Eco's Within and Without

Route: Tan Son Nhat International Airport to KLIA 2 Date:  2 July 2019 Mode: Plane ride Duration:   16:20 – 19:20 (3 hours/ actual 16:50 – 19:50) Fare: 64.19 USD Difficulty: Nothing encountered, my body has been accustomed to hardship Highlight: Smooth pass through immigration officers, travel from one country to another I was able to reach Than So Nhat International Airport (TIA) at 13:20, earlier than expected. I checked in immediately and everything went smooth. I then went next to the immigration counters and when I faced the officer, he asked what I did in Vietnam. I told him that I toured around HCMC and visited the floating market in Can Tho.He also asked if I have work in Indonesia and I affirmed. He followed up to ask why I needed to pass by Kuala Lumpur. I told him that KL is nearer to Pekanbaru where I am working. He seems to have been satisfied that he stamped the exit mark. I smiled at him giving my softest “Thank you” utterance.

Route: Can Tho bus terminal to HCMC center Date:  2 July 2019 Mode: Bus ride Duration:   8:10 – 11:20 (3 hours 10 minutes/ Can Tho Bus Terminal – Ben xe mien tay bus terminal) Fare: 150k dong Difficulty: none Highlight: convenience of travelling, not used to lying down position in travelling but is more convenient After the walking tour around the Can Tho public market, I searched for a motor ride going to Can Tho bus terminal. When, I got a motor ride for only 40k dong, we then headed to the terminal. It took us roughly 15 minutes going there. I alighted at the gate of the bus station as motor bikes are not allowed inside.  There are many bus companies to HCM but I still choose Than Buroi because that was the one I rode when I went to Can Tho. Besides, I was thinking that I already know where their bus station in HCM is. I also saw Futa Bus Company but I did not attempt to inquire anymore. The fare for this trip is 150k dong. The bus is

Route: Along Can Tho wet market to nearby roads Date:  2 July 2019 Duration: Walking (around 1 hour); motor ride (around 15 minutes) Mode: Walking, motor riding Fare: 40k dong (motor ride) Difficulty: Communicating with locals Highlight: Witness the dynamics of a wet market in Vietnam, search for motorcycle ride to the bus terminal without an online app, bargaining for prices of services After the dawn to morning tour at the floating market in Cai Rang, I went back to my rented room to prepare myself for travel back to HCM. I felt both carefree in enjoying the walking tour and rushing to catch up for the bus back to HCMC. I felt carefree because my flight will still be in the late afternoon but I felt being rushed thinking about the traffic situation when I will reach HCM. Feeling carefree, I still took a walking tour from my apartment to the foot or the bridge which is only around 15 meters from there. Then I took a walk around the market around the bank of

Route: Along Cai Rang river Date:  2 July 2019 Mode: walking and by boat ride Duration:   2 hours Fare: 120k dong Difficulty: Communication with locals Highlight: Experience the 100 years tradition of floating market I woke up at 4:30 and prepared for the floating market tour. From my nearby hostel, I walked to the foot of the bridge again. I met two women offering boat ride for 200k. I bargained at 100 but we ended up at 120k. It was a cheaper deal as compared to the 150k offer last night. So, instead of walking to the house where I bargained the night before, I decided to take the deal. When I rode the boat, I noticed another companion touring with me. He looks like 18 years old but when I talked to him, he said that he is 21 years old and working as a clerk in a government education office. The boat is small. It has a capacity of 5 tourists. I compared this size to other boats offering tour along the floating market. They can accommodate up to 20 people. Th

Route: Hostel near the bridge and traversing the Cai Rang river at the eastern side Date:  1 July 2019 Mode: walking Duration:   3 hours Fare: none Difficulty: keeping oneself safe from crime along the streets Highlight: exploring the bank of the river where floating marketing is done It was still early in the evening when I finally settled myself in my hostel so I decided to take an evening walk tour around. I started from my hotel to the foot of the bridge then along the river bank going south. Then, I saw a path going to the river. I met some people and asked if I could see the floating river at night. They said that there are no sellers in the evening and that the busy hours are in the morning at around 5 or 6 am. When I asked how much the trip is and they opened at 250k dong. But I soon sensed that it can be negotiated. We ended up at 150k and they told me that I can make reservations. But I told them that I will just pay the whole amount in the morning

Route: From the west side of Cai Rang river to the east side Date:  1 July 2019 Mode: walking Duration:   4 hours Fare:  none/ Room: 100k dong Difficulty: keeping my things secure, night can be moderately hot outside Highlight: taking photos along the river bank, meeting locals, negotiating prices, exploring the floating market by night From the day’s walk, I went back to the market where I was dropped. Then, I crossed a bigger bridge and went to the eastern side of Cai Rang river. I chanced upon a billboard with 24/24 note and a sign that it is a 24-hour hostel. I entered the place and saw a lady who told that there are plenty rooms available. The with aircon costs 200k while the one with fan is only 100k. I took the fan room because I only need to sleep, take a bath and relax for the night and leave the place early the following morning. I checked in at 19:00. I immediately unpacked my bag and took a bath. My body felt sticky and itchy after a day's trave