Known for its Filipino old world charm, the City of Vigan has already become one of the most desired local tourist spot to visit here in the Philippines. A recognized Unesco World Heritage treasure, strolling around the old city’s cobblestone pavements and well preserved Spanish Era Architecture is such a nostalgic experience, giving visitors a feel of how days and nights were during the old days. In addition to that, Vigan is also the destination to enjoy authentic Ilocano cuisine , with restaurants and street side eateries serving Vigan longganisa, bagnet and empanada, to name a few specialties. In all honesty, Vigan is indeed a must visit for Filipinos; A “must experience”, at least once in our lives.
Vigan is a relatively small city around 8 hours away from Metro Manila by Bus. I stayed there for 2 days before heading to Laoag, which is around 2 hours further up North. With no particular and strict itinerary, I lazily roamed around the city by myself and spent late afternoon sipping coffee along Calle Crisologo. Travel is best spent when you really don’t have to rush time to see everything there is. A lazy walk on streets and local markets gives us travelers better chance to experience the vibe of the place more. =)
I will be uploading a separate post on recommended Ilocos backpacking budget , but for now , here are some of the highlights and the must do’s, inspired by my recent visit to Vigan:
Exploring the Famous Calle Crisologo – the center and the most well preserved part of Vigan’s Unesco World Heritage Protected Area
Calle Crisologo , ViganSample of Antique Displays along the road
Museum Visits and roaming around the rest of Vigan City Center on Foot. The city is relatively small and easy to navigate. However, the most interesting mode to see Vigan is on a Kalesa ( Horse Drawn Carriage ). The Kucheros are much willing to be a guide for P 150 per hour . Renting a bike is also a cute idea , any hotel can assist you on where to get one =)
The tower at the center Plaza Salcedo is somewhat historic , as this has been used to publicly execute criminals and rebels during the Spanish Era ; Gabriela Silang was among them. Today , this tower has become the centerpiece of the lively fountain park of the Plaza.Some interesting installments along the streets of ViganThis is what Tricycles / tuktuks look like in Vigan . Almost all of Vigan Tricycles were made to be artsy . =)The Unesco World Heritage MonumentA corner Cafe serving fried chicken since 1956. Chicken is delicious ! =)
Visit nearby town of Bantay to see the Old Church and Bell Tower. Bantay is just around 10 minutes tricycle ride from Calle Crisologo . I even managed to just walk from Bantay Church all the way back to Calle Crisologo for around 30 minutes. That was a leisurely late afternoon walk , and I got to cross the bridge on foot . =)
Centuries Old Bantay ChurchThe Bantay Bell Tower, which folks say, is slowly sinking down . This structure is relatively unrepaired for centuries now.A leisurely walk from Bantay Church to Vigan City CenterLighting of incense at Bantay Church as an offering to the departed loved ones.
Sample staple ilocano noodle specialties such as this Pancit Batil Patung. A mix of fine noodles topped with deep fried pork meat (Bagnet), vegetables, bean sprouts , chicharon and a sweet specialty sauce that has a mild but recognizable “patis” (Fish Sauce) taste in it . It also comes with a sunny side up on top. A nice garden restaurant just outside Bantay Church serves such good noodle dish for only 60 to 65 pesos.
Pancit Batil Patung for only 65 pesosThe Garden Restaurant serving pancit specialties, which is located just outside Bantay Church. This should not be missed.
Quest to find the best Vigan Empanada ( .. Or just my humble excuse to eat more empanada. haha ) Vigan Empanada is famous for its staple ilocano style filling of seasoned Vigan Longanisa (skinned) carrots, cabbage , and whole egg. I tried several empanadas and found the best one on an eatery in fron of Plaza Burgos, which was way better than the most publicized one along Calle Crisologo.
The best Empanada for me is found at an eatery fronting Plaza Burgos, prepared by Aling Peng. This one was more flavourful than other empanadas i tried .This is the Empanada at Irene’s along Calle Crisologo . Its just ” so-so ” , but the store location is good; As such, this one sells better .Another Sampling of Empanada just along the Park, this one is more meaty and it does not have an egg in it. The ones prepared by Aling Peng at Plaza Burgos is still better.Empanadas are fried fresh , basically everywhere in Vigan
Sample some Ilocano Pakbet, Sinanglaw ( Beef Innards in Clear soup ) and other local viands at the eateries along Plaza Burgos.
