RedDoorz Minh Thu: Your Ho Chi Minh City Oasis Awaits!
RedDoorz Minh Thu: My Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Adventure - It's a Vibe! (SEO-Friendly Mess Included)
Okay, so you're looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City? Buckle up, buttercup. I've just stumbled out of RedDoorz Minh Thu, and honestly? It’s… a mixed bag. But in the most gloriously, authentically Vietnamese way possible. Let's unpack this chaotic wonder, shall we?
SEO & Metadata Schmancy: (Because Google loves that stuff!)
- Keywords: RedDoorz Minh Thu, Ho Chi Minh City, Hotel Review, Vietnam, Accessibility, Pool, Spa, Free Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Safety, Breakfast, Restaurant, Affordable Hotel, Saigon.
- Meta Description: Honest review of RedDoorz Minh Thu in Ho Chi Minh City! Discover the good, the quirky, and the downright hilarious (and sometimes frustrating) of this Saigon oasis. From the massage I nearly cried during to the surprisingly good buffet, I spill the tea on the details!
Let's Dive In! (And Get the Negatives Outta the Way)
First impressions? Hmm… the exterior? Let’s just say it’s not exactly Instagrammable. It’s functional. Solid. Maybe a little… aged. You know? Like your quirky aunt who always tells the best stories. It is a bit of a hike to get to some of the main tourist attractions. That's a bummer.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
- (Accessibility is really a thing for me, I'm a bit clumsy, and I loved the accessible rooms, but the website didn't even mention it!): I mean, it says ‘Facilities for disabled guests’ on the list, which is a plus. I didn't need it, personally, but like, seeing ELEVATORS is always great. Not sure how extensive the rooms are. I'd REALLY love to have those details if I was coming for a specific reason.
- Good: The elevator was a lifesaver. Seriously. Because, stairs. My knees are… well, they're old.
- Bad: I didn't see any ramps for wheelchairs but I didn't really look for one (it looked like they had them) so I can't swear to it. Ask before you commit!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe-ish (and Sanitized!)
- The Good: They really went hard on the cleanliness. Like, serious sanitizing. It smelled like hospital grade cleaner, which is… not exactly "spa-like," but hey, I'd take clean over germs any day. They actually had a sign saying "Rooms sanitized after every stay", which is reassuring (even though it might have been a little too efficient for my liking: they had things locked up for my entrance!). The hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere!
- The Less-Good: The exterior, once again, felt a little… exposed. Though I did see CCTV cameras and it was the city, so it's like, kinda expected.
- Safety/Security Feature: Well, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are a great start, right?
Rooms: Cozy, Functional, and with a Few Quirks
- What I Loved: The blackout curtains are a MUST in Saigon. Seriously, the sun hits HARD. And I went for a room with a window that opened, which was lovely. I'm a sucker for fresh air. The free Wi-Fi (thankfully, because I was relying on it!) was STRONG. No buffering during my Netflix binge!
- The Quirks: The decor? Let's just call it "functional." Not exactly design-forward. There was a slight musty smell at first. But hey, it's Vietnam. It's part of the charm, right? The bed was a little too firm for my liking. But I've slept on worse! (Remember that hostel in Bangkok? Ugh.) the Interconnecting rooms were available.
- The Bath: The shower was STRONG. The toiletries were… well, they were there. And I liked the little slippers.
- Overall: The A/C blasted, there were the basics, and clean towels every day. Job done.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Adventure Time! (Mostly Good, but a Few Weird Moments)
- Breakfast Buffet: Okay, this is where things get interesting. The Asian breakfast – pho, congee, all the good stuff – was actually pretty darned delicious. They had an Asian and Western breakfast. I felt like a king. There was also (and this is a testament to the hotel) a Vegetarian option. Like, actual vegetarian dishes. I was impressed.
- A la carte: They had an a la carte menu you could order from in the restaurant, and in your room with 24 hour room service.
- The "Uh Ohs": Coffee/tea maker in the room. That was great. But like, the coffee at the buffet? A bit weak. I'm a coffee snob; I get it.
- Bar: There was a bar! The pool bar. I never actually went to it, but it was there.
Pool, Spa, and Relaxation Zone: Ahhh… or Maybe Just "Meh?"
