Vietnamese people I'd wish every traveller would meet too

It is 3 days to go before the expiry of my Cambodian visa, and again, i'll have to move elsewhere.

I've spent more than 2 months in Vietnam out of this backpacking trip, and once in a while, I would try to convince myself with going back to Vietnam. Then again, there's really nothing more for me to go back to Vietnam, other than it's just so cool to hang around because it's cheap, and quality (in food, transpo, accomodation, etc) is not a compromise. 

I loved Vietnam, and when I meet travellers who feel otherwise, I go on defense for Vietnam, in the name of the great people I met when I was travelling the whole country.  Vietnam has nice people too... Actually. Here's some of them.

Vy Ha and Family of Tri Ton, An Giang Province

Without any english, and me, without any Vietnamese, I stayed with this family's guesthouse for a night talking mainly by action and google translate.

I asked them for where I can eat, and instead of giving me an answer, Vy's husband accompanied me with his bike to the local restaurant. I was asking for where I can rent a bicycle to go around, instead, they lend me their bicycle. The bus to Ho Chi Minh arrives in the pick up point at 10pm, and Vy's husband booked the bus for me, escorted me to the pick up point, and waited for me until the bus arrived.


Than & Vhang of tt Van Gia

Being disappointed with the beach in Nha Trang, I insisted on going to Van Gia, which is an hour to the north. At first, I was wary as again, there is nothing written online about this place; Then again, it will not be the first time anyway, as I survived An Giang province.

Upon arrival in Van Gia, my first task was of course to look for accomodation. Having walked around town, and not seeing any Nga Nghi/Guesthouse, I sat on a coffee shop. The coffee shop owner happened to be a refugee to the Philippines back in the Vietnam war. I have asked him where I can probably sleep for the night, and he asked his friend, Vhang, to drop me by.

As we arrived in the guesthouse, I was readying $1.50 for the drop; Vhang said he's doing it as a friend, not as a moto driver; He also asked where I will be eating, and that he can drop me to the local restaurant. He picked me up an hour later.

While eating, he mentioned he has a Vietnamese friend who worked in the Philippines before. After dinner, we met this friend, Thanh, and surprisingly, he spoke a dialect from the Philippines. Just when I thought I might not be able to get any english speaking local, here I am confronted with a "Bisaya (the Filipino Dialect)" speaking Vietnamese (then again, i'm not wrong as he still did not speak English).

His father and uncles were refugees too, and one of his uncles has permanently setteld in the PHilippines. He was asked to work there.

Every morning, Vhang would pick me up from my guesthouse, just before he goes to work, so all 3 of us can have coffee at Thanh's place. Thanh would normally drop me back.

In the evenings, Vhang would pick me up to have dinner with his family, to a point, on the first night that I was out of Van Gia, his son has asked him where I was, and that it's time for dinner already.

They also accompanied me to Vinh Vanh Phong bay, which was my target destination.

I met the two guys back, 3 months after, as I motorbiked vietnam from North to South during my third entry to Vietnam.

Leo of Haiphong

After buying our bikes in Hanoi, we set the following day to Cat Ba Island. It was past noontime when we left Hanoi and we were caught up by dusk in Haiphong and so decided to stay there for a night. 

Prices in Haiphong are even higher than Hanoi, and we could not find accommodation that fits our threshold. Besides, it was already late night and we'll be early morning the following day, so thought it was not worth spending for accomodation.

I logged in on couchsurfing and sent some messages to the hosts there. I left my number as well in the message.

Although it was already late when I got his message, Leo gave us a call immediately after receiving my message. 

Then, later, when I was at my border run, Leo's been a great help. I have gotten into places where I'm barely understood. I would have to call or send him a message to help me with the translation. Most of the time, he'd even be the one to call me, and would check once in a while my whereabouts and the situation; And all that, even when he's at work. 

I owed this guy a lot, and that includes setting up his itinerary for his trip to Cebu, Philippines in my country.. which I have yet to complete :-)

Thang and Huy's Family in Pleiku

Especially when I get to places where there are no tourists, I try to look for couchsurfing hosts, at least so that I have company when I arrive.

I've sent a couchsurfing request to Thang, and although he's not available to host at that time, he asked his cousin Huy to do the hosting. Thang's mom was actually confined in the hospital at that time, and so nobody's home (To think that he could have just said I Can't).

Huy picked me up, and the moment I arrived, his mom was readying lunch. Huy toured me around too with his motorbike.

That night, I had dinner with the whole family, including the dad, who setup my bed and mosquito net in the spare room; Nothing that even my dad has ever done (lol).



Judy and Family in Kontum

Although there is not much, as written, to see around Kontum, I thought about dropping ayway for 2 nights since it's on my back to the border to Laos. 

Upon my arrival in Kontum, I passed by a cozy coffee shop, and decided to stop. Kontum is one of Vietnam's coffee producer and so, most houses would have coffee shops in front.

Upon my arrival, I've asked for Hot Black Coffee which signalled that I am not a local. Judy's mom arrived with my coffee, and several fruits. She had been so eager to make me try the fruits, and to talk about things. They've asked me to come back the following day to accompany me to the rong houses, and also to have a breakfast with them. I woke up late, and instead, had dinner with them, and Mama Lyn even took beer for both of us :-).

That honest couple in Than Hoa

We were rushing to get to the border as I was nearing the expiry of my Visa; Somewhere on the way, my motorcycling mate noticed she lost her small backpack from her bike's rack. The bag had all her passport, atm, money etc.

We rushed to go back, and forth, and back again, to find it, but it's nowhere. After several turns, and close to reporting it to the Police, a man on his motorbike drove towards us, and showed us a phone.. it's Julie's phone. He said he picked up the bag, and is looking for us.