If I am not mistaken, Ilocano Pakbet is a bit oily, more of like stir fried but ma sarsa … unlike pakbet in Bisaya which is a bit saucy. Plus, Ilocano Pakbet always has crispy pork in it. =)Sinanglaw Beef Soup
Witness the Fountain Show at Plaza Salcedo every 7 pm in the evening.
Stroll around Calle Crisologo once more, and this time, in the evening . =)
Recommended Affordable Stay : Vigan Hotel , which is just behind Vigan Cathedral and the School . a few steps away from Calle Crisologo. A non air room costs only 400 pesos per night. This affordable option was recommended to me by Nik of Pinoyontheroad.com
Backpacking Laoag and the rest of Ilocos Norte is up next. Stay tuned =)
Visiting Northern Borneo was not originally part of my backpacking route last March- April 2014 . After spending more than two weeks in India and Nepal , my route supposedly was to head back to Kuala Lumpur , then Manila ( which was the cheapest option by the way if you think of travelling to central Asia. ) But apparently at the time of booking my tickets online, my lust for wander brought me to find super cheap promo tickets from Kuala Lumpur , to other key cities in Malaysia . Still having a few days left , I then decided to take the long way back to the Philippines, and see more of the south by passing through Miri ( Sarawak State in Malaysia ), the Kingdom of Brunei , and Kota-Kinabalu (State of Sabah).
My promo tickets were quite cheap with “Airasia” . Got a morning flight from Kuala Lumpur to Miri ( Sarawak State ) at 731 pesos (around 15 usd All in ), And Kota Kinabalu ( State of Sabah ) to Manila at 947 pesos ( around 22 usd All in ). Bookings were made around 3 months in advance. Apparently, low cost intercity flights within Malaysia are more flexi and affordable ( as compared to local Philippine flights ). More so when they are on sale, like what I got! =) In between the two Malaysian States , I hopped on local buses , which were a bit consuming , but still worthy to do!
Easy-practical route ? not quite. Up for another travel adventure ? Totally !
Travelling between cities in Borneo is heaven for Passport Stamps Collector
Heres why .
Travelling within Malaysia is quite interesting. Malaysia is composed of several states , and it is a policy of the country for foreign travellers to have their passport stamped approved when crossing between certain states, which is actually ideal to monitor foreign individuals roaming around the Malaysian peninsula. As such , travelling within Malaysia alone, would gain you quite a number of stamps , plus the stamps you get when crossing boundaries with Brunei. The lands of Sarawak and Brunei are interlocked , so If you are on your way to Sabah from Miri/Sarawak , public buses would most likely pass through the capital of Brunei , then through Tendungan/Limbang towns of Sarawak , then enter Brunei once again through Puni/Labu eastmost provinces, then enter Sarawak once again through Lawas, before reaching the State of Sabah. Just to give a simpler picture, here is how my 6 days travel from Miri to Brunei and to Kota Kinabalu by LAND/BUS went on..
Fly from Kuala Lumpur and Enter Miri, Sarawak — 1 stamp at the airport
Stayed one night in Miri
Exit Sarawak State at Sungai Tujuh ( Malaysia side ) — 1 Stamp
Enter Brunei at Sungai Tujoh ( Brunei Side ) — 1 stamp
Stayed 2 nights in Bandar Seri Bengawan, Brunei
Exit Brunei at Kuala Lurah — 1 Stamp
Enter Sarawak State at Tedungan — 1 Stamp
Exit Sarawak State at Dermaga Kastam Limbang — 1 Stamp
Enter East Brunei at Puni — 1 Stamp
Exit East Brunei at Labu — 1 Stamp
Enter East Sarawak at Lawas — 1 Stamp
Exit East Sarawak at Merapok — 1 Stamp
Enter Sabah State at Sindumin — 1 Stamp
Stayed 2 nights in Kota Kinabalu , Sabah
Fly out from Kota Kinabalu to Manila — 1 Stamp at the airport
Thats 12 stamps in Total =)
Bus Travel Details : Miri — Bandar Seri Bengawan — Kota Kinabalu
Miri to Bandar Seri Bengawan (BSB) — PHLS Express runs a direct bus between BSB and Miri for 45 MYR/18 Brunei Dollars . The bus leaves Miri at 7AM and 1PM and takes about 4 hours to BSB . Bus leaves Miri at Pujut Intercity Terminal and stops at the Riverside Promenade in downtown BSB.
