South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh-Dalat-Mui Ne) is not as scary as you think, but it's actually amazing and I want to go back again!! 6 days 5 nights, the total cost is only a few thousand baht. This trip, I went with 4 friends.

There is no text to translate. Please provide the text you would like me to translate from Thai to English.

Dalat: This city is my favorite place to visit on this trip. The weather is very pleasant, tending towards cold, and everything seems so relaxed. The food is delicious, there are many tourist attractions, and the air quality is amazing. It's so good that I wonder if this is really a neighboring country.



Mui Ne: A coastal resort town with a desert. If you want to see a desert, you can go to Mui Ne without having to travel all the way to the Middle East. It's also a coastal town, so you can enjoy fresh seafood while you're there.



Ho Chi Minh City: Shops and restaurants are abundant, offering a wide variety of culinary experiences. Some establishments are even ahead of their Thai counterparts, showcasing innovative concepts and cuisines. The city's French colonial architecture provides a charming backdrop for leisurely strolls. The weather in Ho Chi Minh City is similar to that of Thailand.



Estimated Expenses for a 6-Day, 5-Night Trip (3 Cities)

Please note: This is a rough estimate and actual costs may vary depending on individual preferences and travel style.

Accommodation:

  • Budget-friendly options (hostels, guesthouses): $20-$40 per night
  • Mid-range options (hotels, apartments): $50-$100 per night
  • Luxury options (resorts, villas): $150+ per night

Food:

  • Street food and local restaurants: $10-$20 per day
  • Mid-range restaurants: $20-$40 per day
  • Fine dining: $50+ per day

Transportation:

  • Public transportation (buses, trains): $5-$15 per day
  • Taxis, ride-sharing services: $20-$50 per day
  • Rental car: $30-$50 per day (plus fuel costs)

Activities:

  • Entrance fees to attractions: $10-$50 per activity
  • Tours and excursions: $50-$200 per day
  • Shopping and souvenirs: Varies depending on individual preferences

Other expenses:

  • Travel insurance: $50-$100 per trip
  • Visa fees (if applicable): Varies depending on nationality
  • Miscellaneous expenses (laundry, toiletries, etc.): $20-$50 per day

Total estimated expenses:

  • Budget-friendly: $500-$1000 per person
  • Mid-range: $1000-$2000 per person
  • Luxury: $2000+ per person

Please note: This is just a rough estimate and actual costs may vary depending on individual preferences and travel style. It is always recommended to do your own research and budget accordingly.



  • Viettel SIM card with unlimited internet for 10 days, priced at 284 baht per person.
  • The cost of a night bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat is 310 baht per person.

- The bus fare from Dalat to Muine is 140 baht per person.

  • The bus fare from Muine to Ho Chi Minh City is 140 baht per person.

- Half Day Tour Muine by Jeep costs 195 Baht per person.

  • The cost of a jeep ride into the desert (White Sand Dunes) is 284 baht per person.



For currency exchange, look for gold shops. They offer excellent rates and accept both Thai baht and US dollars. You'll get a better rate than exchanging in Thailand. Additionally, most restaurants in Dalat do not accept credit cards.



This trip will be reviewed in detail, including the various expenses incurred.



This trip, I flew with Nok Air from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City on a flight departing at 6:30 PM and arriving at 8:00 PM. I then had to rush to catch a night bus to Da Lat, which I had booked for 10:30 PM (Futa Bus). I had originally planned to use The Sinh Tourist, but their last bus left at 10:00 PM, and I was worried I wouldn't make it in time. So, I switched to Futa Bus, which had several late-night departures.



Upon arrival, the first priority was to acquire a SIM card. At the immigration checkpoint, vendors were readily available, offering SIM cards with enthusiastic calls. Opting for convenience, a Viettel SIM card with unlimited data was purchased for 200,000 VND. The initial plan was to purchase a Vinaphone SIM card for 105,000 VND with 5 GB of data, but the immediate availability swayed the decision.



After clearing immigration, I needed to retrieve my ticket and board the Night Bus at the snake farm. In front of the immigration checkpoint, there was a taxi stand. Unsure of which taxi company to choose, I opted for the one at the stand. To my surprise, while I was inquiring about the fare, the taxi staff member responded while simultaneously taking a bite out of a dried squid! I was quite shocked by this unexpected behavior.