We ended up buying a can of heineken for him and his friend, and drinking a few with him.

It is 3 days to go before the expiry of my Cambodian visa, and again, i'll have to move elsewhere.

I've spent more than 2 months in Vietnam out of this backpacking trip, and once in a while, I would try to convince myself with going back to Vietnam. Then again, there's really nothing more for me to go back to Vietnam, other than it's just so cool to hang around because it's cheap, and quality (in food, transpo, accomodation, etc) is not a compromise. 

I loved Vietnam, and when I meet travellers who feel otherwise, I go on defense for Vietnam, in the name of the great people I met when I was travelling the whole country.  Vietnam has nice people too... Actually. Here's some of them.

Vy Ha and Family of Tri Ton, An Giang Province

Without any english, and me, without any Vietnamese, I stayed with this family's guesthouse for a night talking mainly by action and google translate.

I asked them for where I can eat, and instead of giving me an answer, Vy's husband accompanied me with his bike to the local restaurant. I was asking for where I can rent a bicycle to go around, instead, they lend me their bicycle. The bus to Ho Chi Minh arrives in the pick up point at 10pm, and Vy's husband booked the bus for me, escorted me to the pick up point, and waited for me until the bus arrived.


Than & Vhang of tt Van Gia

Being disappointed with the beach in Nha Trang, I insisted on going to Van Gia, which is an hour to the north. At first, I was wary as again, there is nothing written online about this place; Then again, it will not be the first time anyway, as I survived An Giang province.

Upon arrival in Van Gia, my first task was of course to look for accomodation. Having walked around town, and not seeing any Nga Nghi/Guesthouse, I sat on a coffee shop. The coffee shop owner happened to be a refugee to the Philippines back in the Vietnam war. I have asked him where I can probably sleep for the night, and he asked his friend, Vhang, to drop me by.

As we arrived in the guesthouse, I was readying $1.50 for the drop; Vhang said he's doing it as a friend, not as a moto driver; He also asked where I will be eating, and that he can drop me to the local restaurant. He picked me up an hour later.

While eating, he mentioned he has a Vietnamese friend who worked in the Philippines before. After dinner, we met this friend, Thanh, and surprisingly, he spoke a dialect from the Philippines. Just when I thought I might not be able to get any english speaking local, here I am confronted with a "Bisaya (the Filipino Dialect)" speaking Vietnamese (then again, i'm not wrong as he still did not speak English).

His father and uncles were refugees too, and one of his uncles has permanently setteld in the PHilippines. He was asked to work there.

Every morning, Vhang would pick me up from my guesthouse, just before he goes to work, so all 3 of us can have coffee at Thanh's place. Thanh would normally drop me back.

In the evenings, Vhang would pick me up to have dinner with his family, to a point, on the first night that I was out of Van Gia, his son has asked him where I was, and that it's time for dinner already.

They also accompanied me to Vinh Vanh Phong bay, which was my target destination.

I met the two guys back, 3 months after, as I motorbiked vietnam from North to South during my third entry to Vietnam.

Leo of Haiphong

After buying our bikes in Hanoi, we set the following day to Cat Ba Island. It was past noontime when we left Hanoi and we were caught up by dusk in Haiphong and so decided to stay there for a night. 

Prices in Haiphong are even higher than Hanoi, and we could not find accommodation that fits our threshold. Besides, it was already late night and we'll be early morning the following day, so thought it was not worth spending for accomodation.

I logged in on couchsurfing and sent some messages to the hosts there. I left my number as well in the message.

Although it was already late when I got his message, Leo gave us a call immediately after receiving my message. 

Then, later, when I was at my border run, Leo's been a great help. I have gotten into places where I'm barely understood. I would have to call or send him a message to help me with the translation. Most of the time, he'd even be the one to call me, and would check once in a while my whereabouts and the situation; And all that, even when he's at work. 

I owed this guy a lot, and that includes setting up his itinerary for his trip to Cebu, Philippines in my country.. which I have yet to complete :-)

Thang and Huy's Family in Pleiku

Especially when I get to places where there are no tourists, I try to look for couchsurfing hosts, at least so that I have company when I arrive.

I've sent a couchsurfing request to Thang, and although he's not available to host at that time, he asked his cousin Huy to do the hosting. Thang's mom was actually confined in the hospital at that time, and so nobody's home (To think that he could have just said I Can't).

Huy picked me up, and the moment I arrived, his mom was readying lunch. Huy toured me around too with his motorbike.

That night, I had dinner with the whole family, including the dad, who setup my bed and mosquito net in the spare room; Nothing that even my dad has ever done (lol).



Judy and Family in Kontum

Although there is not much, as written, to see around Kontum, I thought about dropping ayway for 2 nights since it's on my back to the border to Laos. 

Upon my arrival in Kontum, I passed by a cozy coffee shop, and decided to stop. Kontum is one of Vietnam's coffee producer and so, most houses would have coffee shops in front.

Upon my arrival, I've asked for Hot Black Coffee which signalled that I am not a local. Judy's mom arrived with my coffee, and several fruits. She had been so eager to make me try the fruits, and to talk about things. They've asked me to come back the following day to accompany me to the rong houses, and also to have a breakfast with them. I woke up late, and instead, had dinner with them, and Mama Lyn even took beer for both of us :-).

That honest couple in Than Hoa

We were rushing to get to the border as I was nearing the expiry of my Visa; Somewhere on the way, my motorcycling mate noticed she lost her small backpack from her bike's rack. The bag had all her passport, atm, money etc.

