Sleepless final night in Ho Chi Minh
I couldn't sleep at all today. I only managed to fall asleep at 6 a.m. It was my last day in Ho Chi Minh City, and maybe there were things inside me I couldn't sort out. But today I had to go to Nha Trang, so I had to wake up at nine.
In the end I slept for only three hours, got ready, and walked to the station. It’s a nine-minute walk from the hostel, so I was glad I chose this place.
Preparing for my first 8-hour train ride
After arriving at Saigon Station, I ordered a mozzarella burger and cheese sticks at Lotteria to get ready for today’s eight-hour train. It was my first eight-hour train ride in my life, so to be honest I was excited.
When I actually got on the train, it felt like there were more than 15 cars in total, divided by class. This time it left at 10 and arrived at 18, so I figured I wouldn’t need to sleep and chose the lowest-ranked carriage.
Just passing time in a carriage where you can’t do anything
My seat was on the aisle, and I was surprised there was no tray table for eating. I had planned to work and edit on the train, but I couldn’t do any of it.
So I decided to sleep, put on an eye mask, a face mask, and earphones, and dozed off. I slept lightly for about four hours but managed to get some sleep. The rain was really heavy and at times the humidity felt like 90%, which made me feel sick, but I somehow got through it.
While on the train I booked accommodation in Hue and Da Nang, plane tickets, and train tickets. I had a lot of work requests and felt it was tough, wondering if I’d really be able to enjoy Nha Trang.
Still, the first experience of spending eight hours on Vietnam’s railway was really a good one. It wasn’t terribly bad, there was air conditioning, and it was surprisingly comfortable. Rice fields kept stretching outside the window and I watched them thinking how amazing Vietnam is.
Things I remember receiving during the trip
Changing the subject, while traveling I sometimes think about the treasures my mom gave me: being left-handed, perfect pitch, a pretty and cute smile, a beautiful voice. Looking back, there are so many, and I felt full of gratitude.
I don’t usually have time to think about things like this in everyday life. I think it’s a feeling that only arises on a solo trip.
Eight exhausting hours, but still worth it
Still, eight hours was exhausting. There was no table and there wasn’t really anything I could do. Outside it was raining and the humidity was high. Honestly, I didn’t feel like doing anything.
But this is part of the trip, and just being able to have experiences like this made me feel very happy. Especially spending time in the same conditions as the locals. That lets you feel how you respond and what sensibilities and emotions arise. I think that’s really important.
Arriving in Nha Trang, and a small kindness
Just as we were about to arrive in Nha Trang, a station attendant actually tapped my knee and told me, “Nha Trang.” I was in a regular carriage where everyone else was Vietnamese, and I was really grateful they took the trouble to speak to me so politely.
He naps in a slightly dirty spot, straightens his tie, and goes back to work. Thinking that this continues all the way to Hanoi, he must be extremely tired. That’s why I felt his job is really impressive.
Nha Trang, a city awash in Russian
I hoisted my heavy backpack and went outside. I had arrived in Nha Trang. In that moment I was simply happy. A sense of accomplishment from finishing my first train trip welled up.
On the way to the hotel after calling a Grab, the city was filled with Russian. In fact, most people were Russian, and it seemed there were few young people—I got the impression many were over thirty. Honestly, I often felt a somewhat rude atmosphere.
The moment I arrived at the hotel, Sonya’s words “Nha Trang is enough for two days” immediately made sense. It’s a strange feeling to be in a town with more Russians than locals.
Why I was glad I chose Quy Nhon
Before the trip I really hesitated between Quy Nhon and Nha Trang. Both had beautiful beaches, but Quy Nhon is less affected by the rainy season. In the end, I’m really glad I chose Quy Nhon. Nha Trang didn’t rain as much as I thought either, though.
The moment behavior changes the atmosphere
When I checked in at the hotel, the woman at first was a bit aggressive. But when I treated her pleasantly, she softened immediately.
With just my behavior, the other person’s attitude changed. It was a moment that made me realize this obvious fact again.
Russian food and a local night
I put my luggage down and went out for dinner. Looking at the map, there were really a lot of Russian restaurants. I was curious about all of them.
Some places had high ratings but almost no customers, while others were full and I couldn’t get in. The difference was extreme. Since it was a rare opportunity, I decided to go into a restaurant filled only with Russians.
I ordered borscht and a cutlet for the first time in a while. It’s a dish I don’t know how many times I ate during my study abroad in Russia. The taste was average. Of course Russia is tastier, but it was okay.
The Russians around me were quite assertive, ordering in detail and making the Vietnamese staff uncomfortable. That’s why when I treated them kindly, all the staff returned smiles.
Thoughts at the end of the first day in Nha Trang
After dinner I walked about a kilometer to the center. I worked on projects in a cafe until near midnight. I was really surprised that everyone around me was Russian.
At the massage place, the girls were playing something like soccer with Russians, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Scenes like that make me think, “this is travel.”
And so, day one in Nha Trang.
Honestly, it was such an information-packed day that I almost felt like I could go home now.
