Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: A Must-Have Travel Guide

Ben Thanh Market
A visit to Ben Thanh Market is a must for first-time travelers (BANGKOK THAILAND: THINGS TO DO). I walked there from my hotel, about a half-hour walk, and along the way, the streets were already filled with vendors, traders on motorbikes, and shops lining both sides. Even before you get to the market, there are plenty of opportunities to shop. The market itself is bustling with stalls offering all sorts of goods—clothes, shoes, bags, handcrafted souvenirs, and local delicacies. 

I picked up two traditional Vietnamese slippers, and it’s all about your bargaining skills. Though I was tempted to try some local food, I hesitated, having just arrived and still figuring out the currency, which didn’t sit well with the traders. I left feeling like I had explored Ben Thanh Market on my own terms.

Kerabu Mangga (Mango Salad)

(Updated Version)

Isn’t there something irresistibly enchanting about a raw mango salad, or kerabu mangga as we call it in Bahasa Malaysia? If you ask me, I’m all for sour flavors, and kerabu mangga is the epitome of tangy delight. I’ve sampled various styles, from Thai to different Malay versions, and let me tell you, each one has its charm.

Nava's Zen: Two-Piece Yoga Outfits Challenge Indian Norms

Eight years ago, when I began my yoga practice, I found myself surrounded by mostly Indian yogis, and yes, they love to be known as all sorts of yogis or masters, instead of yoga instructors. They all dressed in faded t-shirts and faded multi-patterned, multi-colored yoga leggings. It seemed like wearing these clothes was just what you did in Indian yoga circles, and as I got more into yoga, I started dressing the same way.

The message was pretty clear: if you're doing yoga with Indians, wear faded stuff. Decency in temples for yoga, is part of respecting places of worship, which as a Hindu I honour. Yet, most stuck to the faded look. Some even resembled as though they are wearing their home clothes (HOME ATTIRE), and coming straight to temple yoga.

Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry)

(Updated Version)

As I reflect on my cooking routine (SOUTH INDIAN STYLE FISH CURRY), one dish stands out time and again - Salted Fish Curry. It's more than just a recipe; it's a staple in my kitchen, a beloved favorite that makes its appearance at least every couple of months. Each time, I experiment with different ingredients, adding a twist to keep it exciting, but the heart of the curry - the core ingredients - remains steadfast. 

You simply can't go wrong with Salted Fish Curry when the fundamentals are in place! Now, let me take you on a journey of flavors as I share my insights into making this soul-satisfying dish, along with a few creative variations. Trust me, it’s more than just cooking - it’s an experience (INDIAN CRAB RASAM: ZEN INSPIRED).

Rangoon Creeper: Cultivating Zen Blooming Bliss

Rangoon Creeper, also known as Combretum Indicum, goes by many names like Drunken Sailor, Akar Dani, Chinese Honeysuckle, and Red Jasmine. It's like a breath of fresh air in Nava's Zen. Can you believe it? Even at 60, I find myself climbing the ladder to prune and trail my Rangoon Creeper. This lovely plant is native to tropical Southeast Asia, especially Burma (now Myanmar), where it got its common name, "Rangoon Creeper," in honor of the former capital, Rangoon, now known as Yangon. I remember when I visited Myanmar about 8 years ago; I didn't even notice any Rangoon Creeper. Maybe I wasn't paying attention, who knows?

Siamese Laksa Lemak

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(Updated Version)

I’ve traveled all over Thailand, from Hyathai to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, over the span of 10 years. It’s been an amazing journey of discovery. Along the way, I indulged in Thai cuisine, picking up cooking tips from every dish I tasted and experienced. My love for Thai food runs deep (THAI GREEN EGG CURRY) - so much so that I had already started cooking Thai dishes long before I set foot in the country.

 

Of course, there were a few hits and misses. Take the Siamese Laksa I had at a small Muslim Thai roadside eatery in Chiang Mai - not the best, to be honest. But hey, that’s part of traveling and tasting all kinds of food, right? It’s about discovering for yourself. And if the food doesn’t meet your expectations, it’s all part of the learning curve. No need to complain, sulk, or belittle the experience - because you can't always expect the best (CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI: AN ENRICHING TOUR).

Mee Rebus (Vegetarian)

Mee rebus is a well-loved noodle dish originating from Malaysia and Singapore. Its name, derived from Malay, translates to "boiled noodles." This dish consists of yellow noodles drenched in a flavorful gravy that strikes a delicate balance between sweetness and spice. The gravy is crafted from a blend of ingredients such as sweet potatoes, shrimp paste, dried shrimp, and a medley of spices. 

Common toppings include hard-boiled egg, fried tofu, green onions, bean sprouts, and occasionally crispy shallots. I've had the pleasure of trying various renditions of mee rebus, both from restaurants and street vendors. Interestingly, some of the most satisfying versions I've encountered have been from street vendors, often at a more affordable price. 