We rushed to go back, and forth, and back again, to find it, but it's nowhere. After several turns, and close to reporting it to the Police, a man on his motorbike drove towards us, and showed us a phone.. it's Julie's phone. He said he picked up the bag, and is looking for us.

We ended up buying a can of heineken for him and his friend, and drinking a few with him.

Read More »

To the Vietnamese: I love your Country, it's just that...

Just arrived in Hue today, and again, just like with the other cities, it seems like I'll be staying longer than initially thought.

As a budget traveller on a long term (1 year) travelling, it's necessary to keep expenditure at minimum and onlynecessary; You prefer to find pleasure on less than a dollar local dish on a roadside stall perhaps 500 meters away, just to stay on your budget and keep travelling; Holding horses over a $8 steak on a fancy restaurant just beside your hostel.

It is frustrating when you're keeping your urges only to be overpriced, or scammed over something else for no reason other than you're a foreigner. More, you hike not only 10%, 20% or 30% (which would probably be  acceptable); Sometimes, you do it twice or even more; Worst, you do it so bluntly, it is insulting within oneself to just accept being ripped off (and over and over again).

In Saigon, a streetside coffee vendor asked for 30,000dong for what normally costs 15,000; Even Highlands Coffee, which pays rent, maintains electricity, and pays a staff sells their coffee for just 29,000.

In Nha Trang, I ate in a local restaurant, and was charged 60,000 Dong for what should've cost 30,000.

Sadly, this happens not only in the city; Even the remotest countryside;

Just recently, because of my visa compliance, we had to run through several borders, and ate at wherever; We were sick of noodles so asked for fried rice; This local restaurant where we ate don't even have the usual ingredients for the fried rice; Just fried whatever rice there was, mixed with whatever there was too - mung sprouts and spring onions; No meat whatsoever; Not even egg.

After eating, When we asked how much, we were asked 100,000 Dong (which normally, with meat and a mix of veggie on a decent restaurant shall be between 20-50K); Then again, we can't complain because our hunger could not contain having to ask for price first; The same exact thing happened the second day. Just when we thought we're having a good time with the staff, even having pictures with them, only to end our time with "Shit! Again!."

It happens not rarely, not occassionaly, not seldom, mostly always.

In Ninh Binh, I stayed at a family guesthouse, and family would tell so much story while i'm having coffee. I would tell myself "they're so nice and entertaining. I ran out of money so had to go to an ATM which was 12kms away to the city proper. There was a rusted and squeaky bicycle in the guesthouse, and I asked if I can borrow; I returned in 1 hour. On my checkout, I saw it on my bill, and way more than what a well maintained bike would have cost a full day's use in a proper rental shop.

It feels great to feel how nice people can be, but regretful that this is to take advantage of you. Can't we just work on simple fairness and trust and logic?

Usual initial conversation between random travellers who meet would more often than not, "how do you like <insert Place>"; And if we talk Vietnam, more often than not, i'd hear, i don't like the people and the overpricing, and scam.

On another instance, when you read on blogs about Vietnam and destinations in this country, I often encounter those that say they won't go back.

Would you rather let your visitors leave your country with such a bad lasting impression, which they'd probably talk about in their circle later and carry it for the rest of their existence, being so cold every vietnamese they'd encounter thereafter? It's also unfair for those, although rarely and only a few, who are sincerely nice.

Back when I was trying to designate my time between countries, I was initially thinking of staying long (2-3 months) in either Cambodia and Laos. Cambodia, it's cheap, but I think I found it short of attraction; Laos was serene, but a little too laid back and not as relatively cheap.  It never occured that I'd spend the 3 months in Vietnam.

But I'd say i've been enjoying it, especially your coffee. I'd say Vietnam has the best balance between sights and spends.

I find a disconnect between how I have been enjoying it, and what I have been hearing about the country. I have experienced the same, but am more aware now, so take pre cautionary measures such as asking for prices first. After this time, i just laughed at every such instance, and treat it as my mistake for forgetting something I should've known better already by this time. More importantly, as I wrote earlier, i've met a number of people too who are genuinely nice that make me always think a second time when I make statements about my bad experience in this country;

I love your country, but sights, once seen, are probably not as interesting on a second look. Tourism is not just about historic buildings, green landscapes, fine sand, etc; discretely, it's about people too. It does not solely stop at making money, it's about telling the world, who and what souls you have.

There were some discourteous encounters too, but i don't want to detail, as I would like to use the benefit of the doubt there, in the assumption that it may be just normal treatment around.

It don't hurt to chill a bit at times, be with people, and stay calm and nice. Again, I love Vietnam, and can love it even more.

next up.. i'll write about the great vietnamese people I met in Vietnam... :-)

Just arrived in Hue today, and again, just like with the other cities, it seems like I'll be staying longer than initially thought.

As a budget traveller on a long term (1 year) travelling, it's necessary to keep expenditure at minimum and onlynecessary; You prefer to find pleasure on less than a dollar local dish on a roadside stall perhaps 500 meters away, just to stay on your budget and keep travelling; Holding horses over a $8 steak on a fancy restaurant just beside your hostel.

It is frustrating when you're keeping your urges only to be overpriced, or scammed over something else for no reason other than you're a foreigner. More, you hike not only 10%, 20% or 30% (which would probably be  acceptable); Sometimes, you do it twice or even more; Worst, you do it so bluntly, it is insulting within oneself to just accept being ripped off (and over and over again).

In Saigon, a streetside coffee vendor asked for 30,000dong for what normally costs 15,000; Even Highlands Coffee, which pays rent, maintains electricity, and pays a staff sells their coffee for just 29,000.

