Table of Contents
Main Journey
After a long flight, we finally landed in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – the first stop in our journey around the world. The first task was to book a train for our upcoming travels within Vietnam. Arriving from a landscape of endless fields, the sudden burst of city life as we entered Ho Chi Minh’s bustling heart was exhilarating.
Immigration Process
At immigration, we faced the expected questions: how long we were staying and if we had a return ticket. Luckily, the flight we hastily booked from Hanoi to Luang Prabang back in Incheon came in handy, granting us the entry we needed.
Our Child’s First Steps in Vietnam
Our little one, Sweetie, was full of energy, running everywhere the moment we landed. It was great seeing her excitement, but we had to keep a close eye!
Arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport
We collected our luggage and exchanged some money right inside the airport (at a rate of 1 USD to 22,860 VND as of April 3, 2017). Sweetie enjoyed the airport trolley ride, allowing us to move smoothly.
Getting to Our Hotel by Bus
Our hotel had advised us to take Bus 109, which would drop us off at Pham Ngu Lao, a lively street full of travelers and right by our accommodation on De Tham Street. The hot and humid air was a sharp contrast from home, and I was already shedding layers – my long-sleeved shirt didn’t survive past the airport!
Settling into Our Room
After a ride on the crowded 109 bus, we arrived at our hotel, the Pink Tulip Hotel, just after 5 PM. Despite its small size, the room was spotless and perfect for us. Exhausted and hungry, we ventured out to grab our first bowl of Vietnamese pho from a modest-looking eatery close by.
Exploring Local Transport and Booking the Train
The city traffic was overwhelming, so we opted for a taxi instead of navigating the intricate bus routes. We managed to communicate our destination, Saigon Railway Station, using Google Maps, translating it to “Ga Sai Gon.” We soon realized that standing in line with a ticket number was useless – the locals simply lined up directly at the counter. We quickly adapted and booked our night trains for two segments: Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang and Da Nang to Hanoi, each costing around 800,000 VND.
Refreshing Smoothies at Five Boys Number One
After returning to the bustling De Tham Street, Julie was eager to try the fresh fruit juice at “Five Boys Number One.” For 30,000 VND, we each got a smoothie, and as we sipped, we felt a moment of pure happiness – our world journey was truly underway.
Events of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh Family Travel
- Arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport
- Exploring Pham Ngu Lao and De Tham Street
- Booking a night train at Saigon Railway Station
- First Vietnamese Pho experience
- Refreshing drinks at Five Boys Number One
Tips for Traveling with a Child
1. Entertainment for Long Flights
After a long flight, children need an outlet for their pent-up energy. A small airport trolley can work wonders as a fun ride while keeping your hands free.
2. Exchange Money Inside the Airport
Vietnam has a very favorable exchange rate for travelers. Converting some cash right at the airport helps for immediate expenses, such as bus or taxi fare.
3. Child-Friendly Public Transport
Ho Chi Minh City’s Bus 109 is air-conditioned and affordable, making it an ideal choice for families. Additionally, children often travel free on public transport, which is a nice bonus!
4. Plan for Rainy Season Essentials
The rains hit just as we stepped off the bus, so having a rain cover for bags and a child-sized poncho was essential. Expect sudden downpours and be prepared!
5. Taxi Tips
Taxis in Ho Chi Minh are inexpensive and metered. Most drivers don’t speak English, so be ready with Google Maps or show them the destination in Vietnamese to avoid confusion.
Local Travel Tips
1. Learn Basic Vietnamese Place Names
It helps to know local place names like “Ga Sai Gon” for the railway station. It’s a small touch that improves communication with drivers and locals.
2. Be Flexible with Ticketing Queues
In some places, ticketing rules are more like guidelines. At Saigon Railway Station, we noticed that locals simply ignored ticket numbers, so we joined the line directly to avoid unnecessary waiting.
3. Choose Trusted Locations for Food
Our first pho experience wasn’t in the most glamorous setting, but it hit the spot! In Vietnam, even small street eateries offer great food, so don’t hesitate to dive in.
4. Drink Local Smoothies for a Refreshing Boost
Fresh smoothies from shops like Five Boys Number One are a treat for travelers. Affordable and delicious, these are a fantastic way to refresh and recharge.
Travel Reflections
Landing in Vietnam felt monumental. It was the first step in our world travel adventure, and despite the challenges, we were finally here together. I’m grateful to be making these memories with Julie and Sweetie. Each moment feels richer, from the craziness of Ho Chi Minh’s streets to the simple joy of drinking fresh juice in a little shop.
Vietnam’s initial impression is of warm, welcoming people, and a landscape where vibrant city life meets endless open fields. Adjusting to the heat, the noise, and the bustling streets is a change, but there’s a certain magic in this city’s rhythm that I can’t wait to explore further.
Our journey has only just begun, and I’m filled with anticipation for what lies ahead.
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