Yeah, the journey should be started in Kuala Lumpur but since i didnt do anything there other than transit, simply lets make Tan So Nath Airport, Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) as my starting point.
Some traveler notes told me to take Bus No 152 from the Airport to reach Cho Benh Tanh Area. Its cheap and easy to find because its passing arrival gate for both of domestic and international flights. But for me, its not that easy. I have waiting for 30 minutes and nothing. I started asking some airport staff and other foreigners and ended up with some direction that against each other. Even, i have moved from international to domestic flight area, until i've seen one of the bus passing by just outside the drop off area.
I went there and wait. Another passenger join and wait with me. His name is Huy. A college student studying in tourism in Ho Chi Minh. My first luck, because he can speak english then assist me to get into terminal. I plan to reach Pam Ngu Lao (Backpacker area in Ho Chi Minh) to see what i can do next, then if possible take overnight bus to Da Lat tonight. I told him the same thing, and whether he can understand what i'm saying or not; he keep saying "I will help you"
And a few minutes later, chaos happened.
We get off at Benh Tanh bus terminal (small open bus station), he asked to follow his steps while he keep asking to some local folks in Vietnamese. I started running to catch up his step, he moved very fast and again make a local conversation with the bus driver. With a fast look at me, the driver nodding his head and in a just few second Huy pushed me to get in to the bus. The bus leaving terminal to out of nowhere...
I'll be OK. I talk to myself.
After around 10-15 minutes, the bus enter a huge bus station. The driver take a look at me and told me to get off here with a sign language. And suddenly all the things became make sense again. It was a main bus terminal in Ho Chi Minh. I have to book my ticket to Da Lat from this terminal. And i got one departed at 11 AM. Its like, 10 minutes to go!!! hahahha, so i just make a fast move to find my bus. But instead a bus, i got minivan. Be ready for the eight and a half hours rocking the Vietnam land on summer.
Da Lat
Why Da Lat? Some people told me it was Paris of Asia. A beautiful and relaxing city. Indeed i thought the same way after i experience this city. And instead of wasting my time in a big city or beaches (where i prefer Indonesian beaches for the most), visiting Da Lat is not just a checklist but a memorable place ever.
Arrived around 8 PM last night. I rely on my notes of one address of backpacker hostel at the center of the city. The mini van dropped me at the gas station which is beyond my expectation. So i just get in to the motorbike and heading to the hostel when someone offered me his ride. I have to pay of course.
I stayed for a night at Backpacker Paradise Hostel. I got the name from hostelworld.com with a good review for a clean, nice and not too expensive dorm. Yeah, i spent only USD 4.5 per night. I got a towel, clean bed (dorm), welcome drink and very nice owner and staff. One thing that makes me not being comfortable is the dogs, since i'm afraid of it. I always stay away from them when i walked around the lobby. But nothing to worry since the owner will take care of it, and your room at the top floor. So they will never interrupt your resting time.
What you can do in Dalat:
1. Crazy House
2. Swan Lake
3. Temples
4. Cho Da Lat Market
5. City Centre
6. Da Lat Flower Park
I explore all of those area within a day using a motorbike (incl the driver). I want to stay longer and surely gonna back here someday.
Some traveler notes told me to take Bus No 152 from the Airport to reach Cho Benh Tanh Area. Its cheap and easy to find because its passing arrival gate for both of domestic and international flights. But for me, its not that easy. I have waiting for 30 minutes and nothing. I started asking some airport staff and other foreigners and ended up with some direction that against each other. Even, i have moved from international to domestic flight area, until i've seen one of the bus passing by just outside the drop off area.
I went there and wait. Another passenger join and wait with me. His name is Huy. A college student studying in tourism in Ho Chi Minh. My first luck, because he can speak english then assist me to get into terminal. I plan to reach Pam Ngu Lao (Backpacker area in Ho Chi Minh) to see what i can do next, then if possible take overnight bus to Da Lat tonight. I told him the same thing, and whether he can understand what i'm saying or not; he keep saying "I will help you"
And a few minutes later, chaos happened.
We get off at Benh Tanh bus terminal (small open bus station), he asked to follow his steps while he keep asking to some local folks in Vietnamese. I started running to catch up his step, he moved very fast and again make a local conversation with the bus driver. With a fast look at me, the driver nodding his head and in a just few second Huy pushed me to get in to the bus. The bus leaving terminal to out of nowhere...
I'll be OK. I talk to myself.
After around 10-15 minutes, the bus enter a huge bus station. The driver take a look at me and told me to get off here with a sign language. And suddenly all the things became make sense again. It was a main bus terminal in Ho Chi Minh. I have to book my ticket to Da Lat from this terminal. And i got one departed at 11 AM. Its like, 10 minutes to go!!! hahahha, so i just make a fast move to find my bus. But instead a bus, i got minivan. Be ready for the eight and a half hours rocking the Vietnam land on summer.
Da Lat
Why Da Lat? Some people told me it was Paris of Asia. A beautiful and relaxing city. Indeed i thought the same way after i experience this city. And instead of wasting my time in a big city or beaches (where i prefer Indonesian beaches for the most), visiting Da Lat is not just a checklist but a memorable place ever.
Arrived around 8 PM last night. I rely on my notes of one address of backpacker hostel at the center of the city. The mini van dropped me at the gas station which is beyond my expectation. So i just get in to the motorbike and heading to the hostel when someone offered me his ride. I have to pay of course.
I stayed for a night at Backpacker Paradise Hostel. I got the name from hostelworld.com with a good review for a clean, nice and not too expensive dorm. Yeah, i spent only USD 4.5 per night. I got a towel, clean bed (dorm), welcome drink and very nice owner and staff. One thing that makes me not being comfortable is the dogs, since i'm afraid of it. I always stay away from them when i walked around the lobby. But nothing to worry since the owner will take care of it, and your room at the top floor. So they will never interrupt your resting time.
What you can do in Dalat:
1. Crazy House
2. Swan Lake
3. Temples
4. Cho Da Lat Market
5. City Centre
6. Da Lat Flower Park
I explore all of those area within a day using a motorbike (incl the driver). I want to stay longer and surely gonna back here someday.
























