Sunday, June 29, 2025

Last Day of My 8 Days' Trip to Danang (The City of Bridges) & Hoi An (The City of Lanterns) in Vietnam


Detailed Posting for the Day

Last day in Da Nang and you wouldn't catch me spending my last few hours in the hotel as it would have been such a waste of precious overseas time! Hence, let's get out and walk! 

To be honest, there's a place I wanted to check out; the banh xeo from Bánh Xèo Bà Tuyết! Don't play play okay as its review score on Google Maps was a high 4.8 from over 300 reviewers. 

Located along the above small and narrow lane, this gave me the vibes of Bánh Mì Cô Tiên, which I enjoyed. With high hopes, I stepped in, only to leave with disappointment as the eatery was closed for that day! 

Where should I do next? Alex suggested Trung Nguyên Legend Cafe and we happily walked over. Only to be greeted with sadness as the coffee machines were spoilt! 

Imagine using beer cans as a holder for incense sticks! What's even more jaw dropping was that the cans were nailed to a tree! Now, I am a tree lover and seeing this was unacceptable! 

Eventually, we just stepped in to a supposedly popular coffee shop and had local Vietnamese coffee. What's lacking from this patronage was that I wanted to eat something.... Mouth was itchy....

Nevertheless, always seize the moment, and relax.

I was wondering what this building was for. 
Turned out it was the Trung Vuong Secondary School! 

A blue church; no, we didn't go in, partly because the notice in English and Chinese was very explicit. "Tourists are not allowed to enter". Fine.

Another crowded coffee shop at about 8.30am. In Singapore, we would have been rushing to ensure we are not late for work! Guess cultural differences across countries can be quite drastic. 

Banh mi as my last breakfast in Da Nang City! With a name I Love Banh Mi, I am expecting a lot more for the above eatery as someone with such a deep affection for banh mi would definitely put in extra effort! 

My heart felt like the above photo, after digging into the beautiful banh mi with generous filling! Yes, I felt empty, as this was nowhere near the best banh mi I ever have. Not horrible tasting for sure but this was at most a 6/10.

Going through Han Market! 
Go early for whiffs of raw meat! 

Dead rat. Hm... if you have been following my blog posts on Da Nang City, you would have noticed I am quite "lucky" for past three days; encountering rats on Day Six, Day Seven and now, last day. However, the rat was alive on Day Six and Day Seven. 

Checking out from Haian Riverfront Hotel Da Nang! It was a great four-day stay and I faced great service from the housekeeping and IT staff members. Reception staff could have smiled more; trust me, a simple smile does wonders.

Last look of the amazing Dragon Bridge! 

GRAB was the best option for us to travel to Da Nang International Airport; hotels really must up their game if they want to earn more tourist dollars.


Arrived at Da Nang International Airport. I have the habit of taking photographs of the vehicle I travel in; reason being I would have something to refer to if I happen to leave something behind. 

After exploring the departure hall of Da Nang International Airport, it's time to clear the boarding process and board the Singapore Airlines plane (Boeing 737-8)! 

Flying off, surrounded by the buildings of Da Nang City which were all so near! In the second photograph, you could even catch the Lady Buddha in her full glory. 

Delicious ondeh cake served on the plane, and it was so good to have beer in the air! I shall do that moving forward; reminder for self since I didn't do that in my recent few trips. 

A few hours later; the familiar sight of numerous ships parked in the straits and the densely packed blocks of public housing greeted us. Loving it whenever the pilot said over the announcement, "for Singaporeans, welcome home". 


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Day One of the 11 Days, 10 Nights Taiwan Trip 2025


Detailed Postings for the Day
Total luggage for a 11-day trip. I would deem this as excessive for two persons but I am super afraid of winter travel and winter wear isn't exactly space saving! Thicker clothing, and I don't think I can remove long pants, and covered shoes.

Celebration of Hello Kitty’s golden jubilee at Terminal 3 of Changi International Airport. This shall serve as memory since the celebration had ended on 16 February 2025.

Even though we would be travelling on a full service airline where food would be provided, it's almost customary for Alex and I to go for expensive, local fare at the airport before we depart. Local coffee and toast (from Ya Kun) would always be comfortable.

Pretty good weather! 
It's always unnerving to fly in bad weather. 

Time to fly, with a queue in front of our plane (Boeing B787-10). Time was almost noon time and based on estimation, we shall arrive about 5.00 to 6.00 pm. While I would prefer an earlier timing, I personally don't like to wake up at an ungodly hour to catch an earlier flight. So to each his/her own. 

My meal. Nowadays, I would just ask for special meal although I would prefer an option that's currently unavailable on Singapore Airlines website; starch-free meal. Correction: SQ does have a Gluten Free Meal.

I think the plane was only half full.

Thankfully, the good weather continued all the way till Taiwan! And due to our window facing (towards the east), we managed to have a breathtaking view of the central mountain range that cuts across the island, from north to south! Click here under "The Eyes In The Sky"

After registering for electronic-gates at Taoyuan International Airport and rapidly clearing immigration, we collected our luggage and take the MRT to the Taoyuan HSR station. Caught the beautiful sunset from the train! 

Awaiting for the HSR train at the barrier free platform! We didn't pre-purchase the tickets and had to make do with non-reserved seats, which means there's a risk of having to stand for the entire journey! Pricing NT$1,700 for two persons.

Alex so serious!
C'mon, chill please!

Here comes the train! 

We didn't manage to get a seat for most part of the 200-kilometer journey but well, let's continue to remain cheerful. And one hour isn't exactly a long duration to endure while standing up.

The stomach was rumbling when we arrived at Chiayi HSR station. So, we did what Alex loves most when he is overseas. A meal at a fast food restaurant; specifically, MOS Burger. 

Taking cab to our hotel.

Mega Hotel (鉅陞嘉義亮點旅店); near Chiayi train station and equipped with a gym. p.s. why mega I also don't know but review score was 4.3 from over 2,000 reviewers. 

Out on the street, in search of food, and walked past a claw machine shop! Frankly, I don't understand the craze over them and can't imagine why they could be so widespread, especially when they don't seem to have many customers. Last statement was applicable for Singapore too.

At Wenhua Road Night Market (文化路觀光夜市), which was within walking distance from Mega Hotel. Super comfortable to walk in the nice and cool temperature of only about 12 degrees celcius! 

When you see something steaming in cool weather, it's natural to crave for the food it served! No, I had to tell myself Alex wouldn't likely share it with me, and I am not wasteful enough to just eat a little and throw away.

Explore the side lanes and had desserts at Pin An Tofu Pudding (品安豆漿豆花). I don't know about you but I personally prefer the plain old local beancurd in Singapore, like the ones from Mr Bean.   

Remember this statue a man throwing a baseball; go in the direction towards the Wenhua Road Night Market (文化路觀光夜市) and you would find a nice Stinky Tofu (花莲玉里臭豆腐). My first stinky tofu in Taiwan! 

Why the pedestrian countdown for the traffic lights so cute?! Do you also know that the animated green man for the countdown first started in Taiwan back in 1999?! Yes, the first in the whole world.

Ending the night with a photograph of us in front of Chiayi train station!

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