Michi Photostory: Ho Chi Minh City

Showing posts with label Ho Chi Minh City. Show all posts

August 18, 2023

Vietnam Airlines Flight Experience

Vietnam Airlines is the flag carrier of Vietnam which was founded in the year 1956 and this airline flies in 17 countries and 64 destinations. This was our airline when we traveled from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang Vietnam.

Manila to Ho Chi Minh City via Philippine Airlines - 2hrs and 45mins

Layover 5hrs and 25mins

Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang via Vietnam Airlines - 1hr and 20mins

My husband booked our flight with the help of a travel agency but when I checked the Vietnam Airlines website, they also have flights from Manila to Da Nang with one layover at Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City. So this is another option if you are planning a trip to Vietnam.

Browsing our ticket, one thing I noticed is the Handcarry Allowance which is up to 10kg because most airlines' limit is 7kg.

Handcarry Allowance - up to 10kg

Baggage Allowance 30kg

Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang Vietnam

Upon our arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport Terminal 2, we need to claim our luggage and walked to Tan Son Nhat International Airport Terminal 1 for our domestic flight. I am thankful that their domestic airport is only within walking distance unlike in Manila.

We had more than 5 hours of layover but fortunately, when we went to Vietnam Airlines Counter, the staff allowed us to check in so we were able to explore Saigon without luggage in tow.

Our Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang flight was delayed for 25 minutes and our boarding gate was changed too so when you travel, it is really important to pay attention because flight information can be changed.

Airline staff provided wet wipes to all the passengers. This is a domestic flight and there are no snacks, they only provided bottled water.

Our flight was smooth and we landed safely in Da Nang Vietnam.

Da Nang Vietnam to Ho Chi Minh City

We had an early flight so we left the hotel 4 hours before our flight. Our travel time from Sheraton Grand Da Nang to Da Nang International Airport is more or less 30 minutes. When we checked in, the staff informed us that there are still available seats on the first flight so she can change our flight if we want but we declined since we have other companions and we are not in a hurry. Our Ho Chi Minh City to Manila flight is still in the afternoon so same lang na maghihintay ng matagal.

Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City via Vietnam Airlines - 1hr and 20mins

Layover 4hrs and 10mins

Ho Chi Minh City via Philippine Airlines - 3hrs

Our flight was a little bit delayed but it was still fine because we have more than 4 hours layover in Saigon.

We had the same experience with our Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang flight and the only difference is the “in-flight streaming entertainment”, I don’t know if all domestic flights have this perk but I did not see the flyer on our way to Da Nang.

Our flight is more than an hour only so watching a movie is not an option because I won’t be able to finish it.

Upon our arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, we need to ride a bus to reach the gate.

Read: How to Get to Da Nang Vietnam from Manila Philippines

August 17, 2023

How to Get to Da Nang Vietnam from Manila Philippines

A few months ago, I watched “A Tourist Guide of Love” movie; the story is all about Amanda Riley who went to Vietnam to gain insights about Vietnam Tourism. She visited different places including Da Nang and Hoi An. And because of this movie, I decided to continue my Vietnam series. Let me start reminiscing again about our trip; you can check my summary in this post “5 Days in Da Nang Vietnam”.

Traveling to Da Nang Vietnam from Manila Philippines

There was no direct flight from Manila to Da Nang so to make our life easier, my husband booked our ticket via travel agency. He purchased our ticket four months before the trip but despite that, our airfare is still not cheap. In fact, this is the most expensive airfare ticket that we purchased for an Asian trip because there was no seat sale, we booked via a travel agency and we rode two airplanes.

Vietnam is just a few hours away from Manila but because there is no direct flight from Manila to Da Nang, we need to ride two airplanes; one international and one domestic flight. From the time we left the house until we reached Sheraton Grand Da Nang, we’ve traveled for more than 14 hours so it was really a long day for us.

Manila to Ho Chi Minh City via Philippine Airlines - 2hrs and 45mins

Layover 5hrs and 25mins

Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang via Vietnam Airlines - 1hr and 20mins

Manila to Ho Chi Minh City

We had an early flight and fortunately, our flight is on time. There was no monitor on our seat so for entertainment, we used “myPAL Player” app to watch movies.

