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		</div><p>Thanks to my recent garden leave that I am able to squeeze in this impromptu trip. It was a last minute unplanned trip. As highlighted in my previous blog, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is one of the consideration place that I love to visit for short trips. Main reason being, it is just below 2 hours of flight journey and you will be able to break away from the usual bustling city to a relaxing city.</p>
<p>So without much hesitation, HCMC was a natural option that pops up in my mind.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-5203 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pt2018_10_02_11_50_07.jpg" width="1600" height="1200"></p>
<p>As usual, enjoying myself with a great bowl of laksa and all day breakfast at the Plaza Premium Lounge prior to boarding. This is one of those anticipated meal to begin my travel journey.</p>
<p>Since this being an impromptu trip, there is no specific agenda other than a relaxing, cafe hopping and watching the world goes by kind of itinerary.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-5204 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_100913.jpg" width="3024" height="4032"></p>
<p>This time round, have decided to put up at Ha My 3 Hotel which is within walking distance to the all famous Ben Thanh Market. Cost is affordable at around USD30 per night. A decent size of about 20sqm with a large double bed.</p>
<p>For currency exchange, it is highly recommended to change in HCMC as the rates are much better compared to back home. In HCMC, foreign currency exchange can be made over at any of the jewellery shop you see on the streets.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/1538463812670.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5205" width="2016" height="1512"></p>
<p>So far, the shop that offers the best city exchange is none other than Ha Tam which is near the intersection lane at Nguyen An Ninh in Ben Thanh Market area.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181002_135805_mh1538463653340.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5206" width="2160" height="1620"></p>
<p>Starting the trip by savouring local Vietnamese cuisine lunch at Ngo Saigon Street Cafe at B3 of Vincom Centre.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181002_140402.jpg" class="wp-image-5207 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Cha gio hai san &#8211; Fried spring rolls with seafood</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181002_140350.jpg" class="wp-image-5208 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Chao tom &#8211; Grilled minced prawn on sugar canes</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181002_140924.jpg" class="wp-image-5209 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Heo xien que &#8211; Grilled pork skewers</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181002_140522.jpg" class="wp-image-5210 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Mien ap chao hai san &#8211; Glass noodles with seafood</p>
<p>Food quality is authentic and tasty.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_214512_mh1538664358346.jpg" class="wp-image-5211 alignnone size-full" width="2160" height="1620"></p>
<p>Without second guess, next food haunt will be my all time favourite joint, Hai Lua at the night market.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181002_192511.jpg" class="wp-image-5212 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Water morning glory sauteed with garlic</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181002_192148.jpg" class="wp-image-5213 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Grilled meat</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181002_192622.jpg" class="wp-image-5214 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>A die die must eat &#8211; Grilled red snapper flavoured with salt &; spice</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181002_192658.jpg" class="wp-image-5215 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Seafood fried rice with generous chunks of squid and prawn</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_111241.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5216" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Enjoying leisure tea break at Trung Nyugen Legend, The No.1 Coffee. This outlet is adjacent to Diamond Plaza.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pt2018_10_03_11_22_41.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5217" width="1500" height="1500"></p>
<p>Love the beautifully decorated interior, looks posh and definitely a great place to catch up with friends or simply enjoying reading a book over a cuppa.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_112517.jpg" class="wp-image-5218 alignnone size-full" width="3024" height="4032"></p>
<p>Green Tea Latte with Jelly</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_112533.jpg" class="wp-image-5219 alignnone size-full" width="3024" height="4032"></p>
<p>Ice Blended Coffee with Caramel</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_113004.jpg" class="wp-image-5220 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Their most delicious bread on earth &#8211; Legend Bread</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_113022.jpg" class="wp-image-5221 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Banana Crepe with Honey from M&#8217;drak Mountain</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_145153_mh1538553334532.jpg" class="wp-image-5222 alignnone size-full" width="2160" height="1620"></p>
<p>Snacking at Pho 24 for their traditional beef &; chicken bowl soup. You can easily find a Pho 24 outlet near where you are.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_145723.jpg" class="wp-image-5223 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Pho Bo</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_145702.jpg" class="wp-image-5224 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Pho Ga</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181005_104245_001.jpg" class="wp-image-5225 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Cha Gio</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_155808.jpg" class="wp-image-5226 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>More food trail lining up. Osaka Ohsho (çå°) on Takashimaya Level 5.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_161343.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5227" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Signature Tonkatsu Itacho Ramen</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_161931.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5228" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Signature Grilled Pork Shrimp Gyoza</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_162545.jpg" class="wp-image-5229 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Fried Chicken Karaage</p>