Bandar Seri Bengawan to Kota Kinabalu — Jesselton Express offers direct bus from Brunei to Kota Kinabalu at B$ 45 / 114 MYR, which runs only once a day at 7 am . A bit pricey, but it is a direct ride so you wont have to change buses at the border. The total travel time is about 8 and 1/2 hours. Jesselton Express leaves BSB at the riverside promenade fronting Maybank Building, and stops at Kota Kinabalu City Center bus terminal.
Option to ride a ferry to Kota Kinabalu is also available. But I prefer bus ride to see more of the countryside. =)
Daily Expense Tip : Food is relatively inexpensive In Miri and Kota Kinabalu . 10 USD would be more than enough for a day’s allowance, as there are a lot of hawkers and street side cafeterias for budget conscious travelers. with price ranging at 2 USD for a full meal. Dormitories are much available for 5-8 USD per night, with breakfast.
Brunei however, might require you additional budget, especially with accommodation and getting around with public transportation. Brunei Dollars (BSD) is around the same Value as Singapore Dollars ( 35 pesos per 1 BSD ). An accommodation worth 20 BSD/pax was the cheapest that I came across in Brunei. But on a brighter picture , food in Brunei is relatively affordable , if you buy from Gadong night market and grocery stores. 20 – 25 USD per day per pax would probably be a safe budget when travelling in brunei , that includes accommodation, food and getting around. More of Brunei at https://iamjosemanuel.com/2014/09/14/weekend-itinerary-around-brunei-darussalam/
Miri, Sarawak Malaysia Miri is a relatively small , but wealthy city of the northern part of Sarawak State. ( The more famous city in Sarawak is Kuching at the south ) . Miri may not talked about by usual Pinoy tourists like us , but this city is quite famous to westerners, as well as Australians , as the gateway to the nature reserved mountains of inner Borneo , which is valued for its biodiversity and protected tropical wildlife sanctuary. Aside from that, Miri is also known as the oil producing province of southern Malaysia. Miri was just a transit city for me because I only stayed for one night. Aside from the nature parks and reserve (which I did not get to visit) , theres nothing much to do within the city of Miri . But I did have a good rest though, the dorm and the people were nice.
Downtown MiriMiri Public Park . very quietGovernment office of MiriThere are no buses Miri Airport to City enter. I was forced to take a taxi at 23 MYR (around +300 pesos, 8 usd) for a 15 minute ride. =(Downtown Miri.
Sarawak Tourism
Where I Stayed In Miri : Coco Guesthouse ( Dormitory of 8 capsule type beds per room ) at 35 MYR per Bed (+400 pesos)
Good places to eat : A lot of Hawkers around, serving Chinese food. There are a lot of Chinese in Miri , and even more chinese restaurants than Malay . But they do have malls and fastfood like pizza hut and Mcdonalds
Hawkers food just along the streets of MiriCoco Guesthouse where I stayed. Just tell the taxi driver to bring you to this place beside the Grand Hotel.My bed for a nightAuntie Rita , whom i met at the guesthouse . She helped me find a local bus to Pujut inter city terminal ,where I got my bus to Brunei .Humble ticket kiosk at Pujut inter city bus terminalPHLS Express runs a direct bus between Bandar Seri Begawan and Miri for 45 MYR/18 Brunei Dollars . The bus leaves Miri at 7AM and 1PM and takes about 4 hours to BSB
Bandar Seri Bengawan , Brunei . The peaceful Islamic Kingdom
Refer to this for more of Brunei –> https://iamjosemanuel.com/2014/09/14/weekend-itinerary-around-brunei-darussalam/
Sarawak – Brunei Immigration Border CrossingBandar Seri Bengawan does not have a formal Bus Station . Inter city Bus stops at this riverside promenade , opposite MayBank Building.among the nice government offices you’ll pass by when entering BSB city center.Sultan’s Mosque at BSB , among the first sites you’ll see upon the arrival of the bus at the city center.
Direct Bus Ticket Brunei to Kota Kinabalu at B$ 45 / 114 MYR by Jesselton Express , which runs only once a day at 7 am . A bit pricey, but it is a direct ride so you wont have to change buses at the border.Jesselton Bus, The only direct bus from BSB Brunei to Kota Kinabalu , which travels daily at 7 am . It is an 8 and 1/2 hours ride.
