During this trip to Vietnam, I specifically set aside a day to revisit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a place I had been to back in elementary school. I still remember how small I was at the time — crawling through the tunnels felt effortless, almost like exploring a secret playground. It was exciting and fun. Returning this time, however, I realized just how unbelievably narrow the tunnels actually are. I bumped into the walls countless times and finally reached the end with an aching back and sore waist.
東南亞丨SOUTHEAST ASIA
I happened to have a short vacation, so I decided to visit Vietnam. The last time I came to Ho Chi Minh City was when I was in elementary school. Returning again after so many years, I could still feel the vibrant energy and lively atmosphere of the city. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city and economic center of Vietnam. Most of the major attractions are concentrated in District 1, making it easy to explore on foot or by using Grab for short rides.
Ang Thong, located 40 kilometers away from Ayutthaya, is a place where English is rarely spoken, making it challenging to book a Grab ride. Surprisingly, it boasts the tallest Buddha statue in Thailand, along with the largest outdoor reclining Buddha. Despite having such remarkable cultural treasures, tourism hasn't flourished here, probably due to transportation difficulties and the scattered nature of the temples.
A century ago, Thailand's waterways were even more developed than its roads. Today, many places in Thailand still maintain the traditional way of life in the countryside by the water. One such place is the Damnoen Saduak floating market, which has a history of over a hundred years.
After arriving in Malaysia, I went into "super eater" mode. I started eating five meals a day, including snacks and desserts in between. On my first visit, I couldn't wait to indulge in all the delicious Malaysian cuisine I had been yearning for. Plus, with the current exchange rate, it felt like I was getting a 26% discount. In a moment as good as this, of course, I should indulge and enjoy to the fullest!
Arriving at this long-anticipated World Heritage Site, I felt just as excited as I did on the first day of a journey far from home. During the Age of Exploration, Malacca became a highly contested region in the past due to its strategic location for both trade and military purposes. As a result, it has many cultural influences from colonizers. Among all the cities in Malaysia, Malacca is the place I most want to visit.
