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		</div><p>One month just passed with a blink of an eye. Before I know it, I am already on my way to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.</p>
<p>Though a short trip, it is always good to be able to get away and spend quality time with family outside Singapore.</p>
<p>This is a key advantage as we are close to many neighbouring countries which is just within 5 hours by flight.</p>
<p>I am always excited when the thought of visiting this beautiful country surfaced. Food, is (of course) the main attraction other than the relaxing lifestyle that draws me here.</p>
<p>Without fail, it is almost a S.O.P. to pamper myself with a good meal at the airport lounge each time prior to departure. This is what I like best about travelling out of the country. The feeling is beyond description.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7045 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_111231.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>My highly anticipated lunch at TGM Lounge.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7046 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_113117.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Sashimi Bento Set &#8211; An assortment of fresh sashimi.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7047 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_112945.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Beef Shogayaki Set &#8211; Sliced beef fried with ginger sauce and onions.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7048 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_112853.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Chicken Teriyaki Set &#8211; Pan fried chicken cooked with Teriyaki sauce.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7049 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/pt2019_05_18_12_15_49.jpg" width="1000" height="1500"></p>
<p>Korean Rice Cake and Dumpling Soup Set &#8211; Korean rice cake with kimchi and Kurabuta pork in hot soup.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7050 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_113044.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>All set comes with miso soup and steamed rice.</p>
<p>A great sumptuous lunch as always.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7051 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_124626.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Time to depart&#8230;&#8230;.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7052 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_143837.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Swift arrival into Tan Son Ngat International Airport after 1.5 hrs as scheduled.</p>
<p>Headed off to the hotel after immigration clearance.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7053 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_095607.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>It is really convenient to travel via taxi (Vinasun) to the city from the airport. The ride to the city centre takes about half an hour.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7054 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_1617141973982964267064750.jpg" width="3456" height="4608"></p>
<p>This time round, I am staying over at the Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7055 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1558170554510.jpg" width="1500" height="1500"></p>
<p>Woo&#8230;.Loved the nice &; spacious inter-connecting room that I have. âºï¸</p>
<p>This is a relaxing trip with no specific itinerary (more for family bonding) given a short 3 day 2 night stay over.</p>
<p>In order to kick start, you need local currency to begin with. ð</p>
<p>I would always recommend to change the currency when in city centre as the rates are much better.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7056 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_163807.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>There is this particular money changer, Ha Tam that I would highly recommend as their rates are certainly one of the best in town.</p>
<p>Upon settling down, it is a standard routine to spend time visiting the usual place that we are comfortable with.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7057 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_100756764247971407619668.jpg" width="3024" height="4032"></p>
<p>Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon &#8211; the exterior structure is still under going restoration works.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7059 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_100933.jpg" width="4608" height="3456"></p>
<p>Saigon Central Post Office</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7060" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_101134.jpg" width="4608" height="3456"></p>
<p>Alley street shopping beside central post office</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7061 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_101246.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Diamond Plaza</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7062 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_160258.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Takashimaya Saigon Centre</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7063 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_160408.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Saigon Square</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7064 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_185648.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Beautiful night view of the People&#8217;s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7065 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_180821.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>A new trendiest place for tourist is probably this Cafe Apartment (42 Nguyen Hue), an old eight-storey residential apartment that is occupied by cafes, restaurants and shops that is mainly run by young Vietnamese.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7066 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_180848.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>More beautiful night views along the main open square from the City Hall building.</p>
<p>Catching up on food fix goes without saying for sure.</p>
<p>There are a lot of good &; delicious food in Ho Chi Minh City; Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian, Indian, etc and best part, value for money. ðThus, putting me in a spot. ð¤£ð¤£</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7067 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1558232880339.jpg" width="1500" height="1500"></p>
<p>Good sumptuous spread of morning breakfast served at the hotel</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7068 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_174829.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Enjoying great dessert at Meet Fresh at B2 of Takashimaya Saigon Centre.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7069 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_174942.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Meet Fresh Mochi &#8211; the mochi is superbly good with the brown sugar.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7070" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_162451.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Meet Fresh Taro Balls with Crystal Jelly &; Noodle Jelly</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7071" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_204955.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Strolling and window shopping at Ben Thanh Night Market</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7072 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_200025.jpg" width="4608" height="3456"></p>
<p>Followed by a good dinner at Hai Lua in Ben Thanh Night Market. This is a must dine place each time I visit Ho Chi Minh City. Strictly no compromise.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7073 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_200522.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Grilled Meat &#8211; taste like our satay meat.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7074 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_201025.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Shrimp Sugar Cane &#8211; one of their local delight.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7075 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_200959.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Water Morning Glory Sauteed with Beef &#8211; cooked with oyster sauce with a generous serving portion of beef slices.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7076 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_200040.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7077 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_200902.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7078 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_201520.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Big Grilled Prawn &#8211; live prawn grilled to perfection.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7079 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_200410.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Red Snapper Grilled with Salt &; Spicy &#8211; this is a must order dish. The fish meat is so tenderly good and smooth in texture.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7080 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190518_201007.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Seafood Fried Rice &#8211; another must order dish as it comes with generous chunks of diced squid and prawn.</p>