Things to Do in Bangkok, Thailand

Calypso Cabaret Show

Returning to my room at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel after a day in Ayutthaya (EXPLORING THE ANCIENT CITY OF THAILAND) I felt the urge to discover more of Bangkok. After all, time was on my side, and this led me to my first-ever cabaret show in my life. In Bangkok, it was the Calypso Cabaret Show, seated among none of the people I knew. It was truly mind-blowing, full of soul, and a lively show. It kept me glued to the stage until it felt like the show flew by very fast. The dazzling colors, captivating performances, and stunning costumes left me enchanted. If you find yourself in Bangkok, experiencing this show is an absolute must—one of the best things to do in Bangkok. 

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The next morning, it was a different kind of experience. I enjoyed a thrilling long-tail boat ride through Bangkok's nature waterways. What a moment! The soothing ride was truly an escape from the city's hustle and bustle (THINGS TO DO IN LAKE COMO & LUGANO). Arriving at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, it was so jammed that getting down from the boat took a while, and I was the only Indian amongst the hundreds of older Westerners. Given an hour here, I treated myself to fluffy coconut pancakes and coffee from the boat vendors. As I explored the stalls filled with Thai goods, I couldn’t resist picking up saffron strands as a memento of this vibrant market.

Royal Thai Handicraft Center

Next, we visited the Royal Thai Handicraft Center. No doubt, the craftsmanship was to be admired, but since I’m not really into shopping, I took one quick round, came out, and waited for the rest of the group to arrive.

Phra Pathom Chedi

Hopping back into the coach, we headed to Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom, the largest pagoda in Thailand. It was truly something to admire—the golden Buddha and the breathtaking architecture surrounding this historical site. The grounds also featured a bustling market offering Buddha amulets and delicious Thai treats. However, the hot weather made it really uncomfortable, and the heat literally drained my energy. I spent maybe 20 minutes there before hopping back into the coach.

Rose Garden Riverside

For lunch, this all-paid-for tour took us to the serene Rose Garden Riverside restaurant. Nestled amidst lush greenery, it was an amazing place, facing the lake while tucking into delicious Thai dishes. The food was beautifully plated, and the desserts were unique and outstanding as well. We also had a Thai cultural show, which required us to walk across to the theater. There was a mini museum nestled in the nature, where I spent some time looking and admiring. The show started off promisingly, but after the first 15 minutes, I felt bored, leading to a sleepy afternoon. I couldn’t escape, as leaving would interrupt the Westerners who were all hyped up over the show. So, I stayed put until finally, thank God, the show ended.

Shopping at MBK Mall

The next morning, with a few hours to spare, I walked over to MBK Mall, conveniently located near the Pathumwan Princess Hotel. I was glad I stayed at this hotel because MBK Mall has everything. It’s filled with eateries where I enjoyed some meals and plenty of shopping options, including stalls on the top floor. Although I'm not usually a shopping person, I couldn't resist the sales on Triumph undergarments. They were so much cheaper than buying them in Malaysia, so I made sure to stock up.

 

Final Thoughts

As I packed my belongings and prepared to leave Bangkok, I felt proud that I had spent three days alone in the city—my first-ever solo trip. I made sure to spend my time discovering Bangkok and enjoying the various Thai foods.

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Ms. Nava, a spirited Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at the vibrant age of 58. With over 22 years as a lecturer, including at Curtin University’s Degree Twinning Program, she dreams of traveling 365 days a year. However, she embarks on her enchanting 'Zen Journeys' whenever her yoga instruction, coaching, and counseling profits allow her to.

Exploring the Ancient City Of Thailand: Ayutthaya

Bright and early at 6 a.m., I’m filled with excitement for my adventure ahead (BANGKOK, THAILAND: PLACES TO VISIT). My tour guide is set to arrive at 7 a.m., marking the start of my day trip to Ayutthaya, a place that has been on my bucket list for ages. I’m surrounded by fellow travelers, all seasoned Westerners, yet I feel right at home as the only Indian in the group.

The hour-long journey to Ayutthaya is a treat for the eyes, like driving through a living postcard with endless green paddy fields. Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whispers stories of its glorious past, with ancient ruins standing tall and drawing visitors from around the world (VARANASI NORTH INDIA: MYSTICAL JOURNEYS).

Rasam Variations: Unique Twists on a Classic Dish

Step into the world of Rasam, also known as Indian Pepper Soup, where every sip is worthy for the taste buds. It's a dish we adore, so much so that Rasam could easily become a daily ritual, perfectly complementing any meal. Packed with spices that work wonders for our well-being, this soup isn't just delicious - it's a health boost in a bowl.

In my kitchen, Rasam is a staple, and I always make a generous batch. Once cooked, I portion it out into containers and pop them in the freezer for later. Surprisingly, freezing Rasam doesn't compromise its flavors or nutrients. Back in the day, when fridges were a luxury, Rasam was left out to age gracefully, its robust spices preserving it for days (CHANDIGARH URBAN MARVELS, NEW DELHI REVELATION & CHENNAI DISCOVERY).