I went to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam, so I would like to write about it.
Ho Chi Minh City: The Commercial Hub of Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, located in southern Vietnam and serving as the economic center of the country, is known for its bustling streets, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. After entering the country by bus from Cambodia, I was sick and stayed in bed for half a day. However, on the morning of my second day in Ho Chi Minh City, my condition improved, and the sky was clear, making it a perfect day for sightseeing. I left the hotel at 8 am and visited various tourist attractions listed in the guidebook, such as the War Memorial, Reunification Palace, and Ben Thanh Market.
On the way, I stopped by a travel agency intending to buy a bus ticket to Da Nang in central Vietnam. Unfortunately, there is no direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, and the train takes too long, so I decided to skip Da Nang on this trip and booked a flight to Hanoi, the final destination of my journey.
As I walked around Ho Chi Minh City, I came across an area with many Japanese signs. Most of the people in that area appeared to be Japanese, and a motorbike taxi driver spoke to me in Japanese, making me realize that this was Vietnam's Japanese town. I continued walking and eventually reached the Saigon River. The breeze was very pleasant, and I watched the river for a while. Many people were fishing, and couples were enjoying their time together. On the other side of the river, numerous buildings were under construction, indicating that this country, like Thailand, is in the process of growth. After dark, I had a Vietnamese massage, enjoyed delicious Vietnamese food, and took a motorbike taxi back to the hotel.
Hanoi: The Capital of Vietnam
It took about two hours by plane to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to the capital, Hanoi. Hanoi is characterized by historical buildings, vast parks, and a beautiful lake. The cityscape is a mix of traditional Vietnamese architecture and modern buildings. Hoan Kiem Lake, located in the center of Hanoi, is the city's number one tourist spot and a place of relaxation for its citizens. Hotels, bars, restaurants, and stylish cafes line the lake, and at dusk, the area is filled with people fishing, couples spending time together, and people jogging.
Halong Bay Tour
At 7:30 in the morning, a tour guide picked me up at the hotel in a van. Although it wasn't raining, the sky was covered with dark rain clouds. I got in the van and set off for Halong Bay. Two hours later, the bus arrived at the ferry terminal, and we boarded the boat. Halong Bay, a world-famous natural landscape located in Quang Ninh Province in northern Vietnam, is renowned for its beauty and geological importance. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and was one of the highlights of my trip.
The view from the boat was breathtaking! Although the sky was cloudy, the sea was a vivid green, and the steep limestone formations were impressive. At the dock, I lay on my back. The waves were calm, and there was no wind. Looking around, I saw the emerald green sea and rocks. This place resembled an ancient ocean, and it made me imagine that dinosaurs might still exist today.
It was truly beautiful. I thought, "Wow, a world like this exists." Thank you for the wonderful time.