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Củ Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Going back to one of my most preferred Asian destinations: Vietnam. Next to Thailand, I’d recommend Vietnam to any European and American budding backpacker, because it has all the precise elements of a good Asian travel induction – it’s inexpensive, it’s interesting, and it’s insane when it comes to delicious food!

Needless to say, I am an admirer of all things VN, and even if I have been there for a couple of times already, I find myself coming back for more Saigon good stuff! Quite recently, one of the interesting experiences I had was when I finally decided to go on the touristy task of visiting the Củ Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Known for its immense network of connecting underground tunnels, used for military campaigns during the infamous Vietnam War, the tunnels of Củ Chi are known worldwide for its historical relevance. Like Cambodia and certain parts of Asia, Saigon has been war stricken for a time, so seeing this place commands mixed emotions. There are actually whole day and half day cu chi tunnels tours and prices, but at the bare minimum, the entrance fee is quite affordable and the whole area is much improved and cleansed from its original war era atmosphere.

You would want to visit this place because you are interested to see how to find your way around the labyrinth of tunnels here, which were used by the Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during the war. It’s nowhere near The Hunger Games kind of survival maze game, but it sure is eye opening.

Growing up in a country colonized by westerners, you get so exposed to historical accounts of wars, deaths, and heroic ventures – and somehow want to know more about it. The tunnels of Củ Chi give that kind of overall learning and firsthand experience, especially with the way they show how everything is being served – from communication, doing demo of supply routes, showing makeshift hospitals, food rations, weapon caches, and living quarters of the locals there, the experience leading up to the visit was pretty hyped! I’ve decided to go for a tour instead of a DIY because the Củ Chi tunnel area is rather big, and it’s best explored with an official tour guide, so that you can access the areas with the right information and sequence.

This is a rather interesting fun fact that I’ve learned when I visited the place – did you know that: "Tunnel rats," as American soldiers who worked in the Cu Chi tunnels during the Vietnam War were known, used the evocative term "black echo" to describe the experience of being in the tunnels. According to my Vietnamese friends, the tunnels used to be smaller and dirtier, so it’ll very difficult to maneuver our way through the area.

But even nowadays, being cleaned up and adjusted for tourism purposes, it still is challenging to go around the tunnels; it’s not for the faint hearted and certainly not for the claustrophobes. Good thing though is that the tunnels have been divided into areas, one for the beginners, advanced, and the diehard tunnel fanatics – so you can opt to tap out after 100 meters, then go a bit further if you are brave enough to experience the whole thing.

Almost all the Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour offer hotel pick up and English tour guides – so it’ll be really easy to learn about how the extensive tunnels aided Vietnam’s historical victory. I would not want to spoil you with wordy details by revealing too much, because this is one of the (few) Vietnam experiences best seen through photos and videos and then be experienced…. so, here are the photos, then be sure to visit soon, okay?

bowdywanders.com Singapore Travel Blog Philippines Photo :: Singapore :: July 2018: 10 Newly Visited Nearby Cafes & Bars in Singapore That You Would Want To Visit More Than Once

July 2018: Newly Visited Nearby Cafes & Bars in Singapore

July is the official seventh month of the year, and as inviting as it is, there are so many new things to watch on Netflix - from movies, shows, and originals coming and going - but let’s stop that Netflix-and-chill activity for a moment, and just go out exercise our social skills by with our friends, loved ones, or okay, even with ourselves, enjoying some alone time and doing some people watching. Because why not, there are some nice inexpensive yet interesting nearby cafes and bars in Singapore to discover yet again. Because yes, everyone here takes their coffee and cafes seriously, and no one is feeling lazy for doing so. For the month of July, here are the places you can and should enjoy your cuppa joes!

Love Pal Cafe - Live Band Music

Address: 8 Queen St, Singapore 188535

Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/lovepalcafe/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovepal.cafe/

Nearest MRT: Bras Basah

SAM at 8Q—housed right across the street from Singapore Art Museum—is where you can find Love Pal Café. This quaint spot serves a mix of Western and Asian fare and the Korean Kimichi Shabu Shabu Pork Don (S$7.90) is a crowd favourite. The best part? No GST and service charge and there’s even complimentary WiFi! Read more: http://www.ladyironchef.com/2018/01/museum-cafes-singapore/

Hyfe Café

Address: 10 Tampines Central 1, #03-25, Singapore 529536

Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/hyfecafesg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hyfe-Cafe/217790128784461

Nearest MRT: Tampines

Not interested in any of the templates? The app exclusive to Hyfe Cafe has a bespoke itinerary planner to tailor to your needs through email. Itinerary planning can get tiring, so grab a drink to sip on while you ponder over the available itinerary templates on the tablet. While you’re there, do keep a look out for the seasonal menu items too. Read more: https://sethlui.com/hyfe-cafe-changi-recommends-singapore/

La Teh Café

Address: #02-18, 2 Kallang Ave, CT Hub @ Kallang, Singapore 339407

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 7:30 A.M. 5:30 A.M. Sun 7:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.