It’s been a long time since our last international trip via Philippine Airlines so I was surprised when they serve the food. What!?!, nasa paper na lang yung meals nila. The taste of the food is just okay. Nakakadisappoint lang kasi hindi naman budget airline ang Philippine Airlines so bakit kaya nagkaganito, malayo ito compared sa Bangkok, Thailand trip namin.

On our way to Saigon, I’m happy to see part of the Mekong River; it is a transboundary river in East Asia and Southeast Asia. This river flows through China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The Mekong River is the third longest river in Asia and the 12th longest river in the world.

After a few hours, we landed at Tan Son Nhat International Terminal which is the Ho Chi Minh City Airport; we passed immigration, got our luggage, and looked for Foreign Exchange Kiosk. We exchanged some US Dollars for Vietnamese Dong and we also bought a sim card for 300,000VND.

From International Airport Terminal 2, we need to transfer to Domestic Airport Terminal 1 for our Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang flight and it was a long walk. We have more than 5 hours of layover and looking at the Domestic Airport, there is nothing to do. We immediately looked for the Vietnam Airlines counter and we were so happy because we could already check in so we were able to go to Menas Mall Saigon Airport.

Menas Mall Saigon Airport

You can already see this mall from the airport, during our trip there are only a few shops that are open so we went straight to the 5th floor where the Menas Food Village or Yum Food Village is located. This food court offers traditional Vietnamese dishes, international cuisine, and fast food.

My son ordered Beef Pepper Rice at Pepper Lunch for 95,000VND and my husband ordered Lau Thap Cam or Asian Hot Pot at Saigon Bistro for 160,000VND. Softdrinks in can is 20,000VND. Since we frequent Pepper Lunch, one thing I noticed is the price because if I will convert it to Philippine Peso, hindi nalalayo sa Pilipinas so Vietnam is a budget-friendly destination.

I was excited to try the Asian Hot Pot but unfortunately, it was not a clear soup and I can’t take spicy food so I went to Pepper Lunch and ordered Beef Pepper Rice too. Hindi yata nagkaintindihan sa pag-order.

What is nice about this food court is the view, you have a nice view of the airport while eating. We took our time eating while waiting for our next flight.

Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang Vietnam

Two hours before our boarding, we went back to Domestic Airport and passed Security Check. Our flight was delayed by 25 minutes and the boarding gate has been changed too.

It was our first time on Vietnam Airlines and upon seated the flight attendant gave wet wipes to all passengers. No meals for this flight and we only got bottled water.

Read: Vietnam Airlines Flight Experience

After 1 hour and 25 minutes, we landed at Da Nang International Airport, from sunny weather in Saigon to cloudy and rainy weather in Da Nang.

From the airport to Sheraton Grand Da Nang, we availed hotel transport service. Travel time is more than 30 minutes.

February 18, 2020

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers in Vietnam

Sheraton Saigon is a 5-star accommodation in Saigon, located in Dong Khoi Street which is accessible to corporate offices, entertainment districts, top restaurants, and popular tourist attractions. You can visit Reunification Palace, Opera House, War Remnants Museum, Opera House and the famous Notre Dame Cathedral.

Read: Glimpse of Ho Chi Minh Vietnam

When my husband first visited Saigon, he stayed at Le Meridien Hotel. But last December, he stayed at Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers for three days and two nights. Sheraton Saigon offers 484 rooms that have a Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon River view.

Read: Le Meridien Hotel Review

He booked the cheapest room but was upgraded to Deluxe Room. The room is located in the Main Tower where you can have the city view but don’t worry because you have a soundproof window so you won’t hear any traffic noise. The room space starts with 37 sqm so it is spacious for one person.

I like the modern design of the room, it offers a King-sized bed, sofa by the window, office table, coffee maker and tea service, and mini-refrigerator. The marble bathroom has a separate bathtub and shower area.

Breakfast Buffet at Saigon Cafe

The room package includes Breakfast Buffet at Saigon Cafe, this all-day dining restaurant offers a buffet or ala carte meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They serve international and local cuisines like crab sticks, fish cake, or noodles.

Breakfast Buffet breakfast, fee from 560000.00 VND
Continental breakfast, fee from 400000.00 VND
Full American breakfast, fee from 530000.00 VND

Breakfast: Monday through Sunday, 6 to 10am
Lunch: Monday through Saturday, Noon to 2:30pm
Sunday Brunch: 11:30am to 3pm
Dinner: Monday through Sunday, 6 to 10pm

Sheraton Saigon has a world-class dining destination, 24-hour gym, outdoor pool, and luxury spa. The Aqua Day Spa is the first luxury hotel destination spa in Saigon. During his stay, he was surprised when he saw a sticky note on his mirror, he has 20% off discount at Aqua Day Spa.

