What do tourists who have traveled around Southeast Asia for 15 years write about Ho Chi Minh City?

South African traveler Andre Neveling has been solo traveling across Southeast Asia for the past 15 years and here are three cities he would love to show the world, one he would absolutely say no to.

In the US newspaper Business Insider , Andre Neveling shared: My first trip to Southeast Asia in 2010 was a completely new experience. The trip ignited a desire to explore the world , and 15 years later, with 38 countries, I have come to a simple conclusion: No other place offers the diversity and excitement of Southeast Asia. I have returned to this place many times, often alone.

Over the years of traveling solo, I’ve learned that every country has its own charms, but some destinations become lifelong loves, while others slowly lose their charm. Based on my experiences, here are three cities I’d recommend to fellow travelers, and one that, sadly, I’d now advise you to skip.

Andre Neveling bathes elephants in Phuket

PHOTO: NVCC

Phuket, Thailand: The ideal destination for peace and excitement

Bangkok may boast the title of the world’s most visited city, but Phuket offers the quintessential Thai experience. It was my first Asian destination and it left such an impression that I eventually called it home.

Despite its reputation as a tourist hotspot, I never get bored of Phuket. For a solo traveller, Phuket’s diversity is what makes it special. You can find peace in the jungle villages of Kamala, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Patong, wander the colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses of the old town, or explore the nearby island of Koh Phi Phi.

Over the years, Phuket has become my sanctuary. When I need to relax – including towards the end of the pandemic, when my mental health was at a low ebb – it’s where I go to be alone.

The turquoise waters of Kuang Si Falls, a chain of pools deep in the Luang Prabang jungle

Luang Prabang, Laos: A Spiritual Retreat

Luang Prabang had been on my bucket list for a long time, and when I finally visited, it exceeded all expectations. This UNESCO World Heritage town, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, offers the perfect balance of serenity, natural beauty and cultural richness.

As a solo traveller, I found a much-needed break from the busy city life. The town’s cafe scene makes it an ideal place for digital nomads to work and connect. One of my most memorable moments was a slow boat ride on the Mekong River.

During my 2018 visit, I woke up before dawn to witness the sacred Alms Giving Ceremony. Hundreds of monks in saffron robes silently paraded through the streets as locals and visitors donated food. The ritual is believed to create good karma for this life and the next.

Andre Neveling looks down at downtown Ho Chi Minh City through the window

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Vibrant Energy and Unexpected Perks

Vietnam is fast becoming a popular tourist destination, even surpassing Thailand in attracting visitors from the Chinese market for the first time this year. Vietnam’s largest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City, is a bustling yet charming city that captured my heart immediately.

In a city as vibrant as this, I never felt alone. On my first visit, I joined a walking street food tour, which included stalls where I cooked my own food. I even learned to make banh xeo – a savory crepe filled with shrimp or meat and bean sprouts, then wrapped in fresh herbs.

The city also offers practical incentives for long-term visitors. Vietnamese medical clinics operate to a high standard but at a fraction of the price of Western ones. I have had dental work done, seen specialists, and even had botox done there. All very affordable and excellent.

Author under the twin towers of Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: A city without vitality

The first time I visited Kuala Lumpur, on my first trip to Southeast Asia, I fell in love with its rugged yet luxurious energy. I explored the city on foot, shopped, and partied so much that I almost missed my flight. So when I returned in 2023, I was shocked. The Kuala Lumpur I knew was a shadow of its former self.

Malaysia has recently become more conservative, tightening rules on concerts and nightlife in line with cultural and religious values. Some international shows have been cancelled, and bars face tighter restrictions on alcohol service and late opening hours.

I respect local customs, but I didn’t expect things to change so much. After five years in the Middle East, I actually found Kuala Lumpur to be more restrictive than Dubai or Abu Dhabi – something I never expected.

I'm grateful to have experienced this city, but now it's just an empty echo of its vibrant past - a past I have no intention of returning to anytime soon.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/du-khach-vong-quanh-dong-nam-a-suot-15-nam-viet-gi-ve-tphcm-185251024133610404.htm