In Nha Trang, I ate in a local restaurant, and was charged 60,000 Dong for what should've cost 30,000.

Sadly, this happens not only in the city; Even the remotest countryside;

Just recently, because of my visa compliance, we had to run through several borders, and ate at wherever; We were sick of noodles so asked for fried rice; This local restaurant where we ate don't even have the usual ingredients for the fried rice; Just fried whatever rice there was, mixed with whatever there was too - mung sprouts and spring onions; No meat whatsoever; Not even egg.

After eating, When we asked how much, we were asked 100,000 Dong (which normally, with meat and a mix of veggie on a decent restaurant shall be between 20-50K); Then again, we can't complain because our hunger could not contain having to ask for price first; The same exact thing happened the second day. Just when we thought we're having a good time with the staff, even having pictures with them, only to end our time with "Shit! Again!."

It happens not rarely, not occassionaly, not seldom, mostly always.

In Ninh Binh, I stayed at a family guesthouse, and family would tell so much story while i'm having coffee. I would tell myself "they're so nice and entertaining. I ran out of money so had to go to an ATM which was 12kms away to the city proper. There was a rusted and squeaky bicycle in the guesthouse, and I asked if I can borrow; I returned in 1 hour. On my checkout, I saw it on my bill, and way more than what a well maintained bike would have cost a full day's use in a proper rental shop.

It feels great to feel how nice people can be, but regretful that this is to take advantage of you. Can't we just work on simple fairness and trust and logic?

Usual initial conversation between random travellers who meet would more often than not, "how do you like <insert Place>"; And if we talk Vietnam, more often than not, i'd hear, i don't like the people and the overpricing, and scam.

On another instance, when you read on blogs about Vietnam and destinations in this country, I often encounter those that say they won't go back.

Would you rather let your visitors leave your country with such a bad lasting impression, which they'd probably talk about in their circle later and carry it for the rest of their existence, being so cold every vietnamese they'd encounter thereafter? It's also unfair for those, although rarely and only a few, who are sincerely nice.

Back when I was trying to designate my time between countries, I was initially thinking of staying long (2-3 months) in either Cambodia and Laos. Cambodia, it's cheap, but I think I found it short of attraction; Laos was serene, but a little too laid back and not as relatively cheap.  It never occured that I'd spend the 3 months in Vietnam.

But I'd say i've been enjoying it, especially your coffee. I'd say Vietnam has the best balance between sights and spends.

I find a disconnect between how I have been enjoying it, and what I have been hearing about the country. I have experienced the same, but am more aware now, so take pre cautionary measures such as asking for prices first. After this time, i just laughed at every such instance, and treat it as my mistake for forgetting something I should've known better already by this time. More importantly, as I wrote earlier, i've met a number of people too who are genuinely nice that make me always think a second time when I make statements about my bad experience in this country;

I love your country, but sights, once seen, are probably not as interesting on a second look. Tourism is not just about historic buildings, green landscapes, fine sand, etc; discretely, it's about people too. It does not solely stop at making money, it's about telling the world, who and what souls you have.

There were some discourteous encounters too, but i don't want to detail, as I would like to use the benefit of the doubt there, in the assumption that it may be just normal treatment around.

It don't hurt to chill a bit at times, be with people, and stay calm and nice. Again, I love Vietnam, and can love it even more.

next up.. i'll write about the great vietnamese people I met in Vietnam... :-)

Read More »

Cambodia's Happy Pizzas: Happy or Super Happy? Or do you even want to be Happy?

Confessions time. My first try of weed was back in my first year in college, and never again until I started this trip.

My first stop in this trip was Thailand and I was surprised to find out it's a common good sold just a little less freely as a cigarette over travellers, who around 90% i meet seek it. It was rarer in Malaysia, but just as common in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

I have tried the happy pizza, and a super happy one, during my first visit in Cambodia, and while i did not feel anything, my travel buddies said they were quite stoned after.

In this second visit, I met other travellers and this will be their first time, so were just as curious about the super happy pizza.

We walked towards the river in Sisowath Quay where I had it the first time, but the same establishment where I had it then, Happy Herb Pizza, was closed, so had to sit on the next door restaurant, Pink Elephant.

I drove my Vietnamese motorbike towards the restaurant, along with another traveller, and ordered beer while we waited for a third traveller to arrive. A few minutes later, he arrived, and we ordered a large size super happy pizza.

Considering i did not get anything back in the first try, we ordered super happy pizza again. When it arrived, i took the slice with a generous portion of the herb.

After just 1 slice, i felt a little difference. I have not had dinner, so went for a second slice. My 2 other travel buddies stopped after the first slice.

Just minutes later, even before completely finishing the second slice, I was feeling quite sloppy and blown; I was feeling short of breathe, getting heart burns, and my heart pumping so fast. I suddenly remembered that warning memo behind our hostel dorm's room about caution on these herbs and chems.

I knew I had too much, so went back and forth in the washroom trying to puke it out. My travel buddies have been stale. I drank as much was as I can, but the effect is just getting worse and faster than I can drink the water. We had to order a second 1.5L of water right there.

It was getting late and we felt like the staff were ready to close. We could barely move anything from our body; We asked for the bill, and told the staff that I'd leave my motorbike, and pick it up the following day. We took tuktuk instead.

On the way, I was getting the paranoia of being driven somewhere we may not know, and being robbed. The tuktuk got lost somewhere too, but glad i still managed to navigate through my google maps and give directions. We arrived at the hostel safe.

In bed, my arms and feet would get numb, and the shortness of breath, the fast hearbeat, and the heartburns continued. I was so paranoid, as well as for my co-traveller, especially that I was the one who asked for the Super Happy. I was assigned on an upper bunk of bed, and because of the 3L water we drank, throughout the night, I had to run down to the toilet.