<p>Vietnamese people loves to hang out in cafes. In Ho Chi Minh City, you get to find a lot of cafes chain with notably popular brands like Trung Nyugen Legend, Highland Coffee, Coffee Bean &; Tea Leaves, Starbucks, amidst many other smaller cafes joint.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7081" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_103602.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>My all time favourite chill out joint is Trung Nyuyen Legend as I loved their internal decor.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7082" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_110129.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>It gives the homely feeling.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7083 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_1104015438455443621077141.jpg" width="3024" height="4032"></p>
<p>The place is relaxing &; calm especially when having friend&#8217;s gathering or simply sitting here doing nothing and watching the world goes by.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7084 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_112531175236125560637917.jpg" width="3024" height="4032"></p>
<p>Green Tea Latte with Jelly</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7085 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_1121137816338831479115086.jpg" width="3024" height="4032"></p>
<p>L&#8217;amour Coffee &#8211; comes with a tinge of cinnamon</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7086 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_1120032591472274020266465.jpg" width="3024" height="4032"></p>
<p>Yogurt with Fresh Fruits</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7087 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_110553.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Banana Crepe with Honey From M&#8217;drak Mountain</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7088 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_140413.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Buzza Pizza is one of those value for money Italian cuisine that is worth trying.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7089 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_134025.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Seafood Soup &; Garlic Bread &#8211; this is one of the champion seafood soup that I ever had. The tinge of spiciness in the soup gives it a oomph!</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7090 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_133242.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Vongole Pasta &#8211; another power dish though plain looking. Really tasty.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7091 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_133904.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Hawaiian Pizza &#8211; the use of fresh pineapples gives this dish a different turn out compared to the usual canned pineapples that we used to have.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7092" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_172417.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Wrap &; Roll is good with local Vietnamese cuisine and wherever possible, I will have the spring rolls here as well to get my fix.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7093" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_165613.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Square spring rolls with crab meat</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7095 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_165511.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Wrap &; Roll deep fried spring rolls with pork and seafood</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7096 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_165458.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Grilled pork skewers</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7097 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_165522.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>All items will come with a set of vegetables as condiments. Vietnamese people are really healthy conscious as you will have generous serving of vegetables with your meal.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7098 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_203039.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Pizza 4P&#8217;s &#8211; This is one new Italian joint that I did not get to try the last time round when I was in Ho Chi Minh City. So this time round, I had to make it happen that I get to try.</p>
<p>This restaurant is always jam packed with diners and advance reservation is highly recommended if you want to dine here.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7099 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_210745.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Baked Mash Potato &; House-made Raclette</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7100 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_210835.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Shrimp &; Mushroom Fettuccine</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7101 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_213347.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Burrata Parma Ham Pizza &#8211; before the Burrata being cut</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7102 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190519_213452.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>After the Burrata being cut</p>
<p>Certainly worth the visit ðððGlad that I came. âºï¸</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7103 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190520_101124.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Castella lovers, you should make a trip to Tai Yang King Castella shop to get your fix.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7104 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190520_101508.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Freshly baked castella cake at affordable pricing.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7105 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/pt2019_05_20_10_44_25.jpg" width="1000" height="1964"></p>
<p>The process of castella making&#8230;</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7106 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/pt2019_05_20_10_46_05.jpg" width="1000" height="1680"></p>
<p>The end product and bon appetit.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7107 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190520_094721.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>Final item before leaving Ho Chi Minh City. It is always a must to visit Gio Cha Minh Chau for my Vietnamese Pork and Beef Sausage.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7108" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190520_094856.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<p>These sausages are good especially with condiments in Banh Mi and I like to use it for fried rice as it gives out an umami taste when frying it with Thai Fish Sauce.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7109" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1558322475339.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></p>
<blockquote><p>Hmm&#8230;. the mere thought of it already had me salivating&#8230;. ððð</p></blockquote>
<p><img class="wp-image-7110 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/20190520_1344303765510590605239272.jpg" width="3024" height="4032"></p>
<p>One for the road meal at Orchid Lounge prior to home coming.</p>
<p><img class="wp-image-7111 alignnone size-full" src="https://suanmeizai.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1558337939747-1.jpg" width="1500" height="1500"></p>
<p>This is one of those better lounges that I like. Though simple but serves champion food.</p>
<p>Short staycation has come to an end. As usual, always had mixed feeling about leaving this beautiful country.</p>
<p>Given the short span of time, covering of food grounds is extremely limited with the wide range of food selection available here. A lot of prioritization is required. That is my dilema faced for food fixing trip.</p>
<p>Having said that, I am now one step closer to my Jeju and Seoul trip in a month&#8217;s time&#8230;.. Woohoo&#8230;&#8230;</p>
<p>Till then and hope you enjoy your read.</p>

Vesak Day Long Weekend Trip to Ho Chi Minh City from 18 May to 20 May 2019
