sam heart travel

Sapa Travel Diary: Day 2 – Chasing Clouds (and Warmth!) at Fansipan  5 AM – Alarm blared way too early, but hey, we had a mountain to conquer (or at least try to)! Quick bath and packed layers upon layers – winter in Sapa is no joke! 7 AM – Fueled up at Cong Cafe – their espresso with condensed milk is pure liquid gold, and the crispy banh mi with savory fillings hit just right. If you’re in Sapa, this spot is a must-visit for morning eats! 9 AM – Headed to Fansipan, the "Roof of Indochina."  We took the monotrail to the cable car station, but the journey was already testing our patience – each stop had a 30-minute queue! Once on the cable car, we climbed higher and higher… only to be greeted by biting cold and zero visibility. The peak was completely shrouded in fog, so we had to scrap our summit plans. Pro tip: Fansipan isn’t advisable during winter season – save it for clearer months if you want that panoramic view! 12 NN – Made our way back to the cable car area to grab l...

SAPA VIETNAM 2026 - DAY 1:  FROM MANILA TO THE MISTY MOUNTAINS  Published: January 21, 2026 | Written from Mandaluyong (Philippines) DECEMBER 31: THE JOURNEY BEGINS Our Sapa adventure kicked off at 4 PM when we hopped on a Grab from Cavite to NAIA Terminal 3 – smooth ride, and we pulled up right at 4:30 PM. While we headed straight to check-in for our boarding passes, Benigno made a quick detour to the OWWA office to secure his OFW ID – a must-have for any Filipino worker traveling abroad.  By 6 PM, hunger hit hard, so we grabbed dinner at Kenny Rogers. We went classic with roast chicken and burger steak – comforting fuel for the long trip ahead. Immigration at 6:30 PM was surprisingly quick, no delays at all! We spent the next hour lounging at the boarding gate before the 10 PM boarding procedures got underway. Our flight from Manila to Hanoi was scheduled for 11 PM, and as the clock struck 12 midnight up in the air, we popped our cham...

Haidilao Ortigas Center Branch: A Hotpot Experience Beyond the Meal   Haidilao, a globally recognized hotpot chain, has made its mark in Robinsons Galleria Ortigas Center. Known for its exceptional service and immersive dining experience, Haidilao elevates the simple act of enjoying hotpot into a memorable event.   From the moment we approached the entrance, the experience was seamless. The manager greeted us, efficiently confirming our computerized reservation. Stepping inside, we were welcomed by friendly staff and a refreshing cool breeze. The Halloween-themed décor was aesthetically pleasing, and the brightly lit space featured a well-placed bar near the entrance. Unlike many hotpot restaurants, there was no lingering soup smell. The staff promptly explained the unlimited food options and what to expect during our visit.   The dining area was surprisingly spacious, much larger than it appeared from the outside. We were given a thoro...

Da Nang Travel Blog - Day 8: Tam Biet Vietnam - Back to Manila 6 PM: Last Hotel Moments Back at the hotel, the clock was ticking. It was time to pack my bags and mentally prepare for the journey back to Manila. A bittersweet feeling washed over me as I double-checked everything, making sure no souvenir was left behind. 7 PM: Farewell Da Nang Nights Checking out was smooth, and we hopped into a Grab car heading to Da Nang International Airport. The 20-minute ride was a scenic farewell, with the city lights twinkling around us. Traffic was surprisingly light, a stark contrast to Manila's rush hour madness. It seemed Da Nang was giving us a calm, peaceful goodbye. 8 PM: Da Nang International Airport – A Rollercoaster of Emotions Arriving at Da Nang International Airport, my initial impression was great. The airport was clean, modern, and well-organized. However, the Cebu Pacific check-in line was unexpectedly long, eating up almost 30 minutes of our time. But hey, what's travel wi...