My Grand Tour Experience: A Taste of Thai by Joshua Pratama

This week Joshua stepped outside Thailand and discovered 2 hidden gems of South East Asia: Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane. This is also one of the benefits of going on a Grand Tour. A chance to visit neighboring countries within easy reach J

The Gems of South East Asia

Having been blessed with another “Study Week” (if you are not familiar with this term, please refer to my previous writing J) just one week before the exam week, I made the best out of it by travelling to Thailand’s neighbouring countries, Vietnam and Laos respectively. One adjective to describe both countries would be “forgotten” since they have not been popular tourist destinations yet unlike Thailand, Malaysia or Singapore even though Vietnam is now emerging as another Southeast Asian’s power. Well, let me tell you my stories then!

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Formerly known as Saigon, this bustling used-to-be capital of South Vietnam is the largest urban area in the country that looks like an elongated “S”. Having spent a weekend there is probably not enough to explore the city and its nearby tourist attractions, such as Cu Chi Tunnel. Along with my Vietnamese friend/travel buddy called Mai, she took me around her melting-pot city by her scooter. By saying scooter, I really mean there are probably zillions of motorcycles. Just to warn you before visiting this city is to prepare yourself for the insanely crazy traffic. I really mean it as you should not expect the traffic to stop just because you would like to get across the road. 

Besides the traffic, I would say that HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City in short) is amazing! Not only because of its local food (since I love culinary travelling), but also because of its rich, a bit gloomy history due to French and US’ invasion as well as the civil war. Since I am not good in history, it may be better if you browse Mr. Google or Miss Wikipedia for further information :p

At first, I would expect the country to be “same-same” like other Indochina countries, but the city, apparently, still maintains strong influences of its former occupiers especially in terms of the architecture, which portrays the influence of French colonial style. Besides various museums and historical monuments (such as Independence Palace), HCMC has a lot to offer! Starting from the highest skyscraper in the city – Bitexco Financial Tower – with the resemblance of Vietnam’s national Lotus flower to Saigon river to spend your evening while sipping a sunset cocktail in one of the riverside restaurants. Otherwise, take an evening walk along the main avenue in District 1 where many branded shopping malls are located.

What make the city even more interesting, surprisingly, are the churches. Along my trip, I have seen so many churches with unconventional European design. One of them is even flashy pink in colour! However, Notre Dame Cathedral is probably the most famous one that attracts a lot of tourists and locals alike due to its central location in District 1 nearby other popular spots as well, such as the Central Post Office.

One last note that I have never experienced it before was Saigon backpacker’s nightlife. Mai brought me to a local street where a plenty of foreigners and Vietnamese youngsters sit down on the pavement, having a nice chat while savouring Saigon’s local beers. That was just so fun especially when you gather with your friends and start jamming or singing along.

Sabaidee! Vientiane, Lao PDR

Laos or officially Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is probably the “forgotten” gem of Southeast Asia as it is still untouched in the world of tourism. The only landlocked nation in ASEAN, Lao PDR boasts about Mekong River that has nourished the country since ages. Nonetheless, my super short trip, in the capital namely Vientiane, is definitely worthy. This time, I travelled by myself from Monday night until Thursday morning on a sleeper night train from Rangsit to Nong Khai (where it borders with Lao via Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge). Albeit such a short period, but I have successfully managed to visit at least, all tourist destinations recommended in its official tourism website.

In general, Lao is pretty much similar to Thailand particularly in terms of language, culture and food. As it used to be a French Indochina colony too like Vietnam, the legacy of French-style colonial buildings is still present up to date. In short, I can say that Vientiane is like a combination of Thailand and Vietnam as they share similar history.

What I really enjoy from my trip in Vientiane was going to Patuxay. A local rendition of Arc de Triomphe of Paris, Patuxay is a gigantic, gate-like monument that is just located in Lane Xang Avenue, one of the main streets of Vientiane. Facing a classic French-style Presidential Palace at the other end of the avenue, you can see the panorama from the top of this building. One more thing that makes it unique is the presence of the World Peace Gong, a gift from Indonesian World Peace Committee to Lao PDR Government. The Indonesian Embassy is even within a short walking distance from this park.

At last but not least, I would say that Vientiane is really a “walk-able” city as there is less congestion and proper traffic light system. In addition, most of tourist attractions are located in the city centre so you can just walk around like I did. The city layout and organisation is very clear so it is very convenient to travel solo on foot. If you would like to immense more in the cultures, I think Luang Phrabang (an 8-hour road trip from Vientiane) on the north has more to offer especially if you enjoy seeing the temples. Why should you wait? Be a jet setter that discovers and unravels the beauty/mystery of the country!