We woke up after 15 hours of sleep, thirsty and hungry. I was finally getting my breathe; Seriously, I thought I was never waking up.

Confessions time. My first try of weed was back in my first year in college, and never again until I started this trip.

My first stop in this trip was Thailand and I was surprised to find out it's a common good sold just a little less freely as a cigarette over travellers, who around 90% i meet seek it. It was rarer in Malaysia, but just as common in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

I have tried the happy pizza, and a super happy one, during my first visit in Cambodia, and while i did not feel anything, my travel buddies said they were quite stoned after.

In this second visit, I met other travellers and this will be their first time, so were just as curious about the super happy pizza.

We walked towards the river in Sisowath Quay where I had it the first time, but the same establishment where I had it then, Happy Herb Pizza, was closed, so had to sit on the next door restaurant, Pink Elephant.

I drove my Vietnamese motorbike towards the restaurant, along with another traveller, and ordered beer while we waited for a third traveller to arrive. A few minutes later, he arrived, and we ordered a large size super happy pizza.

Considering i did not get anything back in the first try, we ordered super happy pizza again. When it arrived, i took the slice with a generous portion of the herb.

After just 1 slice, i felt a little difference. I have not had dinner, so went for a second slice. My 2 other travel buddies stopped after the first slice.

Just minutes later, even before completely finishing the second slice, I was feeling quite sloppy and blown; I was feeling short of breathe, getting heart burns, and my heart pumping so fast. I suddenly remembered that warning memo behind our hostel dorm's room about caution on these herbs and chems.

I knew I had too much, so went back and forth in the washroom trying to puke it out. My travel buddies have been stale. I drank as much was as I can, but the effect is just getting worse and faster than I can drink the water. We had to order a second 1.5L of water right there.

It was getting late and we felt like the staff were ready to close. We could barely move anything from our body; We asked for the bill, and told the staff that I'd leave my motorbike, and pick it up the following day. We took tuktuk instead.

On the way, I was getting the paranoia of being driven somewhere we may not know, and being robbed. The tuktuk got lost somewhere too, but glad i still managed to navigate through my google maps and give directions. We arrived at the hostel safe.

In bed, my arms and feet would get numb, and the shortness of breath, the fast hearbeat, and the heartburns continued. I was so paranoid, as well as for my co-traveller, especially that I was the one who asked for the Super Happy. I was assigned on an upper bunk of bed, and because of the 3L water we drank, throughout the night, I had to run down to the toilet.

We woke up after 15 hours of sleep, thirsty and hungry. I was finally getting my breathe; Seriously, I thought I was never waking up.

Read More »

Where the fire exits gone in Vietnam?

It's the second to the last day of my Visa in Vietnam and today, I am set to 80kms towards the border.

My dorm mates have been so dear to me, I was thinking about waiting until the day after (last day of visa) but I don't want to go through serious discussion with immigration again as last time, if ever I overstay a day again - no way.

I checked out at about noontime, left my baggage in the reception while I drive to Benh Thanh Market to exchange my remaining dongs into dollars.

I was back in the reception in no time. I was going to go back to the 4th floor to say goodbye to my peers back there.

One other vietnamese guest in the hostel was feeling like Pee-ing so went with me, along with the receptionist, who, I think, was smelling something.

As we take the stairs to the next floor, the electricals were sparking in flames, and the door molted and dripping flames too. 

We rushed back down to the reception to call the firemen. I went back into the stairs, and in just seconds, the whole staircase was just filled with smoke that's catching the reflection of the grilling red flame inside the room.

The alarm has just gone on. There was no choice but to go down; Took my stuff, moved my motorbike elsewhere and was steadily looking outside to the balcony of my dorm (where my peers are awaiting rescue)

The vietnamese guest was saying there is someone inside the burning room. 

My friends back in the Fan dorm in the fourth floor couldn't escape through the stairs because of the thick smoke and flames. They went through to the balcony waiting for rescue.

The neighboring community has tried helping, while awaiting the arrival of the firemen, by extending ladders from the connecting building and into the balcony.

Then came the firemen.

As per report from the vietnamese guest, We've told the cafe owner from the ground floor of the building to tell the firemen that someone is trapped inside. They've setup the ladder all the way to the fourth floor to rescue the other guests from the fan dorm, but for some reason, there was a delay in opening the balcony door on the floor where the fire was happening. I wasn't sure if at that time it was clear that the lady trapped inside was dead, for them not to do anything, but it was the last to be worked out. It thought it was necessary to check and see if a revival might work.

After breaking the balcony door, the body was also not taken out of the room. It was only after the investigation later in the afternoon that the body of the woman was taken out.

In the evening, as we went back to collect the stuff of our dorm mates, we met the Malaysian guy who has been staying in the hostel for a while. Luckily, he was out to a meeting with someone that day; Else, he would have been asleep as well just like the girl (as he'd normally be up drinking all night). 

According to this guest, the A/C in the dorm works only at night, and during the day, a Fan is supposed to cool the room. In the morning before he left, he said he reported a problem with the fan to the reception so they can work on it as without even a fan, and the balcony door closed, it would be really warm. Apparently, none has attended to his report. He came back with all his stuff burnt. If only they'd done something when it was reported.

I'm glad most of us were safe, but there are just some regrets. That 21 argentinian woman, who just checked in at night, and who burned in that room... I wished I was ahead of the 2 other girls who went up with me to that floor, that I could've seen there was someone indeed inside, wanting to escape.

I wished i knew ahead that the balcony door in that room was locked and she has no other way out. 

