A Memorable Voyage to Singapore and Vietnam

A Memorable Voyage to Singapore and Vietnam

As an avid admirer of long-haul flights and aircrafts, my recent journey with Singapore Airlines, a renowned champion in the air travel industry, was nothing short of a fascinating odyssey. The journey spanned approximately 30 hours, meticulously planned and equipped with extensive in-flight entertainment such as a variety of magazines and movies, a selection of meals, and assistance for slumber that ensured my arrival was as relaxed and ready to discover this foreign territory.

An airport serves as a gatekeeper to a country, offering the first impressions to its visitors. Despite technological advancements, some American airports still lack people-friendly features. In stark contrast, Singapore's ultra-modern airport stands as an invitation to delve into the local culture even before exiting its premises, boasting free internet terminals, a cinema, a rooftop swimming pool, aromatherapy spas, oxygen bars, indoor nature garden complete with waterfalls and a koi pond.

As pioneers go, my companions were 28 culturally-curious individuals, part of a small group I was tasked to escort. Assurance of a rich cultural experience had drawn a larger interested crowd, but fears of bird flu resulted in a smaller committed group. This unexpected result transformed my work duty into a seemingly personalised vacation.

The journey in Singapore starts off with a breathtaking orientation tour at the peak of Mt. Farber, home to spectacular panoramic views. From there, the awe-inspiring landscape paints an image of a shining metropolis geographically nestled between Malaysia and Indonesia but culturally standing as the leader of South East Asia, mesmerizing the group.

Singapore, a bustling port that modernized thanks to British Empire influences, houses over 4 million inhabitants, majority being Chinese. Known as the ‘Lion City’, it's a harmonious amalgamation of different ethnic groups. While it hosts over 8 million tourists annually, very few Americans have uncovered the charm of this city-state-capital and country in one.

The Regent Hotel of the Four Seasons, where we stayed, was the epitome of opulence. The staff guarantee a gracious hospitality experience that rivals the finest in the world, and the timing couldn't have been more perfect, coinciding with the city's Great Shopping Festival. Also, Singapore’s retail paradise, Orchard Road, a block away, offered a splendid shopping experience, becoming a soothing remedy for our jet lag.

For shoppers, Singapore is home to around 150 mega-malls, some of which are perpetually open, fueling the nation’s obsession for shopping and bargain hunting. The acquisition of an authentic, second-hand Rolex at a fraction of the original cost was indeed a testament to the nation’s love for labels.

There is a plethora of activities awaiting tourists in Singapore. It is a perfect blend of culture and technology - an arts festival offering multiple venues, and an energetic nightlife at the trendy Clarke Quay area by the river. The city has a constant buzz, radiant 24/7, reminiscent of Hong Kong on steroids.

Our local guide, Farida, escorted us to a range of attractions including the National Orchard Gardens with its breathtaking collection of 60,000 orchid species and the vibrant ethnic hubs of Chinatown and Little India, each offering unique sensory experiences.

The cityscape further surprises with the sleek architecture in the financial district and historical Sachie of colonial-era landmarks such as the Merlion Park with its iconic fountain and areas established by Sir Stanford Raffles. Singapore’s colonial past collides with its contemporary prosperity at the famous Raffles Hotel, where we sipped the iconic cocktail - a 'Singapore Sling'.

Besides cityscapes and shopping sprees, Singapore offers world-class wildlife experiences. The Night Safari at the local zoo, touted as one of the finest globally with its free roaming enclosures made for 2500 animals, offers a truly immersive experience.

As for laws and regulations, Singapore is a tightly controlled democracy. Here, exceeding the speed limit is met with alarms from cars, and drug trafficking could result in a death sentence, with minor offenses such as chewing gum or jay-walking calling for a caning.

After a leisurely visit in Singapore, the journey continues with a short three-hour flight to Vietnam. Despite its cultural richness and tranquility, Vietnam's economic state is far from prosperous, yet the charm of the people and their heartwarming smiles are enough to allure any tourists.

Staying at the deluxe Sheraton Resort gave us a peaceful retreat amongst the chaos of Hanoi. The city, with its seven lanes filled with 2.4 million motor scooters, struck us with a uniquely intense rhythm. Our knowledgeable guide, Hong, helped us navigate through the city, teaching us the local urban skills, such as crossing bustling streets.

Here in Hanoi, we were guided through numerous sites of immense historical and cultural importance, including the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda, the French Quarter, and the memorial to Ho Chi Minh, whose preserved body lies visibly encased in his tomb. Such a sight commanded significant respect from all visitors, even extending to the regulations of no cameras, sunglasses, or dashboards, and arms kept by the sides.

The city offers a multitude of food markets, selling a variety of items ranging from everyday food to rare delicacies. One such dish includes 'Thit Chow', a dog stew considered peasant food, while 'country rat' is ceremoniously served at all birthday parties. The rich culinary culture goes hand in hand with its abundant affluence in arts with the Water Puppet Show being a prime example, this unique blending of music and dance on water hailing from local villagers in ancient times.

As a city, Hanoi's pulse is lively and bustling, but the true decorous grace of Vietnam is best experienced in its serene villages. Traversing through the countryside, we journeyed to Halong Bay for a full day cruise. Sailing into a dreamscape amidst 3,000 islands of sheer limestone cliffs emerging from the emerald sea was a visual feast, indicative of why the bay is a world heritage site.

The final day was the highlight of the trip with a group cyclo-tour through Old Hanoi. This unique ride offered an up-close view of the narrow lanes packed with scooters driving in the opposing direction, resulting in a thrilling – albeit near-miss – ride.

Flying back to Singapore for a rest, we reflected on the journey so far. Despite the stark difference between the modernistic utopia of Singapore and the culturally stimulating serenity of traditional Vietnam, both destinations offered a unique blend of experiences. It was indeed an Asian affair to never forget.