Exploring present Saigon - Ho Chi Minh

We just came from Choeng Euk and headed back to our hotel. We had our lunch to a nearby restaurant and prepared to pack up our things for our next destination - Vietnam.

Vietnam's bustling largest city sets the cultural and economic pace for the country. The former Saigon boasts charming French colonial architecture and wide boulevards, usually thronged and choked with traffic. Taxis are an option for seeing the sprawling city.

 

This will be our first time to travel cross countries by land and were very excited what was it gonna be like.

We bought our tickets from a ticketing office in pnom penh and based on our research and various suggestions from the web, we opted to ride Mekong Bus due to its reputation and service for tourists and business travelers.

American airplanes lining up in War Remnant Museum.

The first stop in our tour is The War Remnant Museum. Here, your guide  will tell the story of the city's darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military craft, weaponry and many photographs - some that are quite graphic in nature and I notice pictures are somewhat anti american. I wonder what american tourists would feel seeing it though. Lol

Cambodia's heartwarming capital: Pnom Penh

After enjoying wonderful Siem Reap,  we decided to travel to Cambodia's capital and that is Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh is a laid back city which is somehow similar to Siem Reap but with an urban touch. 

Toul Sleng Genocide Museum

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, was once known as the Pearl of Asia before the country spun into turmoil with the mass killings by the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s. Over the last few decades, Phnom Penh has grown into an economic center, sprawled with high rises, hotels, historical architecture, modern malls, and an incredible food culture.

Gemstones for sale at Siem Reap Cambodia!

Siem Reap is not only famous for Angkor Wat and beautiful temples. It is also a shopping paradise. Yes, you heard it right! They may not have the largest malls in Asia or have a huge array of bazaars but what they have is quite unique and special. GEMSTONES!!!

Shining, shimmering, splendid gemstones!

My colleagues were in Siem Reap last 2013 and were very fond of gemstones. Once they knew that I'd travel to Cambodia, they did not hesitate and asked me a favor to buy some precious gems. They were trying to complete their collections of birthstones I guess. haha

Frequently Asked Questions 104: Chinese Tourist Visa for Filipinos

1. Do I need a visa to go to China?

Yes, generally Filipinos are required to have a visa when visiting China.

2. What are the basic requirements?

For Filipino Employees, here are the requirements below.

1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) and emergency contact page (last page)
5. Travel itinerary and reservation of round-trip airline ticket and hotel, or invitation letters from China.

3. What are the other documents needed?

For first time Chinese Visa applicant, information about your finances and employment or studies is required.

You can submit any of the following:

• Certificate of Employment ( must include details about your salary and the length of your employment)
• Personal Bank Certificate and official receipt of the payment from the bank and Bank statements for 6 months period
• Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316

To increase your chance of approval, you may submit all the above requirements mentioned.

Captivating Siem Reap in One Day!

Siem Reap, has long been a destination for architectural and historical seekers alike with the Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom being famous worldwide, but as a destination it has a great deal to offer for many types of traveler, but you find the groove and pattern of the small city within the day. It's a very safe and easy-to-get around town, and very economical for every sort of traveller! Not to mention it's a short 20 minutes from Angkor Wat - the famous temples in Cambodia!

Temple Run! You played it, I lived with it. lol

Frequently Asked Questions 103: South Korea Tourist Visa for Filipinos

1. Do I need a visa to go to South Korea?

Yes, Filipinos are required to have a visa when visiting South Korea.

2. What are the requirements?

For Filipino Employees, here are the requirements below.

1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2)
5. Original & Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years (If applicable, and Korean Visas will not be counted)
6. Original Certificate of Employment (must include applicant's position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), HR e-mail address)
7. Original Personal Bank Certificate (must include account type, current balance, account opening date, ADB)
8. Bank Statement 
9. (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months)
10. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316

       *Frequent travellers who have travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within 5 years are exempt from submitting ITR.

Frequently Asked Questions 102: Japan Tourist Visa for Filipinos

1. Do I need a visa to go to Japan?

Yes, Filipinos are required to have a visa when visiting Japan.

2. What are the requirements?

1. Passport valid for at least six months
2. Visa Application Form (download)
3. Photo (4.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with white background
4. Birth Certificate issued by NSO within 1 year
5. Marriage Contract (if applicable) issued by NSO within 1 year
6. Tour Itinerary (download sample)
7. Bank Certificate (original)
8. Philippine Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316)

    Note. All documents should be valid within 3 months upon the date of issue (unless otherwise stated)