The fixed price for a taxi from the airport to the snake farm is 220,000 dong (313 baht) per car. This price requires you to lift your own luggage into the car, as there is a fee for the driver to do it for you. And it's true because… while the four of us women were struggling to lift our luggage into the back of the taxi, the male staff member didn't offer any help, he just pointed at us and told us to do it. Unbelievable!



We have arrived at the Ngoc Linh Snake Farm. It only took a short while from the airport. I exchanged my ticket, which I had booked online for 220,000 VND. The advantage of booking online is that you can choose your seat. I chose a seat on the upper floor at the front. After exchanging my ticket, I walked to the opposite side, where a van was waiting to take us to the Night Bus parking lot.



While waiting, I felt hungry and noticed a bustling street food stall nearby. The enticing aroma suggested delicious food, and I regretted not trying it. The smell was incredibly fragrant, likely indicating

The restaurant serves dishes like rice with red pork, and there is also a smoothie shop. It is very crowded, and when it is time to leave, the driver will call you. Just show him your ticket and get on the van to continue your journey to the Night Bus.



Once we boarded the night bus, we prepared to sleep. For those who are worried about getting carsick or the bus swaying, don't worry, it will definitely sway. (I took two motion sickness pills and slept soundly, maybe because I fall asleep easily.) However, being in Vietnam, the bus driver honked the horn constantly.


Oh, for those who are worried about the smelly feet, it's a good idea to bring a mask to cover your nose while sleeping. Because when you get on the bus, they will ask you to take off your shoes and put them in a bag. They said there will be 2 stops for us to use the restroom, but I only woke up to see 1 stop. 55555 I guess I slept through it.



Upon arriving at the destination, Dalat, the staff woke everyone up by walking to each bed and playing Vietnamese EDM music. The air was cold when we got off the bus, which was parked at the bus stop. We were left wondering how to proceed.



After walking a little further, we saw a lot of taxis parked. Feeling sleepy and disoriented, we didn't check how far the hotel was from that spot. The taxi driver then quoted us a fixed price instead of using the meter. He wouldn't turn it on, and he insisted on 70,000 dong (100 baht). We haggled, but he wouldn't budge. We agreed, thinking it was dark anyway. However, the car reached our destination before we could even blink ten times. We rolled our eyes (thinking the metered fare wouldn't have exceeded 20,000 dong). Oh well, at least it was fast.



In Dalat, I stayed at The Luxe Hotel Dalat, which was an excellent choice. The rooms were brand new and beautifully appointed, as the hotel had recently opened. I highly recommend staying here. Next to the hotel, I stumbled upon a delicious pho restaurant called Pho Pa. It was a delightful surprise, especially since I was quite hungry.

The first meal in Vietnam was a delicious pho from a local vendor near the hotel where Uud was staying. It was incredibly delicious and highly recommended for anyone visiting the area. The restaurant is a true local gem.



Upon arriving at the hotel, we immediately inquired about renting motorbikes. We rented two motorbikes at an affordable price of 300,000 dong (426 baht) for two days.

However, you will need to refuel the motorbike yourself, as they will only provide enough fuel to get you to the nearest gas station.

Ride out of the hotel to find a gas station to fill up first, which is not far from the hotel. You can ask Google Maps.

It is recommended to fill the tank halfway instead of completely full. Uud accidentally filled the tank completely, and the fuel level barely decreased for two days. The price of a full tank of fuel is 70,000 dong (100 baht).


Upon arriving at the gas station, I was surprised to see a large number of motorcycles. The gas station attendants were busy connecting the hoses to each individual motorcycle. 555555


The first stop of the day is Datanla Waterfall. Upon arrival, you will have the option to either walk down to the waterfall or take a roller coaster ride down. The round-trip price is 150,000 VND (213 baht). It is highly recommended to take the roller coaster as it is a lot of fun.

Upon reaching the waterfall, visitors encounter two designated photo booths capturing candid shots of them riding the roller coaster. Be prepared to smile! Each photo costs 60,000 Vietnamese Dong (approximately 85 Thai Baht). Purchasing a photo grants you access to an email containing the image file. However, be warned: the email will include photos of everyone who purchased photos that day.



