At the end of the 10-day Vietnam trip, I feel that I have benefited a lot. The trip was more enriching than I had expected. Initially, I reckoned Vietnam was a backward country with buffaloes and fields, with people leading boring lifestyles, messy traffic, low opportunities for business development, etc. However, after the trip, I was proved wrong. One of the cities we visited-Ho Chi Minh City is actually considered as pretty developed city, with exciting night life. In a few more years to come, I am sure; it will be up to par with Singapore, or even better than Singapore. Perhaps, the government can take steps to alliance with the local tourism board to promote Vietnam as a cultural tourist destination. In this case, Vietnam would be more recognized internationally and mindsets of people who initially thought the same as me could have their original perception reversed.

In addition, after Vietnam had joined the WTO, its economy has started opening up; attracting more business investors to invest in the country. The company visits have enabled us to gain a broader perspective of the business environment in Vietnam. Besides, we were also able to have a more comprehensive understanding of the Vietnamese and their culture. For instance, as compared to Singapore, the Vietnamese lead a much simpler and relaxed life, enjoying every single moment they can.

In my opinion, I feel that this visit to Vietnam has certainly encouraged me to step into Vietnam as an investor in the near future if opportunities were to be given. In all, I had a great trip and had personally experienced and gathered much information that could be of help to me after I graduate as a business student. Lastly, I sincerely hope that I have the chance to visit this enchanting country again!

Looking forward to meeting you, Vietnam! Sin Chow!

Lastly, we visited The Saigon Water Puppet Theatre to catch the traditional and cultural water puppet show. It was an eye-opener for us. It was amazing how the water puppeteers control the puppets in the water. The storyline of the show together with the sound effects that were used is interesting and captivates the audience’s attention.

For example, there was one scene that depicts a fisherman trying to catch fishes and ducklings in the water. Through the scenes, funny actions and sound effects were used.

This is considered as a total new experience for me and cultural aspects are all shown in the show. As compared to the puppet shows in Singapore, this is an totally new experience and all of us enjoyed it! =)

Following, we also visited the famous tourist attraction, “Cu Chi Tunnel”. Before entering the tunnel, we were showed a video clip on how the Vietnamese fought the Americans during the war. As the Vietnamese are not as big-built as the Americans, they were able to squeeze themselves into the tiny tunnels, which act as shelter against the attacks of bombs and gunfire, and to create confusion for the Americans. Many other fake tunnels which are only holes are also dug by the Vietnamese to confuse and mislead the Americans to think that they were hiding there. Besides, at that time, the Vietnamese soldiers also came up with many techniques and traps to deal with the American soldiers. The experience at Cu Chi Tunnel was an enriching experience. Most of us tried to go through the narrow tunnel and with much sweat, we succeeded. However, till now, I still find it unbelievable for 180,000 soldiers to live in such a non-ventilated, small and narrow environment for such a long period of time, no matter how small-built they are.

Last but not least, before we left Cu Chi Tunnel, we also had the rare opportunity of trying shooting long distance with M-16 rifles! Cool eh? *Don’t be envious of us! Visit Vietnam!

At night, the shopping craze continues… we visited the central market (opens in the day only) and the night market (opens in the night only, after central market closes). While shopping, we actually found out that the sellers had marked up the selling price of their products to foreigners. Thus, we were encouraged to BARGAIN! And first step of it is to cut the price of the product by HALF! (*scheming smile). Second step is of course, to curry favour the seller. For instance, one of my friends used the sentence: “Pretty pretty, can can” to make the sellers happy to make a bargain successful! However, in my opinion, the most powerful technique (taught by Mr Pon) is to just walk away if you think the price is too unreasonable. If they want your business, they will chase after you. In the end, we have concluded that the local perception of foreigners is that we are rich and can be easily “ripped off”. (Hahas! But they were wrong! =p)

Rickshaw ride

After having dinner at a local restaurant, we were given 20,000 dong (SGD 2) each for a rickshaw ride which is supposed to take us on a tour around, from the local park nearby the restaurant to the hotel we are staying at. In the short 30minutes ride, the lifestyle of the Vietnamese can be seen clearly. The busy traffic on the roads, “reckless driving” of motor vehicles, road side food stalls and shops along the streets, several restaurants with different theme of their own. In Vietnam, 3 people on a bike can still be seen quite often. Even though we see their traffic as being messy, they are used to this way of traffic and thus is able to maneuver their motorbikes on the roads with ease. In all, the rickshaw ride has enabled us to have a more comprehensive knowledge of the night lifestyles of the Vietnamese people.

Finally! Two days of sight-seeing in HCMC! First on our agenda is the town of “My Tho- Mekong Delta”. We have to take a boat ride to the island across and during the boat ride; the tour guide gave us an introduction of the history of the town to let us have a better understanding of the lifestyles and people of Mekong Delta. At Mekong Delta, we were given the opportunity to row a “sampan” in the river. It was a first for most of us and the journey was really fun! We saw the nature of Mekong Delta and its scenery bedazzled us. Besides, we were also brought to a “coconut candy” factory to view the process of coconut candy making. And not to forget our dear family and friends in Singapore, your souvenirs are not forgotten!

In the afternoon, we also had our lunch there and one of the dishes served caught our attention. Look at the number of cameras trying to catch a glimpse of this “extraordinary ball”? Nah! Its jus a fish cake with lots of air pumped inside! In all, it was a fruitful trip to Mekong Delta as we have experienced many “adventures” never that we have never before in Singapore.

On our fourth day, as scheduled, we are on our way to Ho Chi Ming City! And… can you believe? HCMC is soooooooo much more exciting than Hanoi! Roads are well- paved; there are more lights around, motors buzzing on the roads late at night, and most importantly- its more HAPPENING! HAHAS. If you were there with us, I bet you will be able to sense the mood change in all of us. We were just so excited about our stay in HCMC. Another thing that brightens up our mood is the hotel that we are gonna stay in for the next 6 days! It’s such a luxurious and comfortable place~ far better than what we were expecting~ where people are so nice and friendly, always nodding their head and avoiding the word “No”. Ah…this is what we call… heaven…

Which hotel has such cool bathroom facilities? There is even a Jacuzzi in one of my friend’s room! Gosh!