And I wished there were fire exits too :-). Such an unnecessary tragedy.

more photos here from the news headline


This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

It's the second to the last day of my Visa in Vietnam and today, I am set to 80kms towards the border.

My dorm mates have been so dear to me, I was thinking about waiting until the day after (last day of visa) but I don't want to go through serious discussion with immigration again as last time, if ever I overstay a day again - no way.

I checked out at about noontime, left my baggage in the reception while I drive to Benh Thanh Market to exchange my remaining dongs into dollars.

I was back in the reception in no time. I was going to go back to the 4th floor to say goodbye to my peers back there.

One other vietnamese guest in the hostel was feeling like Pee-ing so went with me, along with the receptionist, who, I think, was smelling something.

As we take the stairs to the next floor, the electricals were sparking in flames, and the door molted and dripping flames too. 

We rushed back down to the reception to call the firemen. I went back into the stairs, and in just seconds, the whole staircase was just filled with smoke that's catching the reflection of the grilling red flame inside the room.

The alarm has just gone on. There was no choice but to go down; Took my stuff, moved my motorbike elsewhere and was steadily looking outside to the balcony of my dorm (where my peers are awaiting rescue)

The vietnamese guest was saying there is someone inside the burning room. 

My friends back in the Fan dorm in the fourth floor couldn't escape through the stairs because of the thick smoke and flames. They went through to the balcony waiting for rescue.

The neighboring community has tried helping, while awaiting the arrival of the firemen, by extending ladders from the connecting building and into the balcony.

Then came the firemen.

As per report from the vietnamese guest, We've told the cafe owner from the ground floor of the building to tell the firemen that someone is trapped inside. They've setup the ladder all the way to the fourth floor to rescue the other guests from the fan dorm, but for some reason, there was a delay in opening the balcony door on the floor where the fire was happening. I wasn't sure if at that time it was clear that the lady trapped inside was dead, for them not to do anything, but it was the last to be worked out. It thought it was necessary to check and see if a revival might work.

After breaking the balcony door, the body was also not taken out of the room. It was only after the investigation later in the afternoon that the body of the woman was taken out.

In the evening, as we went back to collect the stuff of our dorm mates, we met the Malaysian guy who has been staying in the hostel for a while. Luckily, he was out to a meeting with someone that day; Else, he would have been asleep as well just like the girl (as he'd normally be up drinking all night). 

According to this guest, the A/C in the dorm works only at night, and during the day, a Fan is supposed to cool the room. In the morning before he left, he said he reported a problem with the fan to the reception so they can work on it as without even a fan, and the balcony door closed, it would be really warm. Apparently, none has attended to his report. He came back with all his stuff burnt. If only they'd done something when it was reported.

I'm glad most of us were safe, but there are just some regrets. That 21 argentinian woman, who just checked in at night, and who burned in that room... I wished I was ahead of the 2 other girls who went up with me to that floor, that I could've seen there was someone indeed inside, wanting to escape.

I wished i knew ahead that the balcony door in that room was locked and she has no other way out. 

And I wished there were fire exits too :-). Such an unnecessary tragedy.

more photos here from the news headline


This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

Read More »

Visa Run cum Border Tour

One more hour to go before the Police office resumes work. I went back to the guesthouse to lay my back a bit.

It's the Motorbike; I got a very cheap offer from a garage back in Hanoi for a Honda Dream bike for around 152 dollars, and I thought I can drive around Vietnam for, not just the north, but including the central region (since i've already done south vietnam in my first visit 2 months back).

With only 6 nights, 7 days left in my Visa, From Hanoi, we thought about going Northwards, as I see, there have been border crossings where traveller did not need to cross to the other country (this case China which I don't have and require a visa). I've also checked with some travel agencies and  said I can do it, though I am kind of hesitant. But I thought it was worth trying as if it works, we are that close to the Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang (said to be Vietnam's biggest).

It took us a full day to drive to Haiphong, so we thought about staying there for a night; 5 nights to go.

The next day, we drove into Catba Island. Catba was very nice to chill out as accomodation was cheap and was fronting the sea, but inasmuch as we'd like to hang out further, I had to move. (One full day) 2 nights spent in CatBa island, and then we moved further. 3 nights to go.

From Catba, we drove into Halong and spent a night in Halong Bay at a traveller friend's place. 2 nights to go. 

From Halong, i was very hesitant of whether it will work or not. I was thinking about just doing it the sure way (Vietnam-Laos border) but it was too far away; about 600kms. Mon Cai border is just 160kms away so i thought it was worth the risk. What I was thinking then was, in case it don't work in Mon Cai, I'd take the night bus to hanoi, and from hanoi, drive it to the Lao Border.

It was an endless driving on a green and diverse landscape; We couldn't even take pictures as I was trying to make it to the border cut off time; otherwise, there would have been no point and the rushing is of no use.

We made it 15 mins before 5pm at the Mon Cai border (Lonely planet says this border closes 7pm though); Unfortunately, without a visa for china, they said they can't let me out. They were offering to extend my visa right there for $45 but I have a feeling, it's not an "official" process (bribe). I did not bother. I would have been OK with it, if it'll go to the vietnam government, but if only to the pockets of a one or few, i'd rather not.

I was so frustrated, but there was no choice nor a time to whine. I've called up other travel agencies, and was told it shall be possible. There was so little time and too much risk. The other problem that wrecks my mind is that i got into a blog about a guy overstaying for 2 days and had to pay more than $100 for an issue caused by an immigration officer (stamping 28 days instead of supposed 30days). Then we thought about taking the risk at Lang Son; we assumed, at worst case, i'll pay the $45 charge/request.