Dalat Cathedral: A Majestic Landmark with a Unique Feature

The Dalat Cathedral, the largest church in the city, is affectionately known as the "Chicken Church" due to the rooster statue perched atop its cross. While the statue was unfortunately obscured by backlight and couldn't be fully captured during my visit, the cathedral's colors were stunningly beautiful and serene. Admission is free, making it an accessible attraction for all.


Up Café is a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. The café has a lovely atmosphere and beautiful views. I tried the soursop and mango yogurt, which was delicious. The yogurt is especially good. If you're visiting Dalat, be sure to try the yogurt and milk, as they are very popular in this city.


Crazy House is a house with a peculiar architectural style. It was built by Ms. Hang Nga, the daughter of former Vice President Ho Chi Minh. The house's design becomes increasingly bizarre as construction progresses.

In Uud's opinion, the place was just okay. They went in, took some photos, and left. The entrance fee was 50,000 dong (71 baht) per person.


Coi Xay Gio, the yellow building in the center of Da Lat Market, sells Bunh Mi bread. Unfortunately, I couldn't try it because it was sold out when I went there around 11 am. It sold out very quickly.



Feeling hungry, it's time to find something to eat. The restaurant that Ood chose is "The Chalet Dalat", which is located opposite Crazy House. I would like to recommend that Vietnamese spring rolls are very delicious.

It's a must-order if you go.

The dessert was free because it was Vietnamese Women's Day and I was with three female friends.


Domanie De Marie Church, a stunning church with a soft pink hue, offers a picturesque backdrop for photographs. Admission is free.



Nestled near Xuan Huong Lake in Dalat, Doha Café serves as a vibrant hub for Vietnamese youth, attracting them with its diverse range of activities.


The Dalat Night Market is a bustling marketplace offering a diverse range of goods, including fresh produce, clothing, and household items.

Don't miss out on trying the Vietnamese pancakes that are rumored to be delicious. They live up to the hype! A must-try!


Next, we went to the Hydrangea Garden, a field of hydrangeas. It was amazing! The weather was perfect, the flowers were beautiful, and the photos turned out great. The entrance fee is 21,000 dong (20 baht). If you're in the area, don't miss it!


We made a quick stop at Sunny Cafe for a relaxing break. We enjoyed a slow drip Vietnamese coffee, which took a while to prepare, but it was worth the wait!



Dalat Railway Station is a vintage-looking old train station. We paid 2,000 VND (7 baht) per person for the entrance fee and 5,000 VND (5 baht) for motorbike parking.

Please note that almost all locations will require parking fees for motorcycles, ranging from 3 to 7 baht per motorcycle depending on the location.


For dinner tonight, I chose to eat at "Biang Bistro". The taste was not very impressive, but the restaurant was okay and the atmosphere was good. The food was mostly vegan and very health-conscious. This meal cost 865,000 dong (1,229 baht for 4 people).


The Secret Garden: A Hidden Gem

The Secret Garden, aptly named for its secluded location, offers a truly unique experience. Nestled high in the mountains, reminiscent of Doi Inthanon, the journey to the garden is an adventure in itself. The entrance, marked by large boulders, presents a challenging path best navigated by taxi. Situated approximately 30 minutes from the city center, the garden boasts an entrance fee of 50,000 VND (approximately $71).


Today's Journey to Mui Ne

Our journey to Mui Ne begins today. We have booked a comfortable bus from Dalat to Mui Ne for 99,000 VND (approximately $4.20 USD) per person. The winding roads down from the mountains necessitate another round of motion sickness medication for those susceptible.

We booked our tour with The Sinh Tourist by purchasing everything at their office in Dalat.

Upon arriving in Mui Ne, we proceeded directly to our accommodation. The hotel, booked by Uud, was called Mui Ne Sport Hotel. Unfortunately, I neglected to take any photographs.

At the entrance of the hotel, there is an international restaurant that combines the atmosphere of a restaurant and a food court.


At 2:00 PM, a Jeep will pick us up at the hotel for a half-day tour. The tour will take us to four locations: Fairy Stream, Fishing Village, White Sand Dunes, and Red Sand Dunes. The price is 137,250 VND (195 baht) per person.


The first stop was Fairy Stream. The driver who brought us there emphasized that the entrance fee was 15,000 dong per person. We agreed, but when we arrived at the entrance, there was a person dressed like a security guard sitting there, who told us to pay 5,000 dong each. However, I noticed a sign that said "Shoe deposit: 5,000 dong," so I decided not to pay. The woman became agitated and shouted at us, refusing to let us in. In the end, we had to leave our shoes with her and pay 5,000 dong each (7 baht). After walking for a while, we reached the actual entrance, where the fee was 15,000 dong (21 baht) per person.