<p>Dinner at a local Vietnamese cuisine at Bien Duong Nha Hang</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_194543.jpg" class="wp-image-5230 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_194548.jpg" class="wp-image-5231 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Boiled vegetable with special sauce</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_195150.jpg" class="wp-image-5232 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Clam with lemongrass and ginger soup</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_194721.jpg" class="wp-image-5233 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Fried squid</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_195556.jpg" class="wp-image-5234 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Fried spring roll</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_194735.jpg" class="wp-image-5235 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Cockles with fried garlic (interestingly, this dish is known as Bloody Scallop on the menu ð)</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_194552.jpg" class="wp-image-5236 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Seafood fried rice</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_134650.jpg" class="wp-image-5237 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Munching light dim sum snack at San Fu Lou Cantonese Kitchen, an authentic Cantonese cuisine other than Dim Tu Tac which is featured in my previous blog trip in Apr 2018.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_140901.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5238" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Pork, mushroom &; crab roe dumpling</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_141110.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5239" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Beancurd skin rolls, prawn &; pork</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_140718.jpg" class="wp-image-5240 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Pan fried pork buns &; salted radish</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_140746.jpg" class="wp-image-5241 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>San Fu Lou wok fried vermicelli, BBQ pork, prawn &; egg</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_203035.jpg" class="wp-image-5242 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Enjoying Ashoka Authentic Indian Cuisine</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_205536.jpg" class="wp-image-5243 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Aloo Gobi Mattar &#8211; Potato, cauliflower, green peas tossed with tomato, fresh coriander amd Indian spices</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_205541.jpg" class="wp-image-5244 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Chicken 65 &#8211; Cubes of boneless chicken mixed with yoghurt, egg yolk, Indian herbs, curry leaves then toasted to perfection</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_205517.jpg" class="wp-image-5245 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Mutton Masala &#8211; Tender pieces of boneless mutton cooked with green peas, potato, tomato, green chilli with Indian herbs, spices and garnished with boiled egg</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_205548.jpg" class="wp-image-5246 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Saffron rice &#8211; Flavoured rice with saffron and fresh herbs</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_205558.jpg" class="wp-image-5247 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Garlic Naan &#8211; Indian bread of superfine flour flavoured with garlic</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_001116.jpg" class="wp-image-5248 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Another not to be missed delicacy (my all time favourite road side stall), this is a supper joint for night owls.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_235532.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5249" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Yellow noodle soup with chicken, pig&#8217;s blood and white carrot.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_164328.jpg" class="wp-image-5250 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181003_164414.jpg" class="wp-image-5251 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Beer enthusiast, this is your kind of not to be missed place. You have to visit Number Five Bar at 42-44-46 Pasteur Street where you can have beef buffet from 3pm to 7pm daily at ONLY 130,000 VND. ð²ð²ð²</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img-20181003-wa0002.jpg" class="wp-image-5252 alignnone size-full" width="750" height="1000"></p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_163733.jpg" class="wp-image-5253 alignnone size-full" width="3024" height="4032"></p>
<blockquote><p>Sounds steam right??? So value for money that I am here for 2 days in a row&#8230;. ð</p></blockquote>
<p>Cafe hopping up next.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_103731.jpg" class="wp-image-5254 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pt2018_10_05_23_29_21.jpg" class="wp-image-5255 alignnone size-full" width="1000" height="1596"></p>
<p>Relaxing at My Life Coffee, a nice cozy boutique cafe.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img-20181004-wa0005.jpg" class="wp-image-5256 alignnone size-full" width="750" height="1000"></p>
<p>Beautifully done interior decor especially the nicely done flower feature wall.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_104450.jpg" class="wp-image-5257 alignnone size-full" width="3024" height="4032"></p>
<p>Traditional Vietnamese Coffee brewed and served in a cup</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181004_104010.jpg" class="wp-image-5258 alignnone size-full" width="3024" height="4032"></p>
<p>Soursop and peach healthy smoothies</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181005_121009.jpg" class="wp-image-5259 alignnone size-full" width="3024" height="4032"></p>
<p>Spotted another new cozy boutique cafe, Belvie Chocolate Shop. Couldn&#8217;t resist but to step in for a cuppa to enjoy the ambience and watch the world goes by.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181005_121636.jpg" class="wp-image-5260 alignnone size-full" width="3024" height="4032"></p>
<p>Traditional Vietnamese Coffee with condensed milk (before drip)</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181005_122155.jpg" class="wp-image-5261 alignnone size-full" width="3024" height="4032"></p>
<p>After drip</p>
<p>Bonus shots of the day view&#8230;&#8230;</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181005_110901.jpg" class="wp-image-5262 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Saigon Opera House</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181005_094954.jpg" class="wp-image-5263 alignnone size-full" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Saigon City Hall</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181005_145101_mh1538725914585.jpg" class="wp-image-5264 alignnone size-full" width="1620" height="2160"></p>
<p>One for the road meal at the Airport Orchid Lounge prior to bidding goodbye to this beautiful city.</p>
<p><img src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pt2018_10_05_14_52_43.jpg" class="wp-image-5265 alignnone size-full" width="1200" height="1600"></p>
<p>This is what life should be and I certainly look forward to the day when I can do this as often &; as and when I pleases. As for now, I am definitely satisfied with this achievement for the past few days.</p>
<p>Overall, it is a nice bonus trip before my upcoming Taiwan trip next month. ððð.</p>
<p>Till then. Hope you enjoy this read and stay tuned!</p>

Impromptu Trip to Ho Chi Minh City from 2 Oct to 5 Oct 2018