Second day of full day driving at speeds we would not really be doing; The road to Lang Son won't even let us run more than 30kms per hour. Unfortunately, I was refused again in the Lang Son border. Then again, the immigration officer there advised me to go to a Police station and request an extension; This is the first time I've heard of police being able to do extensions of visas, but, it's the immigration who advised, so I thought there must be some truth to it.

It was already turning late at night, and at some point, I ran out of gasoline too. My meter shows half full, but apparently, it broke, and at a location of speeding trucks and no lights but of passing vehicles and the full moon above. My travel pal julie had to get gas for me, and I had to hang on.

A little while later, she came and drove to the Police Station. With the help of a Couchsurfing guy Leo in Haiphong who translated what I needed, the Police advised me to take a rest for the night, and come back the next day for a fix.

The next day, I came back, and was asked to go to Immigration. A motor taxi dropped me there, and there was a lady who spoke a bit of English.

After some explaining, unfortunately, the answer was, I have to drive to the Lao Border. I called up the Police officer, and was told to come back to the Police station at 2pm.

I came to the Police station ahead of time. After waiting for about 30 mins and no sign of the Police I'm supposed to meet, I sent him an SMS; Minutes later, he replied saying he's coming.

We drove onto the immigration office. After parking, the Police called up someone, and later had the other police speak to me. I was told the same thing this morning. It has gotten more frustrating, just when i'm so pressed with time, I did not know why i had to wait until 2pm, and drive to the immigration (and not even walk onto the office). Whatever transpired, I think could have done right then and there in the morning.

Again, whining won't help. I asked julie to pack up real quick and we're driving to Hanoi.

From Lang Son, it was 160kms to Hanoi, and because of the the highway, gladly it took us only less than 3 hours to drive it. 

I was initially thinking of driving it further, but i thought, the more I rush, the more frustrating it becomes. I told myself, money is nothing compared to what I have been putting myself into.

The following day, we drove early onto the Na Meo border. it's 255kms away from Hanoi. The road was not as great as that of Lang Son-Hanoi; Half of what we've driven was also highland. By 5:30pm, we were in Mau Chai Village, and I decided to call the day there. It's about 130kms to go, and with the terrain, it's not so safe to drive at night.

Leaving Mau Chai for the Na Meo border

I woke up the next day earlier than usual; It's my second day of overstay, and I am preparing myself for, maybe, a series of questioning on the border.

I started driving at around 9:30. It was an even worse road, I would every so often look at my maps if i'm in the right direction. The route goes into smaller and even more remote villages, much of which is unpaved, and muddy. I would get so worried on how bad it can get further, and if it may be a good idea to turn back, and reroute while early. Then again, just thinking of how long i've driven so far, I just went forward. 

It took me 13 hours to get to the border, arriving at around 5:30. At around 4:30, I was driving a little bit recklessly already just to make it on time. I was on self pity, for having to endure all these, in these past days, just for the sake of a stamp.

the road to the Na Meo Border between Vietnam and Laos

the road to the Na Meo Border between Vietnam and Laos

the road to the Na Meo Border between Vietnam and Laos

upon stopping at his store, this old man saw me quite dusty and took a rag and shook it off. Would not even give me the rag to do it myself

the road to the Na Meo Border between Vietnam and Laos

the road to the Na Meo Border between Vietnam and Laos

the road to the Na Meo Border between Vietnam and Laos

I parked the bike, and asked for the passport control. The room seems empty, seemingly closed. 

Then, somebody walked in. i explained, I badly need to get the exit stamp; The immigration officer asked for my passport.

I have told him ahead I am on overstay for 2 days, but it dont seem like he understands. My phone is drained, I plugged it onto my power bank.

Immigration officer looked at the stamp, and was shaking his head upon seeing the expiry date of the visa. I was pointing to my phone, while saying, I'll call my friend to explain.

I went out to get a cigarette while waiting for my phone to come up; Meanwhile, immigration officer walks out of the office and took his phone to, i suppose, talk to his superior.

Right on time, the phone came up, and I quickly dialled Leo's phone, and told him about the situation. Immigration officer meanwhile walks right back in and calls me; He was ready to stamp my passport, and I passed the phone to him. After talking to Leo, he proceeded to stamping. No other words were utterred, while i repeatedly said "thank you, cam on, thank you"

No fines, no other questions, no forms, no ban. Thank Goodness it's done.


This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

One more hour to go before the Police office resumes work. I went back to the guesthouse to lay my back a bit.

It's the Motorbike; I got a very cheap offer from a garage back in Hanoi for a Honda Dream bike for around 152 dollars, and I thought I can drive around Vietnam for, not just the north, but including the central region (since i've already done south vietnam in my first visit 2 months back).

With only 6 nights, 7 days left in my Visa, From Hanoi, we thought about going Northwards, as I see, there have been border crossings where traveller did not need to cross to the other country (this case China which I don't have and require a visa). I've also checked with some travel agencies and  said I can do it, though I am kind of hesitant. But I thought it was worth trying as if it works, we are that close to the Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang (said to be Vietnam's biggest).

It took us a full day to drive to Haiphong, so we thought about staying there for a night; 5 nights to go.

The next day, we drove into Catba Island. Catba was very nice to chill out as accomodation was cheap and was fronting the sea, but inasmuch as we'd like to hang out further, I had to move. (One full day) 2 nights spent in CatBa island, and then we moved further. 3 nights to go.

From Catba, we drove into Halong and spent a night in Halong Bay at a traveller friend's place. 2 nights to go. 