Beware of this spot, as a group of Thai people were scammed there. While we were wading through the water, some Vietnamese people approached us, acting friendly and offering advice. When we were about to leave, they demanded money, claiming it was a guide fee. The group reportedly ended up paying 30,000 dong.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Point 2: Fishing Village

At this point, Ood told the driver to stop briefly for just two photos, as he didn't see anything of interest and wanted to spend more time at the desert.


Point 3 White Sand dunes White sand desert, you can walk up yourself, but I tell you it will be very tiring. I wanted to take a Jeep up, so I paid 800,000 dong (1,136 baht). Anyone who comes here, we will be Wet look without knowing it 5555


The fourth and final stop of the day was Red Sand Dunes, a beautiful red desert with free entry.


The next morning, we continued our journey by bus from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City, which we had also booked in advance. The fare was 99,000 VND (140 baht) per person. The bus driver honked the horn constantly, making it difficult to sleep. However, I did manage to catch some shut-eye.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Udd stayed at Zoolut Stay 271, which is located near Ben Thanh Market.


Our first meal in Ho Chi Minh City was at Nha Hang Ngon, a top-rated restaurant on various websites. The restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious dishes, each with an authentic Saigonese flavor. The restaurant is easy to find, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The nem nuong (fermented pork sausage rolls) are particularly noteworthy, as they are made with real fermented pork and are not soaked in water. The meal cost 766,000 dong (approximately $33 USD).



After we were full, we continued walking to Notre Dame Cathedral. Everything from here on out will be close together. During the time we went to the cathedral, it was closed for repairs.

The original text is empty. Please provide the text you want me to translate.


Crossing the street, you will find the Saigon Post Office, considered the most beautiful and largest post office in Vietnam. The building boasts colonial architecture, and Uud took the opportunity to send a postcard back to Thailand.


Next, we will visit Uncle Ho at the City Hall. This is a large and spacious square where Vietnamese people also enjoy walking around. There are many shops around the square, both branded and non-branded. There is also a statue of former President Ho Chi Minh. The back of the building is the City Hall, which has a French style. Overall, it is very beautiful. If you take a picture from the front of the President, you will get a beautiful view in the French style. But if you take a picture from behind the statue, you will see rows of buildings and the construction of the electric train. Those who will go in the future will definitely be able to take the electric train.



However, on the day that Uud went, where was Uncle Ho? In the lotus flower itself. -*-



It's about to rain, so I quickly ducked into this building, which has a variety of cafes and shops.



Beneath the building, an elderly man sits drawing.



Visited a coffee shop called Gong, which has a Vietnam War military theme. I ordered their signature drink, the coconut iced coffee, which was surprisingly delicious and had a strong coconut aroma.


From Uncle Ho's statue, walk straight ahead for a while and you will find The café Apartment on Nguyen Hue Street. This street is a pedestrian zone in the evening, known as Ho Chi Minh Walking Street. If you want to take the elevator to the upper floors, you will need to pay a fee.


Nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Pho 2000 is a renowned pho restaurant that has graced the palate of former US President Bill Clinton. This culinary gem offers an authentic taste of Vietnamese pho, transporting you to a realm of culinary delight.



The Alley, a popular bubble tea shop, has numerous branches in Ho Chi Minh City.

The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.

Ben Thanh Market: A Historical and Modern Shopping Hub

Ben Thanh Market, a bustling marketplace in Ho Chi Minh City, boasts a rich history dating back to the 17th century. In 1870, the French renovated the market, transforming it into the largest marketplace in Saigon. Its European-inspired architecture, featuring a grand entrance with a clock tower, reflects a modern aesthetic.

The market offers a diverse range of goods, including souvenirs, clothing, bags, shoes, coffee, fresh and dried food. Prices are generally lower compared to other areas, especially the airport, where prices tend to be inflated. Bargaining is highly encouraged, with significant discounts often achievable.

Ben Thanh Market stands as a testament to the city's vibrant history and modern commercial spirit. Its diverse offerings and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for any visitor to Ho Chi Minh City.

Please follow our page >> www.facebook.com/aoodaround

Comments