This trip was born from a desire to shed something from my life, leading me to Vietnam, a country that coffee lovers like me yearn for.

However, when I clicked to book, there were only two destinations: Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

In the late summer, pantip.com informs us that South Vietnam aligns with our travel destination.

South Vietnam: Three cities with a sea. Ho Chi Minh City - Da Lat - Mui Ne - Ho Chi Minh City.

This 3Days2Nights trip was scheduled with a Ho Chi Minh City tour agency for around 25 USD.

Our travel style is flexible, we are happy to sleep in hostels or on overnight buses to maximize our time exploring the three cities.

Following this decision, I booked a ticket for approximately 2,000 baht and exchanged 200,000 Vietnamese Dong.


The first scene cuts to the airport, where we see a Thai woman walking out of the gate. She says she's here to kill time and have some fun.

They decided to flee to the Vietnamese capital together. The price of a taxi from the airport to Ho Chi Minh City was 5500 Dong.

Upon arriving in the city, I refueled my body with a hearty bowl of Pho. This first meal consisted of a set menu featuring beef Pho, spring rolls, and coffee, offering great value for money.

After lunch, we continued to find a hostel for our younger brother to leave his belongings and get a map to continue exploring Uncle Ho's city.

In Ho Chi Minh City, food prices range from affordable to expensive depending on the type of establishment and district. You can choose according to your budget and preferences.

The city is easily walkable, even in the heat, which we Thais are accustomed to.

The unfamiliar sound of honking from motorbikes and cars on the streets of Vietnam.

The sheer volume of motorcycles makes crossing the street a daunting task. It is imperative to exercise caution and be mindful of surrounding traffic.

Ho Chi Minh City's downtown boasts a vibrant mix of shopping malls, bustling markets, historical museums, government buildings, and the iconic Central Post Office, a must-see landmark.

Feeling tired and hot, I decided to grab a coffee. It was from a food bike, with the vendor bringing their equipment on a motorbike and setting up shop on the sidewalk.

Pour the coffee from the flask into a glass, add frothed milk. Convenient, affordable at 6000 Dong. Three sips and you're ready to go.

After contacting the agency, I have successfully booked tickets and gathered comprehensive information for my trip to Dalat and Muine.

Take a sleeper bus at 10:30 PM and arrive in Dalat at 4:45 AM the next day. Explore Dalat on foot.

Take a Sweet Cool bus to Muine, arriving around 4:30 PM. Stay overnight.

4:20 AM: Pick up from the hostel by Jeep for a tour of White Sand Dune, Red Sand Dune, Fisherman Village, and Fairy Stream.

12:00 PM pick-up to Hochimin city. 2D1N trip ends for 50 USD.

After finishing the two-day tour, I looked for food and a bar to sit in while waiting for the bus. A kind Thai person sat down and helped me find something to eat while waiting.

I finished eating a Vietnamese sandwich with minced pork filling. I was able to eat two-thirds of it before throwing it away. I was full and didn't really like the taste. Plus, I wanted to clear my stomach to drink Vietnamese beer at this restaurant.


The music in this bar is a bit too loud and old-fashioned, but the seats are comfortable enough for someone of my size. I chose this place because of the beer promotion: 3 bottles for 12,000 Dong.

As darkness descends, a surge of foreigners emerges, strolling, taking seats, and indulging in drinks and food. The music shifts to international tunes, yet the retro concept remains.

It was time to say goodbye to our Thai friends. We all raised our glasses for a final toast before parting ways.

This area is sparsely populated with Thai people. Some have come for Hochimin city, while others have come for Dalat. Their destinations vary.

The sleeper bus dropped me off at the transport hub at around 4:30 AM. It was deserted. I waited for it to get a little lighter before boarding a minivan to Dalat city.

Upon arrival in Dalat, one is greeted by a vibrant small town, where colorful shops and natural beauty from the mountains, lakes, and flowers create a captivating scene.

We ventured into the market, where rows of roasted coffee beans awaited sale, showcasing a diverse range of roast levels.

Nearly every shop sells fresh artichokes, which can be enjoyed raw or dried and brewed into a healthy tea. However, we decided to skip this option.

Here, the number of motorcycles and honking is significantly lower than in Ho Chi Minh City. This makes the mornings a delightful time for tourists like us.