Sheraton is known for good service but there is one instance where my husband was a little bit disappointed. As I mentioned before, my husband only stayed for two nights. He requested to extend his stay for one more night but he was advised that there is no more room available but they will inform him just in case there is a cancellation.

After breakfast, my husband did not check out yet because he was waiting for the advice of the hotel if he can extend his stay or not. Past 12 noon, he received a call from Sheraton that he needs to check out already. My husband has late check-out benefits so he can check-out at 2PM but he immediately finished his lunch and went back to the hotel, only to find out that his luggage was no longer inside his room. His luggage was already in the concierge room and there was a new guest in his room. For a loyal guest of Sheraton, this is not something that he would expect. Anyway, after check-out, he immediately booked a room at Le Meridien Hotel for one night stay.

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers
88 Dong Khoi, District 1,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

March 23, 2017

Glimpse of SASCO Rose CIP Lounge in Tan Son Nhat International Airport

My husband thought that there is no airport lounge in Tan Son Nhat International Airport so he was surprised when he got an airport priority pass for SASCO Rose CIP Lounge.

When I checked the list of International Lounges of Philippine Airlines, Rose Lounge is included in the list naman. For Mabuhay Miles Elite, Premier Elite and Million Miler card holder, check below the list of airport lounges that you can access for FREE.

Domestic Lounges
International Lounges

The lounge is a long walk from the check-in counter. The room is very bright because of the glass windows where you can see the runway. Maaliwalas tingan.

One advantage of airport lounges is FREE wifi, there is free wifi at Saigon airport but my husband could not connect so he was thankful for the free wifi of SASCO Rose CIP Lounge. You can see the username and password on each table.

Refreshments are also available so you can eat and drink while waiting for your boarding time. Just like other airport lounges, there is a maximum hour of stays, you can stay for 3 hours at Rose Lounge. Good news is, two children under 12 years admitted free per adult.

The size of the lounge is quite similar to our Mabuhay Lounge at NAIA 2.

Read: Glimpse of Ho Chi Minh Vietnam
Le Meridien Hotel in Vietnam
Glimpse of Mabuhay Lounge at NAIA 2

Who has Access to Rose CIP Lounge?

You may relax in Rose CIP Lounges if you are Mabuhay Miles Elite, Premier Elite and Million Miler. If you are not a member but you have a Business Class ticket you can access the lounge for FREE.

Read: 5 Ways to Get into Airport Lounges

March 22, 2017

Le Meridien Saigon Hotel in Vietnam

Le Meridien Saigon Hotel is located in the heart of the city, it is 8.5km away from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and 7km away from Saigon Train Station. It is really accessible so commuting won’t be a problem.

There are so many tourist spots in Ho Chi Minh and most of these famous attractions are near the hotel which is about 10-15 minute walk. You can visit the History Museum, Pagodas, Temples, Saigon Zoo, Botanical Garden, and even shopping malls and markets like Ben Thanh Market and Union Square Shopping Centre.

My husband stayed at Le Meridien Hotel in Ho Chi Minh last week, 3PM is standard check-in time but he was able to check-in before 11AM without additional charge.

He was upgraded for river view side so he sees Saigon River every day.

This is the room. When I saw the room, I wanted to join his trip, ang ganda kasi e. It is big enough for one person.

The room and bathroom are divided by glass walls but don’t worry, there is a curtain for that if you want privacy.

There is a bathtub.

The hotel offers a swimming pool, spa, and fitness center but unfortunately, my husband was not able to try these facilities and amenities. He has no free time.

The room package includes a buffet breakfast at Latest Recipe, it serves regional and international cuisine. Aside from this restaurant, you can also eat at Bamboo Chic, Art Cacao Desserts, Explore Bistro, and Latitude 10.

Ice cream is also available in their buffet spread.

You can also eat outside, Ran Bien Seafood Restaurant is just a few minutes walk from the hotel.

Read: Glimpse of Ho Chi Minh Vietnam

Update: January 2020

Hubby went back to Ho Chi Minh again and he stayed at Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers and Le Meridien Saigon. Here are some photos of his stay last month.

Read: Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers