June 19–20, 2025 / Ho Chi Minh
I arrived in Ho Chi Minh late at night.
It was just a short stop during a transit.
Arriving at the airport at midnight
Since this was only a transit stay,
I chose a hotel within walking distance from the airport.
King Hotel Saigon Airport
The hotel was close enough, so I decided to walk.
On the way, I found what looked like a shortcut.
But there was a gate, and a security guard inside a small office.
I tried to call out to him,
but he was fast asleep and didn’t wake up easily.
After a while, I finally managed to wake him,
and he let me pass through.
As I continued walking, a dog appeared.
I held my breath and quietly walked past it.
A little further ahead, another dog.
“What if something happens here…”
A memory of getting sick in Ho Chi Minh before crossed my mind.
Then I noticed rats searching through garbage along the street.
“Am I going to be okay…?”
As I kept walking with that thought,
I saw a group of young people gathered around a pot,
eating together outside—even though it was already around midnight.
That scene made me feel a little relieved.
Just seeing people enjoying a meal together
somehow made the place feel safer.
Eventually, I arrived at the hotel.
I was a bit tired,
but relieved to have arrived safely.
By the way,
during the daytime, the atmosphere feels bright and completely normal.
Tomorrow, I’m heading to Laos.
