Kolajo’s mission directive was clear: Locate and ingest the Pho at the famous Vietnamese chain, Pho 24, thus confirming or refuting that it deserves its title as Best Place to Eat Pho in the World (according to the recently published Guardian article).

I set out at noon, zinging with the thrill of Ho Chi Minh’s energy, refusing cyclo ride hawkers every three steps, and being absolutely, positively terrified of the traffic of Saigon.

Pho 24

Basically, there are a gabillion motorcycles here. People ride them with cocky, entitled pizzaz, zooming through unregulated intersections in packs of fifty, weaving around cars, narrowly missing pedestrians, and generally acting like rock stars on holiday. These are not the sad, raggedy motos of Cambodia, but are, rather, glistening beasts of metal, galloping through every nook and alleyway of Saigon.

Wanna cross a road? There is never a break in the rushing flow. To cross, you must slowly yet determinedly inch across, trying whenever humanly possible to cling with those mystifyingly confident crossing locals. To pause or turn back is to bring peril. Push onward, and the cyclos will and must weave around you. You must have faith! (I still have none.)

Somewhere past “Pho For the President” and the place where a giant office building squats upon a park, and sometime after the first drops of rain blooped down, a branch of Pho 24 came in sight. Victory!

Inside was sleek, modern, and clean. I ordered a juice of Sapodilla fruit… still not quite sure what it is, but it was tasty. Now, please note the photo, left, of the paper placemat; according to Pho 24, Pho contains a compound that cures and/or prevents Swine Flu! How useful!

I asked what the most popular Pho was (medium size with beef slabs, the waiter replied), and was brought a steaming bowl, along with a plate of green leaves, hot peppers, and onions.

I sort of panicked upon seeing that condiment plate and ended up dumping the entire thing into my Pho (not quite sure this is the hip way to do it, but I dislike waste and tend to overdo things in general).

Then it was time to dig in. Mmm! Mmm mmm mmm! Gooood Pho! Rich broth, succulent meat, lots of leafy goodness (basil?), oniony zestiness, and spicy hotness. The thin white noodles glistened on the chopsticks and were tender and happy-making. Yum! Thanks, Kolajo! (Anyone else with a culinary or other exciting quest, bring it on!)

I wandered Saigon for the rest of the day, ogling the floppy dried jellyfish with chili sauce stand, the teeming markets, the sexy clothing stores, and the happy mix of Vietnamese locals and tourists.

I took my summer vacation early this year – I just couldn’t wait to take advantage of the amazing prices. This travel guide was compiled after I spent a whirlwind week in Vietnam and Cambodia.  The visit to provincial Hanoi, then some time in the strikingly more modern city of Ho Chi Minh and finishing off with a final stop to relax and explore in Siem Reap was the perfect combination.

Here are some quick tips if you are planning to visit either country…..

Getting Around

Don't Expect to Hear This Guy on the Radio

• Walking can be a bit intimidating with all of the motorbikes. If you wait for a break in the action you’ll be on the corner for hours.  Step off and walk briskly across the street, the drivers will navigate their way around you
• In Siem Reap you’ll be using Tuks.  For less than $10 per day you can have a driver who will wait for you at every destination.

Currency

• U.S. dollars worked just as well and in many cases were preferred by vendors. If you go to your bank before your trip or once you get to these countries, ask for new bills as crisp currency is preferred.
• If you need to change a travelers check at a bank, be prepared to stand in a long line.  The systems are still very paper-based so each transaction is lengthy – it’s actually pretty fascinating to observe.

Shopping

• Try all clothing on before purchasing. The fits are very different from our Western sizes
• The Night Market in Siem Reap was too touristy for my taste. It houses a movie theater and an “Island Bar,” with many vendors selling tourist souvenirs rather than local goods. A better bet for an authentic experience is The Old Market. The vendors here are more open to negotiations, so you can usually get a better price and this area is home to the old colonial buildings for a better atmosphere.
• The negotiations, especially in Cambodia, were a lot of fun and it’s easy to arrive at a price that makes both parties happy

Don’t forget to schedule some time for some spa treatments.  If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a Thai massage.  At 20% or less compared to the cost of services in the US, why wouldn’t you?

