Asian Affair Vibrant Vietnam Sizzling Singapore
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Destinations.
Asian Affair: Vibrant Vietnam & Sizzling Singapore
Summary:
Explore the vibrant contrasts between the modern garden paradise of Singapore and the cultural renaissance of traditional Vietnam. This unforgettable Asian adventure captures the essence of both worlds.---
I have a deep affection for aircraft and long-haul flights. Boarding Singapore Airlines for our 30-hour journey, I immerse myself in 8 magazines, 6 movies, 4 meals, and a sleeping pill, arriving relaxed and eager to explore. Unlike American airports, Singapore's ultra-modern airport welcomes travelers with free internet terminals, a cinema, rooftop pool, aromatherapy spas, oxygen bars, and an indoor garden with waterfalls and koi ponds.
I'm leading my smallest group yet?"28 singles. Over 60 had initially expressed interest, but many backed out due to bird flu concerns. This select group of culture-enthusiasts feels more like a vacation than work.
Our journey begins with a stunning aerial view from Mt. Faber. The group is awed by Singapore, a bustling metropolis on the crossroads of Malaysia and Indonesia. Dubbed the Lion City, Singapore is home to 4 million residents, where 76% are Chinese, living harmoniously alongside other minorities. This city-state, capital, and country rolled into one draws 8 million visitors annually, yet remains a hidden gem for many Americans.
Our stay at the luxurious Regent Hotel of the Four Seasons showcases the city’s renowned hospitality. Arriving during the Great Shopping Festival, we indulge in retail therapy on Orchard Road, Singapore's equivalent of Fifth Avenue, where shopping transforms into an intense sport. With 150 mega-malls?"some open 24/7?"it's a shopper's paradise. I snag a certified pre-owned Rolex for a fraction of its original cost. With just four days here, the vibrant city, akin to Hong Kong on steroids, offers endless activities. The Arts Festival displays a variety of venues, and after dark, Clarke Quay by the river transforms into party central.
Our friendly guide, Farida, enriches our experience with humor and insights, leading us through highlights such as the National Orchard Gardens, Chinatown's markets and temples, and Little India with its intense aromas and colors. We explore the ultra-modern financial district, Merlion Park with its iconic fountain, and the historic area established by Sir Stamford Raffles.
At the iconic Long Bar of Raffles Hotel, we savor a Singapore Sling where rooms start at $700 per night. Tours include the Jurong Bird Park and the world-renowned Night Safari. In our free time, we ride rickshaws and take the cable car to Sentosa Island. Some of us opt for a Jungle Breakfast with Orangutans at the zoo. Dining on jumbo chili crabs and rice cakes, we revel in Singapore's cleanliness, purple bougainvillea-lined highways, and strict yet effective traffic regulations.
Feeling rejuvenated, we board a three-hour flight to Vietnam. Here, we step back in time to a land rich with history, rice paddies, lotus blossoms, coconut milk, and noodle soups. Despite being poorer than expected, Vietnam exudes charm and gentility. Singapore was dynamic, but Hanoi is a culturally stimulating city with lakes and tamarind trees, bustling with Chi-energy yet tranquil.
We settle into the serene Sheraton Resort. Our guide, Hong, ensures our six days are unforgettable. He teaches us the art of crossing hectic streets safely. The traffic is overwhelming with 2.4 million scooters, each carrying numerous passengers or unusual cargo. The chaotic city contrasts with sporadic monsoon downpours that transform it into a sea of raincoats.
Under sunny skies, we explore Hanoi’s cultural landmarks: the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, the French Quarter, and the Ho Chi Minh Memorial. In Ho Chi Minh’s tomb, we stand in reverent silence, observing his preserved body. Later, we visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, known as the Hanoi Hilton by American POWs during the Vietnam War.
Browsing the Old Quarter, we encounter Silk Street, Coffin Street, Grilled Fish Street, and a food market offering exotic fare like turtles, sea slugs, and pig heads. We discover Vietnam's unique cuisine, with dishes like jellyfish salad, deep-fried eel, and dog stew.
We immerse in Hanoi’s culture with a Water Puppet Show, massages, affordable tailor-made clothes, and handicraft villages. The currency challenge?"$10,500 dong equals 65 cents?"makes us feel wealthy until we learn the annual per capita income is just $320.
Vietnam’s charm lies in its villages. We venture into the countryside for a Halong Bay cruise, passing rice paddies and farms. The surreal limestone cliffs of this UNESCO World Heritage Site provide a dreamy escape as we enjoy a seafood lunch.
A highlight of our trip is the cyclo-tour through Old Hanoi. The sight of 28 rickshaws pedaling through chaotic traffic draws smiles and laughter. Later, I find myself on a scooter, navigating back to the Sheraton?"a true local experience!
Returning to Singapore for an overnight at Le Meridian, I reflect on a journey that felt like visiting two distinct planets. The stark contrast between Singapore’s modernity and Vietnam’s traditions makes this Asian affair truly unforgettable.
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