24 hours in Dubai

"When traveling, I always try to make the most of my time, even during transit between flights. If I have to transit in a third country, I'll take advantage of the opportunity to visit another country in a short time without having to spend extra money on airfare," Thu Trang said.

Renowned as one of the most luxurious and opulent cities in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai consistently attracts tourists with its magnificent beauty, wealth, and unique culture. Known not only as the "golden land" with its booming economy, it also boasts countless colossal, modern architectural marvels and world-class travel experiences. For international visitors, Dubai is a "paradise" with features that are simply irresistible.

What to do in Dubai in a day?

Thu Trang's journey seemed endless as she continuously moved from one tourist attraction to another. The two most impressive destinations on her trip were the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. There, she immersed herself in the bustling atmosphere of the marketplace, admired the glittering jewelry, and inhaled the rich aroma of unique spices.

Located right in the heart of vibrant Dubai, the Gold Souk is a paradise for jewelry lovers. Spanning over 30,000 square meters and boasting more than 300 shops of all sizes, it attracts visitors from around the world with its diverse, abundant, and dazzling selection of jewelry.

Just a metro ride and a few minutes' walk from Dubai International Airport (DXB), Thu Trang easily found this bustling market. From 10 am, the shops began opening, displaying glittering gold jewelry under the lights, leaving her completely overwhelmed. The designs, a blend of traditional and modern Arabian styles, were cleverly arranged, attracting the attention of tourists and inviting them to explore.

Besides gold, the market also sells countless rare and precious gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, etc. All jewelry here is guaranteed to be made of real gold and meticulously crafted by skilled artisans. Visitors can shop with complete peace of mind at the Gold Souk, with a strict security system ensuring the safety of visitors and their belongings.

After exploring the splendor of the Gold Souk, Thu Trang took time to stroll through the vibrant Spice Souk, filled with rich flavors and dazzling colors. Since the 19th century, this has been an important trading hub along the Silk Road.

The spice market is a paradise for food lovers, where visitors can find countless varieties of dried spices, herbs, teas, and unique souvenirs. Most famous are saffron – the “red gold” of the Middle East; dates in various types and flavors; delicious cooking spice powders; and delicate floral teas. Visitors will also be captivated by stalls selling shimmering lanterns, exquisitely embroidered scarves, colorful carpets, and countless unique souvenirs that reflect Dubai's rich culture.

At the Spice Market, visitors are greeted by enthusiastic and hospitable male vendors. They are always ready to introduce their products and invite visitors to shop. However, visitors should be aware of their somewhat aggressive sales style. "If you're just visiting and not buying anything, that's fine. But if you do buy, remember to bargain enthusiastically. Feel free to offer a quarter of their asking price," Thu Trang jokingly said.

Furthermore, with a packed but exciting schedule, Thu Trang had an incredibly memorable day exploring Dubai, leaving behind unforgettable impressions as she visited the Burj Khalifa, had lunch at Dubai Mall, strolled along La Mer beach, and admired the Jumeirah Mosque…

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After landing at Dubai airport, Thu Trang proceeded with immigration procedures. Since she had already checked in her luggage for a later flight, she only brought carry-on baggage. To enter Dubai, you need a UAE visa. This visa allows you to stay for a maximum of 96 hours in the UAE.

Next, Thu Trang exchanged her currency for UAE Dirham (AED) at the currency exchange counter in the airport. However, since most shops accept card payments, she only exchanged a sufficient amount to be safe. Dubai Airport has a baggage check-in area, so she decided to check in her carry-on backpack for easier movement. The fee was 25 AED per backpack for 12 hours.

With a full day to explore Dubai, Thu Trang chose to buy a Nol card One Day Ticket as a cost-effective and convenient solution. The Nol card One Day Ticket costs approximately 5 USD and can be used for both buses and the metro. The Dubai metro system has only two main lines: green and red. The red line is 52.1 km long and is currently the longest driverless metro line in the world.

However, a drawback of traveling by bus and metro in Dubai is the relatively small number of stops, meaning travel to the terminal can take a long time. The train stations are well-equipped, cool, and relatively clean. The metro system only has two lines, making it easy to navigate. During peak commuting hours, the metro lines are often very crowded.

"People should visit Dubai during the autumn and winter months, from November to March, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. If you have more time, you can explore even more interesting destinations," Thu Trang advised.

Phuong Mai is a reporter for Travellive Magazine in Hanoi.

Phuong Mai