From Halong, i was very hesitant of whether it will work or not. I was thinking about just doing it the sure way (Vietnam-Laos border) but it was too far away; about 600kms. Mon Cai border is just 160kms away so i thought it was worth the risk. What I was thinking then was, in case it don't work in Mon Cai, I'd take the night bus to hanoi, and from hanoi, drive it to the Lao Border.

It was an endless driving on a green and diverse landscape; We couldn't even take pictures as I was trying to make it to the border cut off time; otherwise, there would have been no point and the rushing is of no use.

We made it 15 mins before 5pm at the Mon Cai border (Lonely planet says this border closes 7pm though); Unfortunately, without a visa for china, they said they can't let me out. They were offering to extend my visa right there for $45 but I have a feeling, it's not an "official" process (bribe). I did not bother. I would have been OK with it, if it'll go to the vietnam government, but if only to the pockets of a one or few, i'd rather not.

I was so frustrated, but there was no choice nor a time to whine. I've called up other travel agencies, and was told it shall be possible. There was so little time and too much risk. The other problem that wrecks my mind is that i got into a blog about a guy overstaying for 2 days and had to pay more than $100 for an issue caused by an immigration officer (stamping 28 days instead of supposed 30days). Then we thought about taking the risk at Lang Son; we assumed, at worst case, i'll pay the $45 charge/request.

Second day of full day driving at speeds we would not really be doing; The road to Lang Son won't even let us run more than 30kms per hour. Unfortunately, I was refused again in the Lang Son border. Then again, the immigration officer there advised me to go to a Police station and request an extension; This is the first time I've heard of police being able to do extensions of visas, but, it's the immigration who advised, so I thought there must be some truth to it.

It was already turning late at night, and at some point, I ran out of gasoline too. My meter shows half full, but apparently, it broke, and at a location of speeding trucks and no lights but of passing vehicles and the full moon above. My travel pal julie had to get gas for me, and I had to hang on.

A little while later, she came and drove to the Police Station. With the help of a Couchsurfing guy Leo in Haiphong who translated what I needed, the Police advised me to take a rest for the night, and come back the next day for a fix.

The next day, I came back, and was asked to go to Immigration. A motor taxi dropped me there, and there was a lady who spoke a bit of English.

After some explaining, unfortunately, the answer was, I have to drive to the Lao Border. I called up the Police officer, and was told to come back to the Police station at 2pm.

I came to the Police station ahead of time. After waiting for about 30 mins and no sign of the Police I'm supposed to meet, I sent him an SMS; Minutes later, he replied saying he's coming.

We drove onto the immigration office. After parking, the Police called up someone, and later had the other police speak to me. I was told the same thing this morning. It has gotten more frustrating, just when i'm so pressed with time, I did not know why i had to wait until 2pm, and drive to the immigration (and not even walk onto the office). Whatever transpired, I think could have done right then and there in the morning.

Again, whining won't help. I asked julie to pack up real quick and we're driving to Hanoi.

From Lang Son, it was 160kms to Hanoi, and because of the the highway, gladly it took us only less than 3 hours to drive it. 

I was initially thinking of driving it further, but i thought, the more I rush, the more frustrating it becomes. I told myself, money is nothing compared to what I have been putting myself into.

The following day, we drove early onto the Na Meo border. it's 255kms away from Hanoi. The road was not as great as that of Lang Son-Hanoi; Half of what we've driven was also highland. By 5:30pm, we were in Mau Chai Village, and I decided to call the day there. It's about 130kms to go, and with the terrain, it's not so safe to drive at night.

Leaving Mau Chai for the Na Meo border

I woke up the next day earlier than usual; It's my second day of overstay, and I am preparing myself for, maybe, a series of questioning on the border.

I started driving at around 9:30. It was an even worse road, I would every so often look at my maps if i'm in the right direction. The route goes into smaller and even more remote villages, much of which is unpaved, and muddy. I would get so worried on how bad it can get further, and if it may be a good idea to turn back, and reroute while early. Then again, just thinking of how long i've driven so far, I just went forward. 

It took me 13 hours to get to the border, arriving at around 5:30. At around 4:30, I was driving a little bit recklessly already just to make it on time. I was on self pity, for having to endure all these, in these past days, just for the sake of a stamp.

the road to the Na Meo Border between Vietnam and Laos

the road to the Na Meo Border between Vietnam and Laos

the road to the Na Meo Border between Vietnam and Laos

upon stopping at his store, this old man saw me quite dusty and took a rag and shook it off. Would not even give me the rag to do it myself

the road to the Na Meo Border between Vietnam and Laos

the road to the Na Meo Border between Vietnam and Laos

the road to the Na Meo Border between Vietnam and Laos

I parked the bike, and asked for the passport control. The room seems empty, seemingly closed. 

Then, somebody walked in. i explained, I badly need to get the exit stamp; The immigration officer asked for my passport.

I have told him ahead I am on overstay for 2 days, but it dont seem like he understands. My phone is drained, I plugged it onto my power bank.

Immigration officer looked at the stamp, and was shaking his head upon seeing the expiry date of the visa. I was pointing to my phone, while saying, I'll call my friend to explain.

I went out to get a cigarette while waiting for my phone to come up; Meanwhile, immigration officer walks out of the office and took his phone to, i suppose, talk to his superior.

Right on time, the phone came up, and I quickly dialled Leo's phone, and told him about the situation. Immigration officer meanwhile walks right back in and calls me; He was ready to stamp my passport, and I passed the phone to him. After talking to Leo, he proceeded to stamping. No other words were utterred, while i repeatedly said "thank you, cam on, thank you"

No fines, no other questions, no forms, no ban. Thank Goodness it's done.


This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

Read More »