Vietnam Travel Diaries – Day 2: First Glimpse of Ho Chi Minh City
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🇻🇳 Vietnam Travel Diaries – Day 2: First Glimpse of Ho Chi Minh City
After a night of much-needed rest, we finally woke up to our first full morning in Vietnam — and what a vibe it was! The soft sun filtered through the curtains, the air felt warm and tropical, and from our window, we could already hear the buzz of scooters and the heartbeat of Ho Chi Minh City waking up.
We got ready quickly, excitement practically bubbling over. The first stop on our list? One of the most iconic landmarks in the city — Bến Thành Market.
As we approached, the energy started to change. There was a rush of movement, the sound of bargaining in different languages, the sizzle of street food, and the vibrant chaos of local life. The market was packed with souvenirs, silk scarves, handbags, spices, and handcrafted items. I couldn’t resist picking up a few trinkets and gifts. The best part? Bargaining! It’s such a fun part of the experience — part game, part skill, and part luck!
The market was a sensory overload — in the best way. The smell of grilled meat, fresh herbs, and incense lingered in the air. Every corner had something different — from lantern stalls to fresh fruit carts. It wasn’t just shopping; it was cultural immersion.
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After that hustle and bustle, we took a break to recharge. We found a vendor selling fresh coconut water — chilled, sweet, and served straight from the shell. Standing on a busy Saigon footpath, sipping coconut water under the bright blue sky — it felt surreal. One of those quiet yet cinematic travel moments.
Craving a bit of cool air, we next headed into a little local café tucked away from the main road. Their menu was filled with Vietnamese coffee options, and we went for the classic iced milk coffee. Strong, creamy, and sweet — just how I imagined Vietnamese coffee would be. The café had a calm atmosphere, a nice contrast to the city’s chaos outside. We spent a while there just sitting, sipping, and people-watching. It was peaceful and honestly one of my favorite parts of the day.
By early afternoon, we finally reached our hotel — Hotel Cecilia. After hours of walking, negotiating, and soaking in the city, stepping into our hotel felt like a comforting pause. The vibe was warm and quiet. We relaxed, refreshed ourselves, and just let ourselves breathe and process the whirlwind that the morning had been.
Later in the evening, we set out once again. This time, not for any big landmark, but just to walk around and explore. The city streets had their own story — towering glass buildings next to old colonial architecture, locals chatting on plastic stools, scooters whizzing past, flower carts, colorful signage, and the rhythm of a city that never really slows down.
At one point, I stopped outside a shop that looked like it belonged on Pinterest — soft pink bows, pastel décor, and a name I couldn’t pronounce. It made me smile, and I thought, “This is what I love about travel — these little surprises.”
As the sky slowly dimmed, we returned to the hotel to get ready for something special — a city tour scheduled for 5:30 PM. But that deserves its own space, its own detail, its own post.
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So for now, that’s a wrap on Day 2.
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A day filled with bustling markets, street-side sips, cafe corners, aesthetic streets, and soft little moments that made me feel like I was really, truly in Vietnam. It wasn’t just about checking things off a list — it was about pausing, noticing, and enjoying. 🌿
Can’t wait to take you along for Day 3 — because the city tour showed us a whole new side of Saigon!
Until then,
stay curious, stay exploring. 💛
Neha Gupta
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