First Co. Retreat to Saigon

Whenever someone mentions about Vietnam, it reminds us of war. We are under the impression that this country is laid back, and their people are suffering each day. You can actually get robbed in broad daylight especially around tourists' spots. Just be extra careful if you are travelling to Vietnam, you might exchanged counterfeit notes there. I was lucky to stay in one of the best hotels in Saigon - New World Hotel www.saigon.newworldhotels.com

One thing about Vietnamese, they like to honk their cars' horns a lot. Just get used to it, and also try out these mint leaves which they wrapped in spring rolls as well as serve together with kway teow soup. It is a different experience, I enjoyed their foods a lot especially from local Ben Thanh market which is located just 15 minutes walk away from our hotel.

There are night markets near Ben Thanh, and you can pick your own DIY wooden sandals. The locals will tailor made it for you on the spot.

Our half day city tour to cathedral, post office, and temples.

Not to forget getting some handmade souvenirs, coffee powders, and spring roll sheets.

Club Med Bintan

If you intend to have a getaway to Bintan, do try out Club Med http://www.clubmed.com.sg It is just a 45 minutes ferry ride from Singapore. You are required to pay an annual membership fee, and their room rates are exceptionally more expensive than the rest of resorts around. But I can tell you the money you spent is worth every cent.

Club Med's policy is no outsiders are allowed so you can rest assured of safety. They provide free flow of meals all day, most importantly - alcoholic drinks. Every activity is free of charge, you do not need to pay any additional except for massages. They face a beautiful beach, and I'm totally captivated by it. Thanks to my Co. that I was able to enjoy this superb retreat. Pardon for my pools photos, I simply cannot resist taking them at different angles.

 

Batam - Cheap Shopping, Massage, and Seafood

**21st July 2010**

If you think a trip to Bintan is cheap, you definitely have not been to Batam. It is the complete opposite of Bintan. Everything is cheap from foods, massage to shopping. We booked three days two nights free and easy to Batam inclusive of half day city tour. I chose KTM Resort http://www.ktmresort.com due to its spa by the sea which attracted me immensely. Pictures may be deceiving, the ambiance is still acceptable, but not fantastic.

We stayed at beach front villa, the view is not too bad. However, please don't expect too much from the room. It is like staying at chalet but wooden version. By the way, you can see Singapore from KTM Resort.

Singapore!

Swimming pool filled with sea water

 **22nd July 2010**

Half day city tour is basically shopping at their local Polo Ralph shop, kuih lapis cafe, seafood restaurant for tourist with some performances by locals. Do give some tips to them for their effort, they don't earn a lot.

Our lunch is just opposite of the performance area. Their local seafood zi char is just average, I mean for tourists what do you expect right?

Rest of the day is shopping at Nagoya Batam. Singaporeans practically went there to grab all groceries or toiletries from their supermarket. The sanitary pads are extremely cheap, as well as Indo instant mee (the taste is different from the one imported into Singapore). My friends usually brought back tons of them which could fill up a pick up lorry.

They have A & W in Nagoya!

I must say Batam has very delicious kuih lapis even for the one our tour guide recommended. The best one is ATI which comes with a dark green box which a friend of mine bought (her Indonesian friend bought it actually). I took so many pieces of it till I have lost count.

 Thanks for reading, I present you sunset view from my beachfront villa.