Where I Stayed In Kota Kinabalu : Travellers’ Light Backpackers’ Lodge , #19, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar, 88000 Kota Kinabalu , at 25 to 30 MYR/Night . Joy, the owner’s wife, is a Filipina and is very comforting to have a chitchat with. I Definitely recommend this place. You may get in touch with them through Agoda.com and https://www.facebook.com/travellerslight
Photo credits – Joy of Travellers’ LightPhoto credits – Joy of Travellers’ LightFellow guests at Traveller’s Light Backpackers’ Lodge https://www.facebook.com/travellerslightTerrace and Dining Area at Traveller’s Light , just around the perimeter of Kota Kinabalu’s mountain park . The Lodge occasional ets monkey visitors at this area, especially during breakfast. =)
Around Kota Kinabalu . Will upload more of this soon. =)
Jesselton Ferry Terminal In Kota KinabaluBeach of Pulau Manukan IslandSeafood Market in KKLovely Sunset at KKMount Kinabalu
Heres my Suggested Itinerary for a weekend stay in Bandar Seri Bengawan, Brunei
1 — Marvel at the Detailed Architecture and Marble Carvings of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Guests are allowed to enter during off prayer hours, with no admission fee , but a decent outfit is expected.
The Mosque Absolutely beautiful in actual, very photogenic at any time of the day.
2 — A Visit to the Royal Regalia Museum that houses the collection of gifts to the Sultan from all other Nations around the world. The diverse collection of valuable crafts and artifacts, is in a way an experience of world history under one roof. Entrance is Free for all.
The Royal Regalia Museum, where the Sultan’s Collection of gifts from all over the world are displayed.at the Regalia MuseumSome art displays at the Regalia Museum
3 — A Stroll around Downtown Bandar Seri Bengawan offers significant views of Islamic – Asian Tropical Architecture at every corner.I find the city a worthwhile strolling experience for architects as well as enthusiasts of Architecture.
Brunei Finance Building Around Downtown BSB .Cute street name , where the Sultans Mosque is locatedAn iconic Building along BSB’s main roadRiverfront PromenadeA mall at downtown BSB. You might find it small, but this establishment actually has a basement retail extension, 2 storeys below the ground. It is located along the same block as the Mosque, and as a General Rule of the Kingdom, no structure should be erected higher than the Sultan’s Mosque nearby.Traditional Boat Ride across the River to Campung Ayer
4 — Enjoy local Muslim Food at Gadong Night Market . Ready made dishes at Night markets are inexpensive. you can buy a chicken meal with vegetable and rice for B$ 2.00 ( thats around 65 pesos ) . Goat Meat , chicken and fish viands are available at B$ 1.00 ( 33 pesos )
Lively Night Market District in BSB.Night Market in GadongWhite Ampalaya , Delicious ! banana leaf wrapped grilled goat meat / fish. yummy!Very similar to Pinoy Carinderia Set up . rice are wrapped in wax paper.sticky cake snack. like pandan flavored maja blancaVarious Sauces for Brunei Staple food, Nasi Lemak, which you will also see in Malaysian food. These two countries share most of food, religion and cultureRice Cake (Puto)Chicken Balls , Yummy !
5 — Enjoy a Shabu shabu Dinner ( Steam boat Dinner , as locals call it ) at downtown Bandar Seri Bengawan.
couchsurfing Family . My Host Rohger Balili and Maam Leona.Hot pot. usual sight in BruneiChicken and Beef Satay
6 — Saturday Night out at Empire Hotel at Jurung District , BSB …. and spend late night chit chats over Milk Tea and Coffee ( because liquor is rare to find in Brunei )
Empire Hotel in Jurong, Owned by the SultanEmpire Hotel in Jurong, Owned by the SultanMe with friends and a Sun burnt face from spending almost 3 weeks in India and Nepal prior to Malaysia/Brunei. =pTeh Tarik (Brunei Style Milk Tea)
7 —– (Sunday morning) Participate in a community Outdoor Exercise at the grounds of Tasek Lema Waterfalls / Nature Park
locals doing aerobics with the view of Tasek Lema FallsMe . =)
8 — Go Swimming at the Sultan Bolkiah’s Sports Stadium Park
In lieu of not having bars and Liquors, the Sultan of Brunei provided affordable outdoor activities for people to enjoy , like pools, health clubs, and football games every night. Entrance to this nice pool is only B$ 1 ( 35 pesos )Olympic standard Diving Pool, for only B$ 1.