- The Pool: The photos promised a pool with a view. And while technically, it had a sort of view, it was mostly of other buildings. It was refreshing, but not exactly "infinity pool goals."
- The Spa: This is where things get wild. I booked a massage. And it was… intense. Like, a full-body, no-holds-barred, "I'm not sure if my muscles will ever recover" kind of massage. The masseuse was incredibly professional, but she was also STRONG. I'd recommend opting for a more gentle massage… unless you're into that sort of thing. As they say, no pain no gain.
- Body wraps, sauna, steamroom, gym? Apparently there, but I didn't see them.
Staff: Hearts of Gold, and a Little Bit of a Language Barrier
The staff were universally lovely. So polite. Smiling all the time. The front desk guys took the time to help me find something. The language barrier was, at times, a challenge. But they really tried. Bless their hearts.
Services and Conveniences: The Essentials (and a Few Surprises)
- The Good: The free parking! The luggage storage. Dry cleaning. They had a currency exchange. And they had a pretty decent gift shop in the front.
- The Oh-No's: The business facilities didn't even cross my mind.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service, family/child friendly, etc.? I'm not a parent, so I didn't pay much attention. However, the website and signs didn't have anything special.
Getting Around: Simple, Reliable, and a Ride with a View
- Airport Transfer: Yes! And it was efficient and reasonably priced.
- Taxis: Available and easy to find. (But be careful with the scams!)
- I didn’t get to try it, but bicycle parking car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] are mentioned!!
My Overall Verdict: Embracing the Chaos!
RedDoorz Minh Thu isn't perfect. But it's got heart. It's affordable (at least when I was there), clean, and the staff are genuinely nice. It's a solid base for exploring the madness and magic of Ho Chi Minh City.
Would I stay there again? Probably. For the value and location, and because you can’t beat the energy and the people of Vietnam. But definitely with lower massage expectations. And perhaps a stronger coffee.
Final Score: 7/10 (and a very enthusiastic thumbs-up for the pho!)
Escape to Paradise: Uluna Hotel's Berastagi Magic Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your slick, perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is the messy, real-life, slightly-hungover version of a trip to Ho Chi Minh City… centered around the glorious (and hopefully air-conditioned) haven that is the RedDoorz Minh Thu Hotel Cong Lo. Let’s go!
The Unofficial, Slightly Chaotic Itinerary: RedDoorz & Saigon, You Beauty!
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Blessed Embrace of AC
- Morning (or what passes for morning after a transatlantic flight): Land at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN). Oh sweet, merciful Jesus, the humidity hits you like a wet blanket the second you step out of the plane. I’m already questioning every life choice that led me here. Find the pre-booked airport transfer (thank god for actually booking something). Driver is… let’s say “enthusiastic.” Maneuvering through the Saigon traffic is a contact sport, a ballet of honking and near-misses. Did that motorbike just try to run a red light? Yep. The driver keeps gesturing, I think he's telling me its safe. I just start closing my eyes and praying for the best.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: RedDoorz Reconnaissance & Panic Shopping: Finally…RedDoorz Minh Thu! The lobby… well, it’s clean. The lady at the front desk is lovely, even though my attempt at "Xin chào" (hello) probably sounded like I was choking. Check in. Pray for a room that isn't a dungeon. Praise be! My room is surprisingly spacious, the bed is a decent size, and the AC… breathes a sigh of relief… works! Unpack, change into something less likely to attract a heat rash (this is a serious consideration), and then… panic attack. I need food. I need water. I need… everything I forgot to pack. Head out to the nearest convenience store (a glorious 7-Eleven, found thanks to Google Maps). Overpay for a bottle of water and a packet of something resembling a biscuit, and remember I’m seriously going to need to buy sun cream.
- Afternoon: The First Pho, and the Fear of Crossing the Road: Okay, fueled by questionable biscuits and desperate optimism, time for my first authentic Vietnamese Pho. Find a recommended place a few blocks away. The streets are a sensory overload – the smells of street food, the buzz of motorbikes, the constant honking. Getting across the road is an experience. Here's a pro-tip: Don't try to outsmart the traffic. Walk slowly, steadily, and become one with the flow. Apparently, they'll magically avoid you. The Pho is… transcendent. The broth is rich, the noodles are perfect, and the herbs… oh, the herbs! Heaven. This is what I came for. My first taste of real Vietnamese food, and it's amazing.
