The next day began early, as I was picked up from my hotel at 7 AM for a planned day tour. After gathering all nine participants from the city, the guide handed out water bottles and snacks—something I was especially grateful for, given my hunger. As we set off on the 1.5-hour journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the guide began narrating Vietnam’s history and detailing the origins and purpose of the tunnels. Along the way, we stopped briefly at a government-supported craft center showcasing handmade items. After a quick 20-minute stop, we resumed our journey.

When we reached the Cu Chi Tunnels, it was drizzling, which made the weather cool and very pleasant—perfect for exploring. We collected our tickets and started the tour. The first exhibit displayed an array of weapons used during the Vietnam War, including rifles, bombs, and other artifacts. The highlight, however, was exploring the intricate network of tunnels. Stepping into one of them was an eye-opening experience—narrow, dark, and requiring a mix of crawling or shuffling in a hunched posture. On my first attempt, I mistakenly exited after just 20 meters. Determined, I re-entered the tunnels with a few others and managed to traverse 200 meters this time. The experience was both thrilling and exhausting, leaving me sweaty but fascinated by the resilience of those who once lived and fought within these tunnels.

After exploring various sections and learning about the war strategies employed, we stopped for lunch, which was part of the tour package. With renewed energy, we headed to the Mekong Delta. The drive was longer this time, and upon arrival, I grabbed a quick coffee before boarding a boat. We were greeted with fresh coconut water, making for a refreshing start to the delta adventure.

Our first stop was a local workshop where we saw how coconut-based chocolates and other items were made. While the process wasn’t particularly captivating, it was interesting to see the local craft. We then visited a bee farm, where I tried honey tea—delightfully sweet and aromatic. Holding a honeycomb alive with bees was a nerve-wracking yet memorable experience; I was cautious not to drop it or agitate the bees.

Next, we moved to a spot where locals served us tea alongside a platter of five fruits, including mango and dragon fruit, while performing folk songs. Unfortunately, I couldn’t tip the performers as I didn’t have any cash on me. The final activity involved navigating a narrow canal surrounded by palm trees in a traditional boat. Along the way, I spotted several mudskipper fish darting through the water—a unique sight.

We wrapped up the tour and headed back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving around 7:30 PM. My evening was spent wandering the streets in search of an ATM, but after a few failed attempts, I found a currency exchange to convert the $10 I had into Vietnamese Dong. Feeling relieved to have local cash, I stopped by a nearby KFC. Ordering was a small adventure in itself, as the menu was in Vietnamese and the staff didn’t speak English. With the help of Google Translate and a bit of guesswork, I managed to order what turned out to be chicken—and it tasted great! Satisfied with the day and a full stomach, I returned to my hotel and called it a night.