Trip - Vietnam D6 - Random Last Stops

Hi Blog,

Last full day in Vietnam; this post will be slightly random because I could not think of a proper title for it because we went to some random locations. If you have an interesting name for this, please let me know.

Last look at the sunrise from my hotel window.

In this post, I combined Day 6 (a full day) and Day 7 (which consisted of nothing but returning to Singapore). I was scared when I saw how many things I needed to write about in my blog posts.

On Day 6, we will return to Hanoi and explore some of its tourist attractions. Same morning routine in the hotel, feeling empty as if returning to the real world.

Going down from the mountains made some of the passengers sick, and my mother vomited while I was napping deeply to avoid looking out or awakening to feel the same way. Thankfully, she did not feel lousy after vomiting.

We arrived at West Lake (Hồ Tây), a popular lake with zero reviews on Google Maps. From what I see, it is just a lake with no distinguishing features.

According to the tour briefing, before we left, the itinerary for the first day included some ironic locations in Hanoi, but it would be preferable to schedule it for the last day of our tour.

Our first random location was a Buddhist temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chùa Trấn Quốc). I cannot read that Chinese word clearly, is it 鎮園古寺?

There is something distinctive on the floor. I wondered how they made this?

Speaking of temple cleanliness - The temple is surprisingly clean! On land, I expected to see bird poop all over the roof, but there was none.

The pagoda here is impressive. I was too preoccupied with taking pictures to hear what the tour guide had to say, so I learnt nothing.

I took nice pictures but could not cover every corner of this temple. So rushed...

As with any Buddhist temple, a large banyan tree is planted in the backyard. I did not get a chance to take good photos here because it was also crowded. We only stayed in this temple for about 30 minutes before being asked to return to our bus and continue our journey.

Our next stop required us to queue, and it was a long queue, so one of the families in our group decided to relax at a nearby cafe.

It was a highly secure location, which resulted in a long queue, so where was this place?

The Vietnam flag, which is prominently displayed, can attract attention from afar, particularly its bright red.

This place was Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum.

(Credit Tour Guide) I have recently learned that Ho Chi Minh was a notable Vietnamese leader whose image is featured on every Vietnamese dollar note. For a considerable time, I was unaware that a city named Ho Chi Minh was named in his honour.

(Credit Tour guide) There were many buildings here painted in yellow.

It takes inspiration from Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow, but it really mixes in some unique Vietnamese architectural features, like the sloping roof.

What a beautiful office! Welcome to my workspace!

I am captivated by this building section, where lush greenery intertwines seamlessly with the architectural design.

From the photos, it is clear that Ho Chi Minh accomplished a great deal for the people. While I may not elaborate on his actions, I recognize that it was a significant challenge to unite the population during that time. Salute to you. 

Oh! One cool and mysterious thing about this place is the cypress tree.

It is unclear how or why the cypress trees in this area sprout so many unusual pointy roots (some of which resemble tiny human figures) from the ground. I tried to find more information online, but no one mentioned it. (6th Feb 2025) Credit KW for responding; this is known as Cypress Knee. What a fascinating way for the cypress tree to breathe.

It was a large space at Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, but I did not make much of an effort to document it all because I was overwhelmed by the first few Vietnam blog posts, so I kept it simple. My next destination was one of my favourite temples, the Confucius Temple.

Lol! It is funny to see my mother attempting to pose for a photograph. Even funnier was when a lady local expressed interest in my jacket and asked how much I paid for it, to which I replied at a discounted SGD price; then she revealed hers, which was 5% cheaper than mine, and proceeded to tell me I could afford to buy some of the local merchandise from her at a low cost. I turned her down, and she has every right to despise me... I assumed I was just a poor guy.

Similar to Taiwan's Confucius Temple, the interior here retains the Chinese traditional style.

Bow to Confucius and make a few comments because I wanted to keep this final post simple and brief.

Feeling bloated after dinner...

We needed to leave for the airport early tomorrow morning, so I worked hard to draft my blog and slept early.

On our way to the airport, I won't be taking any more pics I was too tired...

I looked around the airport, which was quiet... Because it was 5 a.m., we will take the earliest flight back to Singapore... I was so tired...

Ah! Something caught my attention. Starbucks Bearista Bears, and my cousin told me that each country will have its own distinct Starbucks Bearista Bears. I do not want to start collecting these, and I am not going to stop... I tried searching online and discovered an incredible collection!

Yippee! I have gotten a window seat! Thank you, Vietnam for the reward. 🙏

It is time to return home, and I have taken some time to reflect on the entire trip.

When I agreed to this trip, I wasn’t as excited as usual about travelling. Concerns about Vietnam’s development, the cold weather in Sapa, and even my own readiness weighed on my mind. But as the journey unfolded, it surprised me in ways I didn’t expect, leaving me with lasting lessons and cherished memories.

1. Understanding Vietnam Through a City Nerd's Lens

Vietnam’s charm lies in its contrasts. On one hand, you see its potential, but on the other, you notice its challenges. The chaotic traffic, tangled wiring, and scattered trash reflect a country striving for change but grappling with systemic issues that hinder progress.

As someone who grew up in urban Singapore, I’ve often taken for granted the stability and opportunities I enjoy. Even though I’m not wealthy, I live in a system that offers security and structure. Vietnam reminded me of the importance of appreciating what I have and staying mindful of how I can contribute to others who face greater struggles.

2. The Unexpected Gift of Bonding with My Mother

This trip wasn’t just about destinations—it was about companionship. My mother, who would’ve been the only one travelling alone among relatives, asked me to join her. Despite my initial hesitation, I decided to go, and I’m so glad I did.

The moments we shared—taking photos, exploring, and simply being there for each other—became the trip’s true treasure. I’ve realized that these experiences are more valuable than any souvenir. From now on, I’ll make it a point to take my mother on at least one trip a year. Life is too short to let these opportunities pass by.

3. Nature’s Unexpected Blessing

Sapa was the crown jewel of this trip—and my biggest source of worry. The cold, high altitude and stories of fog and snow had me preparing for the worst. Yet, when we arrived, we were greeted by clear skies, cool yet manageable temperatures, and breathtaking views of the mountain ridges.

It was as though the universe had planned this just for us. Being able to witness Sapa’s beauty in such ideal conditions made me feel deeply grateful. It reminded me that no matter how much I worry, life often has a way of surprising us for the better.

Final Thoughts

Travel isn’t just about the places we go—it’s about what we learn along the way. Vietnam taught me to be grateful for what I have, to cherish time with loved ones, and to embrace life’s surprises. While the itinerary felt rushed at times, the richness of the experience more than made up for it.

For that, I’m truly thankful.

Jeff