive along the scenic road near Ke Ca Lighthouse.
The rain started again after a short drive. Amen. -.- I had to accept my fate and keep driving. The road back to the city was starting to return to normal, with smooth asphalt and beautiful pine trees lining the sides. It would have been stunning during the day, but at night, it was downright spooky! Imagine having only the headlights of your car for light, no streetlights, no houses, not even another car or fellow traveler. Just the road, the sea, and towering, pitch-black pine trees, and the pouring rain. And to top it all off, I was running low on fuel! Thank God. T_T
We had to drive almost 50 kilometers to reach the city center (Host's house) from Ke Ca Lighthouse. However, we were only 20 kilometers away from the city center when the fuel light came on. We were worried because there was only one bar of fuel left. Therefore, we changed the map to a community before reaching the city center to find a gas station. We drove until we found a gas station near the expressway. We were relieved.
After filling up the gas tank, we drove to the host's house according to the map they sent. It was raining heavily, and the streets in the city were flooded. We were like drowned puppies.
The survivor is still smiling.
When I arrived at the host's house, I was stunned. I was soaked from head to toe. The host offered me some clothes to change into and told me that it had been raining for a long time. I couldn't believe that he had been riding his motorbike in the rain for three hours. I told him that it was an emergency and that I didn't expect the storm to be so bad. The host sarcastically told me that I was lucky. He asked if I had eaten anything yet and offered me some food. I was so hungry that I didn't even take a picture of the food, but the Vietnamese host's cooking was delicious. Vietnamese food is really good. He told me that he was glad I had come to visit him despite the rain. We talked about a lot of things and exchanged stories. The host is very good at speaking English. I learned that he is a doctor and that he has opened his home to many travelers. He told me that he has hosted almost 30 people who have come to visit Mui Ne. He is such a kind person. He told me that he would make me some coffee and that he would teach me how to make it. (Coffee again! T_T) I drank coffee every day while I was in Vietnam, even though I only drank it twice in my life in Thailand. Vietnamese people are very proud of their coffee, and I have to admit that it is really delicious.
After playing for a while, he saw that it was very late and suggested that we return to Mui Ne. Otherwise, there would be no cars passing by. The rain had stopped, and we agreed. Thank you very much for today. Even though we didn't get to spend the night together because our belongings were at the Russian host's house, we thought we would take the bus from there. But we used the short time to get to know each other and share good things. If we have the chance to return to Vietnam again, we will come back to visit.
Episode 8: Welcome back to the old house
After leaving the Vietnamese host's house, the rain started again. Thankfully, it wasn't as heavy as before. After a 15-minute drive, we arrived at the Russian host's house. The host seemed worried, understandably, as it was almost 11 pm. We apologized for not accompanying them and expressed concern for their well-being. They assured us it was alright and that we were safe. They then insisted we shower and offered us food, even though we had already eaten. We politely declined, but they persisted, so we gave in. Our stomachs were already full, but we couldn't resist trying their hospitality.
I have no idea what it is. I caught the gist that it is very beneficial and a famous Russian dish, but I couldn't hear clearly what it was called. He searched for it on the Internet, but there was only Russian, which I couldn't read. 555 But it wasn't delicious. T_T I think I'm allergic to healthy things. And he found Russian noodles for me to eat again.
The dish resembles Thai rice vermicelli noodles, but with a bland taste and a peculiar, pungent aroma. The pungency is surprisingly smooth, making it difficult to describe. While not exactly delicious, it's still palatable in a strangely harmonious way.
After chatting for a while, I decided to call it a night. I didn't want to miss my early morning flight or train, so I told him I needed to get some rest. He agreed and said he would wake me up at 5 am.
What? Wake me up at 5 am?
What? Wake me up at 5 am?
What? Wake me up at 5 am?
It's 2 am now, and I should be dead. Zzzz I only slept for an hour yesterday. I'm exhausted, but I still have energy. (I'm not on drugs.) But I'm going to sleep now. Good night. Zzzz
Chapter 9: With the words that we will meet again
We woke up at 5 am, like a ghost. We had to wake up early because our host was taking us to buy tickets back to Ho Chi Minh City for the 7 am bus. We showered, got dressed, and said goodbye to our friend's house (because our friend was still asleep). After we were ready, our host took us to buy tickets. We had to come early because we didn't book tickets in advance. Our original plan was to sleep in the city and then take a bus from the city. At around 6 am, we finished buying tickets and waited for the bus to pick us up. On the way back, our host took us on a tour of Tam Manh Travel to change the scenery.
The price is 140,000 dong, which is about 218 baht.
Let me take a picture as a souvenir. Thank you very much.
It rained all night and is still raining this morning.
The tour bus arrived at the station shortly after. After saying our goodbyes, we began our journey back to Ho Chi Minh City. As usual, the bus stopped at a rest stop along the way. I decided to take a walk and look for some souvenirs. In the end, I ended up buying some Vietnamese bananas to bring back to Thailand.
After a five-hour journey, the tour bus brought us to Ho Chi Minh City, a place that felt strangely familiar. The rain continued to fall, casting a melancholic atmosphere over the scattered crowds.
On a rainy day, the rain falls on the window, do you think of me, I wonder?
The tour bus stopped near Bến Thành Market, which is a bus station with connections to various destinations. It was quite convenient. Initially, I planned to explore the market, but it was raining, so I couldn't do anything. T_T With two hours to spare, I decided to take a bus to the airport. I looked for bus number 152 again, but after searching everywhere, I couldn't find it. I suspected it hadn't arrived yet. So, I asked a nearby staff member about buses to the airport. They suggested taking bus number 109, so I walked over and boarded it.
The train was remarkably empty, perhaps due to its higher fare of 152 baht. This allowed for a VIP travel experience, and I couldn't resist leaving my mark.
Are you lonely, brother?
Talk too much, save money now TT
The fare is 20,000 dong, approximately 32 baht. This is different from the price of bus number 152, which is 15,000 dong. Free Wi-Fi is available as usual.
The bus will display a sign indicating its route and stops.
The lonely atmosphere signals the end of this story.
With the words that say we will meet again...
We will meet again....
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Friday, October 4, 2024 3:13 PM