9 — Watch a Local Charity Show where you can actually meet a lot of Filipinos working as Teachers in Brunei . A lot of Filipinos excel and are highly regarded in Brunei for Various skills , which is nice to know. Since It was my free time , I just tagged along with my host , Leona , who co-arranged this charity show for special children. It was also a good opportunity for me to get inside the Sultan’s Convention Centre =)
Intricately made wooden ceiling
I would have wanted to get inside the Sultan’s Palace but it only opens at certain times of the year. As such, locals recommend tourists to visit Brunei , the week after Ramadan . It is when the Kingdom is at its most festive. They also said that The Sultan’s palace opens for locals and tourists , and sumptuous buffet is served by the royal family for three days , which is open for everybody. And if lucky enough, you might also get a chance to see the Sultan . Thats something I look forward to experience when I visit Brunei Again =)
I just came from a well spent – chillax Saturday outing with my Arki group at Florenda Beach Resort, in Samal Island. It was my first time to see Florenda. In fact, I’ve never heard of it until today, and haven’t came across this as well on most Samal Island resort listings. Surprisingly charming yet affordable , I thought of putting it up here for others to see this resort as one good option, among Samal Island’s beaches.
Florenda Beach front
Florenda Resort is a Small scale semi – exclusive venue with just around 10-12 overnight cottages. The resort has opened its doors 4 years ago with just a few cottages and a good beach that does not go super low tide. Today, the resort now has an ample sized saltwater pool, fully developed beachfront , duplex type and Dorm type facility. The resort boasts clear shores perfect for snorkelling. Be sure to use proper swimming footwear for protection.
Florenda Beach Resort is located in Catagman ,Samal Island , sharing the same beach strip with Punta del Sol. For navigation, it is easier to find if you google map Punta del Sol. Florenda is just around 200 meters away.
Day Tour 100 pesos
Overnight Facility rates:
Good for 4 with ACU 1,700 – 2,000 ( spacious duplex type )
Good for 6 with ACU 1,800 – 2,000 (Small cottage Type )
Good for 2 with ACU 1,000 (Small cottage type )
Dorm Type Villa good for 24 pax with ACU 6,000
My Personal Rating of this place
Price Range : Affordable Resort
Taste : You have to pre-order your meals, or better yet, bring your own food. Corkage only applies on drinks. Cold Beer and drinks are available at the resort at affordable prices. a Bottle of San Mig Light only costs 30 pesos.
Place : 6.5/10 ( Clean, Well maintained. Just a simple resort. Don’t expect anything high end)
Beach : 8.5/10 ( tucked in the quiet side of Catagman, Samal. Fit for snorkeling . Expect live corals, so be sure to wear proper foot gear )
Service : 7/10 ( Nice staff . They let you use the kitchen )
The resort does not have an office here in Davao at the moment.
For reservations, you may contact the resort manager , HENRY at 0929 180 3175.
Christmas holidays just passed by us a few days ago , and I hope everybody enjoyed some rest and is now fully charged to start the year right and fresh !
To start up my 2014, I have promised myself to begin uploading posts dedicated to the places I have visited within our home country, the Philippines. For the moment, this installment of posts will be focusing on the beauty of the Philippines’ off beaten towns and islands; And theres no better way to explore this subject than to start with the provinces within Mindanao, with its beaches and shores that have not been abused much by tourist footprints.
The first installment will be dedicated to a place where I found the most enchanting seascape by far , which is in Bucas Grande Islands and Sohoton Cove National Park. This nature reserve is composed of scattered limestone islets and maze like clear lagoons located at the southern part of Siargao , near Surigao del Norte. The nearest town to this nature reserve is Socorro, which is around 45 minutes away by boat.
Three most note worthy things to do in the Sohoton Cove National Park:
1. Entering Sohoton Cove is an adventure in itself . To see the cove , the boat must enter through the only passage , which is a cave, that is only accessible during low tide. The Cave opening is wide enough that a small pump boat can fit. Given that, your group must also leave the cove before high tide.
Photo Credits : Mr. Ian Garcia of M Magazine.
The moment you pass through the cave is like entering a ancient world like in times of the dinosaurs. Sohoton cove is a maze like chain of clear blue lagoons walled by groups of islets and rock formations . The islets are covered in lush green and there are patches of pitcher plants. Within the cove, there are a number of caves to explore and perhaps do some diving. =)
2. Also within the far end of the Nature reserve is an area where thousands of stingless jelly fish dominate the water. It is said that the jelly fish had been castaway to this remote lagoon for hundreds of years. Having no predators to disturb them , they have evolved to lose their stings and venom. But, of course , safety should always be a priority, that is why it is better not to touch them if you want to be sure. =)
3. Cheap Seafood in the town of Socorro.
The trip we had was pre-arrranged from Davao City, thanks to our friend Ian Garcia who managed to tap his connections in Socorro.
