In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I take you to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. My journey begins with a near-miss on a scooter taxi, a thrilling initiation into the city's chaotic traffic. At my hostel, I join a communal dinner, savoring spring rolls and beer with fellow travelers, creating memories that would draw me back years later. My exploration includes a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels, a labyrinthine network that once sheltered and supplied soldiers during the war. Crawling through these narrow, dark tunnels, I feel a mix of claustrophobia and fascination, a stark contrast to the amusement park-like atmosphere of the site.

Next, I venture into Cambodia, landing in Siem Reap with the majestic Angkor Wat on my itinerary. After a serendipitous encounter with Fortunata via Couchsurfing, we meet a local taxi driver who takes us to an unexpected yet delightful restaurant experience. Despite initial skepticism, the evening turns out to be a culinary adventure, complete with impeccable service and unbelievably low prices. The following day, Angkor Wat's grandeur leaves me in awe, and a chance meeting with Hama, who would later invite me to Singapore, marks the beginning of a life-changing encounter.

Links:

Common Room Project — The hostel we stayed at in HCMC.
The Bugs Cafe — Blog post about the bug cafe in Siem Reap. (Nice weblog in general.)
Pub Street, the Center of Siem Reap's Nightlife Scene — Officially titled “Street 8”, Pub Street is the center of action as the night falls in Siem Reap.
Pronounce "A" in Vietnamese — A short YT video with an explanation.
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Episode 22: World Trip I (pt. 13) – HCMC & Siem Reap