- Early Evening: Saigon's "Night Market"-ish Thing (a bit of everything, really): Wander around a "night market" (more like a collection of stalls selling everything under the sun). Bargaining is a performance art. I try it. I fail miserably. End up buying a knock-off t-shirt for way too much money. Learn from my mistakes!
- Evening: Cocktails, Rooftop Views, and the Sweet Taste of "Gia" (maybe): Find a rooftop bar that's been recommended. The sunset is amazing. Have a cocktail (or two) that tastes of sunshine and happiness. I think they have a very relaxed view on the amount of alcohol they put in the drink. The view of Saigon at night is spectacular. People-watching is top-notch. The world is a beautiful place. Suddenly, speaking Vietnamese seems easy. Then I try to pay the bill and realise I've no idea what the total is. "Gia bao nhiêu?" is the only phrase I know. It did the job though. Bed early, wake up late on day 2.
Day 2: History, Coffee, and… Another Pho (Because, Duh!)
- Morning: Sleep In. (Thank you, AC!) and the War Remnants Museum (or, "Oh, Shit, This Is Intense") Okay, so I slept in… big time. The AC did it's job! Get motivated to get to the War Remnants Museum. I'm gonna be honest: it's a heavy experience. The photos are brutal, the exhibits are gut-wrenching. It's a necessary, important place to visit, but be prepared to feel a profound sadness. Take breaks. Drink water. Realize how lucky you are to be alive in this time.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Cafe Sua Da Pilgrimage & The Post Office (or, "Where Does Time Go?") Find a local coffee shop. Cafe Sua Da (iced coffee with condensed milk) is the nectar of the gods. Sip it slowly. Marvel at the energy of the city. Visit the Central Post Office. It's beautiful, like a time capsule. But I also seem to have misplaced the last hour of the day.
- Afternoon: Ben Thanh Market (or, "Lost in a Sea of Souvenirs & Bargaining Battles") Head to Ben Thanh Market. It. Is. Chaotic. Stalls selling everything. The smell of incense, spices, and… well, everything. This is where the bargaining skills come out. Or, the attempt at bargaining skills. I'm pretty sure I got ripped off again. Buy some dragonfruit that looks suspiciously like it's been around for a while. Regret it later.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Relaxation (Or, Finally Remembering to Breathe) Head back to the RedDoorz. A power nap is essential. Maybe write in your journal. Reflect on the day.
- Evening: Dinner (Pho, Duh!) & "Saigon's After Dark" (or, "I'm Too Tired for This"): Pho again, because when in Rome, right? Then, decide I really want to experience the "Saigon Nightlife." But, after the food, the heat, and the emotional rollercoaster of the day… I'm exhausted. Wander down a few streets, listen to some music, and make my way back to my room again. Maybe a beer at the hotel will do the trick. This feels better than all the bars in the world.
Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels, Travel Trauma, and a Sad Goodbye (or, "Did I Actually Do Anything?")
- Morning: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour (or, "Claustrophobia Alert!"): Book a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels. It's a bit of a drive, but the experience is… well, it's unreal. Crawling through those tiny tunnels is a serious reality check. The ingenuity of the Viet Cong is astounding, but the feeling of being underground… whew.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Travel Trauma and Random Snack Stops: The bus back from Cu Chi is a little bumpy. I'm thinking about what to do, realizing that I will soon be in the airport, making my way from the airport and the humid heat and bustle of Saigon back to the dry, chilly world I used to know. Suddenly, I crave something sweet. Stop at a random roadside stall and get a bag of something brown and crispy. Don't know what its made of. Don't care. It's delicious.
- Afternoon: Packing, Regret, and a Moment of Truth: Back at the RedDoorz. Pack. Realize I haven't actually done everything I wanted to do. Regret. So much regret. Did I really see Saigon, or just catch snippets of the city while exhausted? Make a cup of instant coffee from the complimentary sachets, start packing, and have a quiet moment to reflect on the trip.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Last Pho & Airport Chaos: One last Pho, of course. This time, I'm a pro. Now I'm just watching everyone around me, observing and just soaking it all in. Then, its airport time. The drive is stressful. The airport itself is a blur of security lines, customs forms, and the faint scent of… airport food.