To get to the National Park, probably the most convenient way is to fly/drive to Surigao City , and there will be loads of agencies offering chartered tours to the islands for less than 2,500.00 pesos (60 USD) per head.
Alternatively , you can just go directly to the port , as there are boats sailing daily to Socorro , which is around 2 hours travel time. From Socorro, your group may charter a small boat to tour the Islands for around 200.00 pesos ( 4 USD) per head ..
Growing up, I have always been interested with world history and different ways of culture. I always had this uptight aspiration to go to places outside my familiar land. And as soon as I began to work and earn right, I immediately got myself a passport , and started to plot my dream of experiencing the richness of our world , one country at a time. I just started actually.
What’s good with Travelling?
Travelling is more than just about leisure. Personally, I take this as a vessel to improve the way I see things and on how I relate to other people of different backgrounds. Travelling improves both verbal and non verbal communication skills.
Self Improvement
Travelling adds up to your self worth and confidence. My stories and personal experiences while travelling, somehow made me, a more interesting person in a way.
Strolling around Melacca Town Square with my backpack.
A sense of Freedom
I grew up as a dependent person who never made my own decision . Traveling, living abroad on my own, exposed me to different societies and different circumstances requiring me to make important decisions. It developed in me somehow, freedom.
Present your Country
You enjoy sharing with fellow travellers your beautiful experiences from the countries you have visited. And of course, in travel , you get the chance to boast your own nation and culture , what makes your people special and worthy to become your fellow travellers’ next destination.
New Ideas
Travelling for me is a good way to get ideas for various interesting day to day matters; Personally, I always make an effort to visit a public market of the city I am visiting, preferably in the morning , to experience how a foreign community start up their day. Also, Public markets are where you can find exquisite local products, see different ways of preparing food , and also , on how they design spaces with respect to their climate.
A sweet lady selling local juices in downtown Vientiane.
The sense of Growing
As much as it may sound cheesy, but with each destination, you grow. You learn the best ways to pack, meet new people of different nationalities and make lasting friendship, get around on cities with rules and practices different from your home country, and you learn to survive.
Travelling Makes History Come Alive
Ever since a child, I have always been fascinated with history, architecture and the ancient way of living. I took up BS Architecture in college, and I best enjoyed those days when we are asked to draw the significant architectures of various nations. Modesty aside, I even got the highest score for a certain Visual Presentation of Indochina Architecture; A sketch of Angkor Wat included.
Recalling last August 2013 when I was about to enter the actual grounds of Angkor Wat minutes after sunrise… that feeling was priceless !!!!
I was able to book Tigerair ticket for only P 1,500 pesos to Ho Chi Minh from SG ; A good promo deal! I spent 3 days around HMC with no set itinerary ; just walked around the City and checked some particular landmarks , the Market and indulged myself on local food choices . Pure Chillax lang !
Flying to HMC was around 1.5 hours travel from SG . Arrived there just before 9 am. Airport was OK. not much annoying taxi and tuktuk drivers like in other cities I’ve visited.
HMC airport was quite far from the city center, and trains are not yet available. The cheapest way to the city center is by Bus 152 , which is just outside the international airport, at the far right end of the building . Non aircon bus is only 5000 dong . (around $0.25 / 11 pesos ) Its almost an hour travel with a lot of turn arounds, but as soon as i found Ben Thanh Market, I knew I was at the city center already. I hop off at the stop opposite the market and used my google map to navigate my way to Bui Vien St.
Vietnam, as described by many, is a country of motorcycles . Even old ladies dressed with tight skirts dong bother riding the bike.
I stayed at the Cosman Rucksack Inn, along Bui Vien St. , around 15 mins. walk from Ben Thanh Market . (Google Mapping is adviced) 5 usd for a bed/night , Dorm type accommodation. Its clean and cheap, even better than the 15 usd inn I had in SG .
It is quite easy to roam around and get a hold of Ho Chi Minh vibe because almost all of the usually visited spots are at the city center . Getting an accommodation at Bui Vien St. / Pham Ngu Lao area is recommended.
Built before the WW2, when Vietnam was still under French rule
