There is a different Saigon in the eyes of full-time travelers.

"Full-time Traveller - Choose Joy, Complete Your Journey" is a program within Travellive's framework of building a community of travel enthusiasts. Launched in December 2023, the "Travel Diary" project offers luxurious nights of relaxation to 15 lucky full-time travelers in Ha Giang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Saigon.

Known for its notorious traffic jams, the streets of Saigon are always bustling with people at any time of day. While in other places people go home and rest by 10 pm, in Saigon this is the time for the festivities to begin. Therefore, it's no surprise to say that Saigon is a city that never sleeps.

However, if you spend just one day slowing down in Saigon, you can seemingly feel the simplicity, intimacy, or moments of relaxation, enjoying a resort-like atmosphere amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

As one of the carefully selected locations for the "Travel Diary" project, each full-time traveler has a different perspective on the glamorous city of Saigon.

Travel blogger Nguyen Lan Uyen used to spend so much time traveling to new places that she forgot that health is the foundation for realizing everything, big or small: “With these new experiences, through the law of attraction, people and relationships are formed from the interaction between the 'pure energy' sources that we have created. I realized that sometimes you don't need to go too far; right here in Saigon, where I was born and raised, there are so many things to discover that even as a traveler, I didn't understand much about.”

During his three-day vacation in Saigon, travel blogger Nguyen Ky Anh explored the unique sounds, smells, and colors of the city. He also readily shared his itinerary so that like-minded travelers could discover Saigon together.

On the first day, the male travel blogger suggested that tourists visit Ben Thanh Market and the Independence Palace in the morning; in the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum; and in the evening, stroll along Nguyen Hue pedestrian street and experience street food. On the second day, tourists can have fun at the Saigon Zoo; explore the architecture and culture of the Chinese community at Nghia An Assembly Hall and Hai Thuong Lan Ong Market; take a river bus to admire the city at sunset and explore the bustling Bui Vien Western Quarter. On the last day, Ky Anh spent the whole day relaxing, sightseeing, and shopping at a shopping mall…

For travel blogger Nguyen Thuy Trang, she considers her three-day vacation in Saigon a "gift" before her trip to Egypt: "Perhaps the universe knew that I had a grueling half-month backpacking trip to Egypt at the beginning of 2024, so it rewarded me, a female travel blogger, with a huge prize, just like winning the lottery." Fusion Originals Saigon Center is a resort that still retains its unique character amidst the glamorous and culturally rich city of Saigon.

While staying here, Thùy Trang enjoyed spacious surroundings with sunset views and modern amenities such as an entertainment system, a coffee bar, and a wide selection of snacks… In addition, she had the opportunity to enjoy a luxurious and delicious breakfast and a relaxing massage to temporarily forget all the fatigue of daily life.

Through the lens of Nguyen Huy Bao, Saigon is both familiar and evokes a sense of nostalgia for bygone years: “This is where I spent my entire five-year student life. While not overly long, it was enough to experience and enjoy countless flavors, lifestyles, and people. Many of you will likely feel a fondness and attachment to Saigon, both familiar with its old ways and strangely different each time you visit. That’s why I chose this place as the starting point for my own journey of discovery.”

Without needing to travel far from Saigon, Hoang Thuy Trang chose to relax in the city where she lives. At Wink Hotel Saigon Centre, Thuy Trang experienced a fully equipped space with a modern design, highlighted by colors inspired by Saigon's nightlife. She believes that sometimes changing her resting place can make her feel more relaxed.

Phuong Mai is a reporter for Travellive Magazine in Hanoi.

Phuong Mai