Vibrant Vietnam & Electric Hong Kong - Part 2
- Denisha Miles
- Jun 11, 2024
- 5 min read
Part 1 encompassed the first 3 weeks of my trip. I left Vietnam for one week to go to Hong Kong. Actually, my whole trip to Vietnam was planned around this trip to Hong Kong because I won a ticket with Cathay’s Pacific World of Winners contest. So I decided to make one big trip out of it.
HONG KONG
I was pleasantly surprised with Hong Kong! I didn’t really know what to expect apart from it being crowded and expensive. And although it was indeed crowded, they are so organized it didn’t feel like it at all. At the bus stops and metro stations there are lines to board, nobody is pushing to try to get on; it was a nice change from Türkiye, where everyone tries to knock you out of the way to get onto the dolmus. It was very hot and humid though, and I’m absolutely not a museum person (I hate them), but I found myself ducking into one or 2 museums just to escape the heat.
When I booked my ticket, I didn’t even check if there were any public holidays, so I ended up being in Hong Kong on National Day. I really wanted to see the fireworks, but I underestimated just how early I would need to set myself up. When I walked out of my hotel it was PACKED. You couldn’t move at all. I started walking down the street and decided it wasn’t for me. It was toooooo crowded...I almost couldn’t get back inside to my hotel! But I managed to get a few shots of the celebrations from my window. If I remember correctly, this was the first fireworks show since COVID, so it was kind of a big deal.
I was staying in the infamous Chungking Mansions (do not recommend) in Tsim Sha Shui, but I spent most of my time on the Island. I wish I had stayed there, the vibe is more relaxed, more fun, better atmosphere, and pretty much anything of interest is on that side. It reminds me of Istanbul actually. The European side of Istanbul is more cultural, and the Asian side is more fun. But it only takes a few minutes on the ferry to cross, so not the end of the world. The Island is like a little London (hello, colonialism). The street names are like Jubilee Street, Gloucester Road, etc...and they have their own version of the London Eye. Oh yes, and they drive on the left so if you’re from a country that drives on the right, don’t forget to look both ways before crossing!
The skyline is also very impressive. Although I’m from Toronto (okay, the GTA), and used to tall buildings, I’ve been living in Fethiye for quite some time, and 98% of the buildings here are 3-4 floors. So I forgot how it felt to be surrounded by these skyscrapers. The best view, in my opinion, is from Lion Rock Head. I did (part of) the Lion Rock hike, but I was hot and tired, and the road was very steep. And I got lost. So I didn’t reach the top, but I still got some pretty good views along the way.
You may have also heard about the Central-Mid-Levels escalator, which is the longest outdoor covered escalator in the world. It's almost 1km long, and it serves a purpose besides being a tourist attraction of course, but it’s just an escalator. I don't understand the hype, sorry!
Transportation around Hong Kong wasn’t as horribly expensive as I thought it would be, and the food was fairly cheap. In Tsim Sha Shui, on Lock Road, you can find a lot of delicious cheap eats. So I ate around here most days. It was a relief thinking I was going to pay an arm and a leg for a simple meal, and finding it very affordable. One thing I wish I had done was visit the night market, but I was nearing the end of my trip, and I was a little tired of being on the move all day, everyday, so I spent the evenings “relaxing”.
I say “relaxing” because my hotel was not relaxing AT ALL. It was disgusting and full of roaches! They were coming out of my bedframe and everything, it was so disgusting. I’m aware that I was staying in a budget hotel (if you can call it that) but roaches coming out of the bedframe?! Gross. And when I pointed it out to management, they denied it and were not accommodating in the slightest (Tip: Don’t stay at Delta Hotel). I was there for 6 nights, it was horrible. I did try to look for other accommodation, but because of the holiday, everything was extremely expensive. But other than that, I really enjoyed Hong Kong! Thank you Cathay Pacific!
HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON)
Back in Ho Chi Minh City for the last 5 days, I tried to soak in as much as possible before having to leave. Although just as hectic as Hanoi, it somehow felt calmer. I don’t really know how to explain it, but I liked it way better than Hanoi. And yes, everything you read about crossing the street is correct. Once you start, don’t stop. I stopped once and almost caused an accident (in my defense, it was raining hard, I had an umbrella, and it was hard to see).
The highlight of Ho Chi Minh City (for me) was doing the Cu Chi Tunnels tour (note: for booking excursions, Klook is a great website!). These tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers to hide from American forces, and as a hidden base for their guerilla warfare. I did a half day tour, and it was sad, but informative, and I learned a lot about the Vietnam War. The tours can be a little touristy, but you learn so much more information than if you went alone. You can even go through some of the tunnels, and let me tell you, they are SMALL (wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty). So if you are claustrophobic, going through the tunnels may not be for you, but it was really interesting. I loved this tour!
Finally it was time to leave, and I think I actually cried (apparently, this trip was very emotional for me). I loved Vietnam and Hong Kong so much, I didn’t want to go back to Türkiye! One month in Vietnam is not nearly enough, the country is rich in history, culture, activities for both city and nature people. It really has everything, and I can't wait to go back. I had NO problems as a black woman here, people are incredibly kind, and the nice kind of curious. I felt completely safe day and night, and there is SO MUCH TO DO.
I didn’t have any problems in Hong Kong either. Hong Kong is very multicultural, and it was like being in any metropolitan city. I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit these countries, and I was so pleased with this experience, I still have no words to describe it, other than amazing! It's a 20/10 for me.
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