Kristen Celko

VP of Marketing and E-Commerce

Hanoi Traffic Photo Credit: wakxy on Flickr

As you all know, it’s our birthday and you only turn 30 once! The truth is everyone loves a good party, so it’s time to let loose, have a “yagabomb” and check out some of the best party cities in the world!

1. Ibiza, Spain - This Spanish Island is notorious for its debauchery. Home to a number of foam parties and bars, including Privilege, the largest club in the world (it can hold ten times the number of people that went to my high school) how could we not put it at number one?

“Hear no evil, speak no evil - and you'll never be invited to a party” - Oscar Wilde

2. Florianopolis, Brazil – Less known than its amigo Rio de Janeiro, Florianopolis is the epitome of paradise. 42 beaches, check. Beautiful people, check. Awesome nightlife, check plus.

3. Ios, Greece – The island of Ios is MADE to party. When they don’t even serve breakfast until noon, you know it’s a good time.

4. Hvar Island, Croatia – With a number of waterfront bars for the night owl and beaches to explore during the day, Hvar Island is one underrated party destination that begs to be experienced.

5. Koh Phanang, Vietnam – Full moon party is what you get when you add gallons glow in the dark body paint, one beach, buckets of booze, and 20,000 people from all over the world. Just don’t mistakenly get literal and expose your backside.

6. Istanbul, Turkey – Istanbul offers a range of party options for any student on holiday. Check out the clubs on the waters of the Bosporus during the summer that don’t stop till 4am or later.

7. Prague, Czech Republic – With pints for around a euro, the city of Prague is the one of the cheapest places to get silly. The party goes on till 4 am so plan to stumble around until the wee hours.

8. Melbourne, Australia – Hands down, the best partying I have ever done has been with a group of Aussies. With a lion’s share of pubs, chic lounges, and raving clubs, Melbourne reminds you that Oz is more than koalas and Fosters.

9. Beirut, Lebanon – Beirut has become a decadent spot for merry making. Just be sure to check the local guides for the best places to go, as sentiments on party palaces change almost daily.

10. Shanghai, China - Frequented by many famous DJ’s, Shanghai has many districts that have awesome clubs all within stumbling distance: great for the expat who can throw back a drink or five.

Let me know your take on the best city to get schwasty face in!

Vietnam and China are probably two of the craziest countries you  could ever trek through. While the language barrier creates a problem, I would say the cultural differences are just so vast that you can’t help but find differences left and right.

Getting Ready to Ride the Streets of Vietnam

For instance,  when I took my first drive in Hanoi I was befuddled by the beeping, honking, and crazy driving exhibited by – everyone! Even my taxi  driver was on the verge of hitting every other person (including the family of five huddled on a motorcycle suited for two).

But, all in all, I would say that you need to bring these two to the top of your travel wish list. If anyone has told you recently that travel is expensive, you will be blown away at how far your money can  go over here! Let me convert some things for you that I saw in China and Vietnam (this is all priced out in American dollars): handmade  traditional silk dress ($12), Coca-Cola ($0.50), Adidas sneakers  ($15),etc. The list goes on and on. The two boxes I shipped home were over 25 pounds each. Oh boy, can anyone say shopping spree?

There is actually just too much to say about this tour. It’s difficult to put into words how hysterical it is to be haggled by little old ladies in Chengyang on the wind and rain bridges. (They  basically come up to you and scream, “You want to buy? Only one hundred!” Even if you say no, they continue to lower the price until it’s roughly 70% off. If you’re a good bargainer, come here!)

It’s unfathomable to describe the Longji rice terraces. (One of the coolest places on the planet – the Drong people, an ethnic Chinese minority actually carved these terraces into the side of a mountain to avoid leaving their homeland. Talk about determination! It took over seven hundred years to complete. That’s pretty hardcore if I do say so myself.)

It’s also impossible to try and explain how much fun our tour has been! You grow so close to the nine or ten other people you’re with, that you have a family connection. You know? It’s just an all-around immersing experience. Peace out everyone!