Without further delay, I decided to satiate my hunger and searched for a restaurant with a scenic view that had recently opened. My search led me to a restaurant located near a small hill.

The American breakfast included scrambled eggs, ham, and toast. The highlight was the rum-spiked coffee ordered by a mischievous diner.

This morning, it is unclear whether I am awake or drowsy. Is it the caffeine or the alcohol that is stronger?

One mistake I made was not buying a Vietnamese coffee brewing set. In the shopping mall, they sell them as a set, which includes a pack of ground coffee and a brewing kit.

At 50,000 Dong, the price was not insignificant, leading me to decide against purchasing it. I then searched for it in the Dalat market but was unable to find it, so I passed on it again.

This city is perfect for leisurely strolls, especially with its cool climate. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy rock climbing, zip-lining, waterfalls, the Crazy House, and nature parks.

This city offers a wide range of activities and is perfect for those who enjoy tranquility, lush greenery, moderate temperatures, and local cuisine. However, it is recommended to allocate ample time to explore the city thoroughly.

Honestly, I'm not at all envious of the couples taking pre-wedding photos while I'm traveling alone in this city.

After a leisurely stroll uphill to admire the houses, it was time to board the cool evening bus to Muine.

The vehicle that was unavailable was not large and had air conditioning, but it resembled the green open-air buses that operate between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in Thailand.

The verdant path winds through the hills, the azure sky stretching endlessly above. The vibrant hues of reality mirror the image, as if untouched by any filter.

Rest stops with restrooms and food are available as usual. They are located near the reservoir, where wild boars are also raised in an open natural environment.


The road between Dalat and Muine remains consistently unpaved, offering picturesque views along the way. Nearly every house

Coffee beans are evenly spread out on a tarpaulin in the front yard of a house, a testament to the country's status as a coffee exporter.

Upon arriving in Mui Ne, the unmistakable scent of the sea and the fine sand particles that brush against your face instantly transport you to the heart of southern Vietnam's coastline.

As dusk approached, we arrived at the southern Vietnamese coast. We managed to find a hostel, drop off our belongings, take a shower, grab some food, and rest.

Finding a hostel requires maximum self-reliance. If one is full, keep searching. Ultimately, persistence in your search will lead you to your desired accommodation.

Hostel for 7 USD, Mixed dorm with 6 beds, located far from the night market with many food stalls.

In the end, I had seafood fried rice at a restaurant near the hostel. The set menu with a smoothie cost 23,000 Dong, which is expensive.

Let's go to sleep, brothers and sisters. Tomorrow is another long day.


Waking up to this view at dawn, with the sun rising in hues of purple and orange, surrounded by a diverse group of tourists from Japan, Korea, and Europe.

Despite the driver dropping us off at each location and leaving us to find our own way to the sights and attractions,

Starting at Red Sand Dune, for those who are interested in renting an ATV for an exciting ride, there are plenty available. As for me, I walked and waited for the sunrise here.

Next to White Sand Dune, there are cardboard boxes used as makeshift sandboards for rent at 5000 Dong. However, the area is quite small, making it less enjoyable for sandboarding.

Next, visit Fisherman Village to watch locals catch fresh fish and select their catch right on the beach, offering the ultimate in freshness.

The Korean couple excused themselves from the tour, possibly due to lack of enjoyment or other commitments.

The final stop for releasing tourists like us was Fairy Stream, a flowing waterway that erodes the white limestone cliffs, surrounded by bright orange sand.

The white limestone, eroded by water, flows onto the bright orange sand, following the path of the stream. Along the way, there are occasional Home stays.

Some places are open as farms with crocodiles, and the workers are not afraid of tourists like us who read the signs.

After returning from the tour, I packed my belongings and took a shower. I then relaxed by the pool while waiting for the sleeper bus back to Ho Chi Minh City.

The strong waves of the South China Sea are ideal for windsurfing and paddleboarding, but not so much for sunbathing. Be prepared to get a tan, or even a sunburn.

After a drowsy train ride, we arrived in Uncle Ho's city. We briefly visited a shopping mall to find some souvenirs.

After a long wait at a nearby gas station, the bus finally arrived and took me all the way to the international airport.

Farewell, South Vietnam. See you again in North Vietnam.

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