sam heart travel

Day 2 in Hanoi: When Plans Shift, Local Discoveries Begin  Our second day in the heart of Hanoi started off cozy and low-key. By 9am, we’d picked up our laundry and grabbed some delicious banh mi to enjoy back at the hotel – while Badet took much-needed rest under the radar. We’d planned to kick off a city tour at 11am with our Klook booking, but unfortunately, the ticket was no longer valid. Instead of letting that throw off our day, we pivoted quickly – by 11:30am, we’d booked a Grab and headed to Go Mart! From 12pm to 3pm, we dived into local life: stocking up on groceries, hunting for souvenirs, and sampling all sorts of treats – from classic pho to the viral coffee bun, plus fresh local fruits and dishes. We even had a late lunch at the food court there, soaking in the hustle and bustle of how locals eat and shop. By 4pm, we were back at the hotel, where the group decided to rest up early to be ready for tomorrow’s plans. But I couldn’t resist exploring a bit more on my own. A...

  HANOI 2026 TRAVEL DIARY: DAY 1 – FROM SAPA’S MOUNTAINS TO HANOI’S HEART  Early Morning Rush from Sapa Our day began long before the sun rose – at 4am, we were up and prepping for the journey from Sapa to Hanoi. After a quick refresh, we headed out at 6am for breakfast near Mimosa Hotel, where we dug into hearty fried rice with pork paired with creamy Vietnamese Drip Coffee with Milk – the perfect fuel for a long trip ahead.  By 6:45am, we were back at the hotel to freshen up and wait for our shuttle van. Prompt at 7am, the van arrived and we hurried over to the G8 Sapa bus office to board our sleeper bus. We settled in by 7:45am, and the bus pulled out sharp at 8am, leaving Sapa’s misty mountains behind. On the Road to Hanoi  The countryside between Sapa and Hanoi was a delight – rolling hills, humble villages, and crisp, chilly air made every moment worthwhile. We made our first stop at Tram Dung Nghi Dung Anh at 8:30am for a quick break and snacks, then hit the r...

  SAPA DIARIES: DAY 4 – RAINY ADVENTURES IN CAT CAT VILLAGE  6AM – Rise and Shine! The alarm went off way too early, but with a big day ahead, I dragged myself out of bed. Quick bath to wake up fully, then a light bite to eat – just enough to hold me over until proper breakfast. 8AM – Fuel Up at Cong Cafe Made my way to Cong Cafe and boy, was it worth the trip! Their banh mi was chef’s kiss – crispy baguette stuffed with fresh veggies and savory meat. Paired it with a Vietnamese Cappuccino that had the perfect balance of strong coffee and creamy foam.  The cozy vibe of the cafe was the best way to start the morning! 9:30AM – Off to Cat Cat Village Grabbed my phone and booked a Grab to Cat Cat Village – super convenient and hassle-free. Upon arrival, we paid the entrance fee and got ready to explore one of Sapa’s most iconic spots. 10AM – Descending to the Village The path down to Cat Cat Village was a bit steep but lined with beautiful mountain views. By 10:30AM, we were ...

  SAPA, VIETNAM 2026 – DAY 3 Early Morning Hurdles & Plan B Breakfast  The day kicked off at 6:30 am sharp – alarm blaring, hot shower on, and ready to tackle whatever Sapa had in store. By 7:30 am, we’d hit the ATM and booked a Grab from Fansipan Sunworld to Viettreking Sapa Hotel, all set for their breakfast buffet. Unfortunately, walk-ins weren’t allowed – a quick reminder to always call ahead when traveling!  Thankfully, nearby Lado Hotel came to the rescue. While the buffet options were limited, the food was high-quality, and the view of the monorail cutting through the mountain landscape made up for it. We fueled up and enjoyed the crisp morning air before heading back to Hotel Mimosa to rest at 9:30 am. Weather Woes Lead to a Cozy Detour Our original plan was to explore Cat Cat Village, but Sapa had other ideas – bone-chilling cold, strong winds, and thick fog blanketed the area. With visibility almost zero, we decided to hold off and wait for better weather in...

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...