Travelogue: Ho Chi Minh Accommodation ( Blue Diamond Hotel)
Hello people, finally a whole new page of my travelogue for Ho Chi Minh. I have been dragging long to type out this post but before I start to forget everything that I have done for this trip, I guess its time for me to summarise.
On the 18th December, I had a year end trip to Vietnam with my family. The air tickets were bought way 3 months before our departure and therefore we paid only $150 per person for two ways. It was an unforgettable trip because none of us have gone to Vietnam and despite of hearing rumours about the danger in their country, we risked our life and adventurous enough to explore most of the tourist attraction.
Our flight was stated 7.15am and im glad that there were no delay of our flights. It departed off punctually! We opted for Jetstar airline as compared to the rest because they have the lowest deal and earliest flight. I always love to start my day early especially when I am in another country. Time wasted is a no go for me!
Having to wake up at 4am on that day almost killed all of us. Some have to wake up as early as 3.30pm to bath in order to prevent any fighting of the bathroom. So both mum and I woke up super early but partly because we were excited for this trip.
Off we go for our adventure! I love sitting near the window seats because I could witness the fluffy clouds when the plane set off to the sky. How does it look like to you? Does it look like marshmallow or cotton bud? I do dream of myself sleeping on the cloud.
Travelling to Vietnam isnt long. After 1 hour 35 mins, we touched down to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, is the largest airport in Vietnam safely. Tan Son Nhat International Airport operates from two terminal buildings - Domestic Terminal 1 and International Terminal 2. This is the landscape of their airport, as compared to our Singapore Changi Airport, it is so far apart.
After completing all the administrative of our passport, we lugged our luggage and off to flag off a cab to our hotel. Taxis are a surprisingly cheap way to get around the major cities in Vietnam. But some mishap happened on the first day of our trip. We were conned by taxi driver!!
Anyone who travels to Vietnam, please be aware of the surrounding cab around you. Board the cab which state Vinasun. It is possibly one of the most comfortable fleets. Vinasun have cool, clean and spacious cars and seven seater 'people carrier' style taxis. Their meters start low - around 12,000 Dong - and the drivers are friendly and helpful.
Alternative Taxi would be Mai Linh. Mai Linh are building an empire on good service and fair pricing and they go by meter too! Other than these two taxis, DO NOT BOARD other taxi companies.
So my family and I were stopped by this taxi driver who claimed that he is from Vinasun company. He even showed his taxi pass. And from what he mentioned to us that he will charge us 300000 Dong to our hotel. So naively, we board his car. On the way out from the custom, he ordered us to pay 800000 Dong for the toll fee and the rest of the cab fees. We were shocked and immediately in an angry tone I demanded that he mentioned 300000 Dong ($19.50) and now why is it 800000 Dong ($51)???!
He blunted some Vietnamese Language which none of us understand so we gave up because we were afraid that he might do something harmful to us if we continued to debate with him. After all, this is their country ( we will definitely lose to them!) To ensure our safety, we passed him 800000 Dong as part of a lesson learnt.
As marked by his words, he safely brought us to our hotel! We let the matter off although we have his namecard and receipt. From then, we knew that he is from Vinasun company but catered to VIP business people ( that explained why his car is bigger than the rest of the cab!) So we paid to sit on a good and spacious car. Okay la, convincing enough!
We arrived Blue diamond Hotel and the reason why I booked this hotel because it is just 5 mins walk to their famous Ben Thanh Market and walking distance to main attractions. These hotel has a good ratings on Agoda.
With only have to spend $48 per night for our accommodation, we were given whatever things that we need. A stay that resemble a 4 stars standard but only have to pay less than $50. I would say the room met our expectations for the price paid. Check-in was a breeze. The room/bathroom was rather spacious
The staffs there were friendly and the bell boy helped us out with our luggage. We were given 11am to check in our stuffs and not only their service was fast, they even helped us to the direction when we are lost. Firstly, they will give you a map and direct you to the famous attraction by marking down on the map. Most of the tourist attractions are accessible enough by foot.
Secondly, they will ask you if you want to sign up for their day tour package and patiently explained to you what are the itinerary for each package, In the end, my family signed up for their whole day Mekong River trip for US12 per person on Day 2.
A showroom of our room! This room style is an area of 244 square feet (22m2) with wooden floor and sky-light window. Each room includes 2 single beds or 1 queen bed with plush feather pillows and duvets, working desk, fashion chair and table, bathroom with shower.
With free wifi around, this make everything effective. Brother and Dad got a bath-tub in the bathroom but Mum and I were glad that we have the showering head. Bath-tub looks dirty though!
This hotel has a small gym at level 1. Their gym was so small that they provide treadmill, weights, bicycle ride and arm machine. 3 major machines to use! Not much things to elaborate.
Hotel Massage and each of have to pay 200000 Dong ($12) for 70 mins of Head, shoulder, Hand and Leg massage. Both Mum and I signed up for this package after a long day of walk on Day 2.
Our hotel stay provide us with free breakfast everyday! So the time stated on the breakfast starts from 6.30am-9.30am. With lots of local food, they do have Pizzas, Western style and Chinese food. So you do not have to be afraid that the food does not suit your taste-bud.
That's all for my stay at Blue Diamond Hotel. This might not be the best hotel in HCM but with a 3 stars rating, their service has brought up to my expectation. What I love about their staffs? They speak chinese and english so there won't be any language barrier between the both of us. They are always smiling and willing to lend a helping hand if you face any problem.
Thumbs up for their service!
More posts coming up along the way!
Till then.