Website: http://www.latehcafe.com.sg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latehcafe/

Nearest MRT: Bendemeer

CT Hub in the Kallang-Lavender industrial area may become a new food hub as Deliveroo has just established a new central kitchen there. Deliveroo Editions 2 at CT Hub 2 hosts several restaurants, and customers can order online and pick up their food from these restaurants at CT Hub. There is also a 20-seat dining space for customers to dine in. Besides Deliveroo Editions 2, other CT Hub food and beverage options are also rather interesting. Read more: https://ordinarypatrons.com/2018/05/02/ct-hub-food-and-restaurants/

Ginett Restaurant and Wine Bar

Address: 200 Middle Road, 188980

Opening Hours: https://www.hotelgsingapore.com/dining/ginett

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginettsingapore/

Nearest MRT: Bencoleen

The Place Hotel G Singapore has quietly opened in the former Big Hotel along Middle Road at Bugis, which houses an all-day dining concept Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar in the heart of Bugis and Selegie enclave. With a focus on European cuisine, the setting of Ginett is modern and chic, with ample vertical space, a long communal dining table and a mezzanine level which houses four private booths seating. Read more: https://therantingpanda.com/2017/02/19/food-review-ginett-restaurant-wine-bar-at-hotel-g-singapore-affordable-european-cuisine-and-wines-from-s6/

Chye Seng Huat Hardware Coffee Bar

Address: 150 Tyrwhitt Rd, Singapore 207563

Opening Hours: Tue – Thu, Sun 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. Fri – Sat 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 A.M.

Website: http://www.cshhcoffee.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChyeSengHuatHardware/

Nearest MRT: Lavender

Chye Seng Huat Hardware Store, or simply CSHH, is currently one of the most hip cafes in Singapore that is very well known for their coffee. It is one of the three cafes owned by the Papa Palheta. Papa Palheta is a independent coffee boutique that specialise in roasting specialty coffee in Singapore and Malaysia. They also conduct Barista training course and coffee appreciation classes. Read more: https://chinchaijiak.wordpress.com/2014/07/09/chye-seng-huat-hardware-coffee-bar/

Tyrwhitt Little Cafe (TLC), Parc Sovereign Hotel

Address: 150 Tyrwhitt Rd, Singapore 207563

Opening Hours: Varies Daily

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChyeSengHuatHardware/

Nearest MRT: Bendemeer

For many, coffee is not just an optional beverage to be had before work—it is a quintessential component for daily survival. And if like us, you require a shot or two of caffeine to get you in the right mood to take on the day, then we have more to share today. If you have not already realised, Lavender is becoming more and more of a cafe hotspot with more than a dozen coffee joints and eateries springing up in and around the area over the past couple of years. Now a hotbed for the hipster community and quite possibly Singapore’s next cafe capital, there is no way this enclave can remain under the radar for long. Read more: http://www.ladyironchef.com/2018/03/lavender-cafes/

Japan Rail Cafe

Address: 5 Wallich Street, #01-20, Tanjong Pagar Centre, 078883

Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JAPANRAILCAFE/

Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar

How can we leave without trying their drinks too! On the menu, there is the Uji-Maccha Latte ($6.20), seasonal iced fruit tea ($6.20) and craft beers such as Yonayona ($13) and Red Miso Lager ($14). I particularly enjoyed the La France Pear Fruit Tea ($6.20), which is infused with peach purée, not too sweet and pleasant to drink in a hot weather. Japan Rail Cafe is an interesting cafe worth checking out. You can now purchase your railway passes here without having to go all the way to Japan to get it. The food is decent too, especially the Kaisen Avocado Don and Ultimate A.B.C Burger which are worth going back for. Read more: https://sethlui.com/japan-rail-cafe-singapore/

JTSN Mexican Restaurant, Bar, and Grill

Address: #01-01, 8 Purvis St, 188587

Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 A.M. – 10:30 P.M.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JTSN-Mexican-Restaurant-170723126917547/

Nearest MRT: Bugis

We loved JTSN. Outstanding Mexican. Loved the fresh nachos with cheese, the burritos, tacos, fajitas! Everything. Topping the charts was the pitcher of lime margarita. The place is also colourfully done. And the host is friendly and warm. Do go! Read more: https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Restaurant_Review-g294265-d14045231-Reviews-JTSN_Mexican_Restaurant-Singapore.html

Million Coffee Inn

Address: #01-42 Kitchenere Complex, 809 French Road, 200809

Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 A.M. – 9:30 P.M.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeeinstay/

Nearest MRT: Lavender

Million Coffee Inn offers some of the best Chinese Cuisine serving a tantalising collection of dishes that are suitable for family, large groups, friends and colleagues. This restaurant is located in Kitchener Complex along French Road. Million Coffee Inn is an ideal place where diners can enjoy delicious dishes in a casual and relaxed atmosphere that will surely deliver a memorable dining experience and gastronomic indulgence. Read more: https://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/million-coffee-inn-jalan-besar-lavender/

Alchemist Beer Lab

Address: South Beach Avenue, 26 Beach Road, #B1-16, Singapore, 189768

Opening Hours: Mon – Thu 4:00 P.M. – 1:00 A.M. Fri – Sat 4:00 P.M. – 2:00 A.M.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlchemistBeerLab/

Nearest MRT: Esplanade

I'm sure not many people would have heard about Asia's first and only "infusion beer lab", but will be interested to find out more about it upon knowing that flavours such as plum, honey or marshmallows are being experimented with in craft beers. Conceived by the same team behind microbrewery-pub Little Island Brewing Co. at Changi Village, Alchemist Beer Lab at the hip and trendy South Beach development features 16 beer infusion towers as well as tapas-style food to go along with them. Read more: http://www.alexischeong.com/2017/01/tasting-alchemist-beer-lab-at-26-beach.html