- Evening: Goodbye, Saigon. (And Hello, Regret!): Board the flight. As we take off, I look back at Saigon. Feeling a mix of exhaustion, sadness, and a strange sort of peace. I didn't conquer Vietnam. I barely scratched the surface. But… I was there. I experienced it. And, that's enough for now until my next trip.
RedDoorz Minh Thu Hotel Cong Lo Specifics:
- The AC: Seriously, thank you. You were my best friend.
- The Staff: Always friendly, always helpful (even when I couldn't speak the language).
- The Location: Central to everything, but a bit far from the main tourist sights for me, but still convenient.
- The Room: Clean, comfortable, and a welcome escape from the chaos outside. It was all I could ever need.
The Verdict:
Saigon is a whirlwind. It's loud, it's hot, it's crowded, and it's absolutely captivating. This itinerary isn't perfect. It's not particularly organized. And it
Escape to Paradise: Colosseo Hotel's Unforgettable Europa-Park Adventure!
1. Okay, so, like, how do you even *start* a book, especially when you're buried in a mountain of other things you're supposed to be doing?
Oh, honey, the struggle is REAL. It's like this: I'll be staring at my to-do list, which is basically a terrifying scroll of doom featuring things like "Answer emails (shudder)," "Fold laundry (double shudder)," and "Finally start that project that's actually, you know, *paying* me (triple shudder!)." And then...BAM! A book whispers to me. Like a siren song. I'll get a sudden, overwhelming urge to dive. It’s like a mini-breakdown, but with sentences instead of tears (most of the time).
Honestly? Sometimes the only "winning" strategy involves a complete surrender to the siren song. I'll grab a blanket, a mountain of snacks (mostly cookies, let's be honest), and curl up somewhere cozy. My brain will be screaming, "YOU SHOULD BE PRODUCTIVE!" But... the book wins. *Every. Single. Time.* It feels… wrong. Like I'm betraying myself. But also? Utterly, gloriously right.
Then, the real fun begins. If it's a *good* book, that is.
2. You said "good" book. What if it's… not? Disaster?
Oh, the agony! The DREAD! I’m talking full-blown reader’s block. Here’s the problem. I'm a commitment-phobe, except when it comes to books. I *HATE* DNFing (Did Not Finish). It feels like failing. It feels like I’ve wasted my precious, precious time. So, I'll keep reading… hoping it gets better. Often, it doesn't.
One time, I slogged through a book that felt like wading through molasses for weeks. Weeks! I got SO MAD I kept doing it. The characters were flat, the plot was predictable… I was internally screaming the entire time. I even started dreaming about the book, and the dreams were almost as bad as the actual writing!
Then, one Tuesday, I snapped. Mid-sentence. And I slammed the book shut. I considered tossing it out the window, but settled for shoving it under my bed, where it remains to this day. I still feel a twinge of guilt when I pass it, but hey… some battles just aren't worth fighting.
3. OK, so, reading… but what about *other* stuff? Like, people? Work? Keeping yourself alive?
A valid question, and one that haunts me daily. See, the internet is full of people who *seem* to be doing it all. Right? Like they're writing novels, running marathons, and simultaneously building a rocket ship to Mars. It's exhausting just watching them. I feel like a sloth sometimes. I get lost in the rabbit hole of Goodreads reviews, TikTok BookToks, and Twitter debates. The "real world" often feels… far away.
I’ve genuinely missed calls, cancelled plans, and even forgotten to eat because I was too absorbed in a book. My friends are used to it. They know the drill: "She's reading. Leave her alone." And work? Hoo boy. Let's just say my "productivity" is directly proportional to how good the book I'm reading is. If it's terrible, I'm the most focused person you'll ever meet. If it's amazing? Good luck getting my attention. Your emails will be buried under mountains of virtual dust.
The secret, I guess, is finding a balance. (Still working on that one, folks… still working on that one.)
4. What's your favorite genre? Because I gotta know your taste, like right now!
Oh, that's like asking a parent to choose their favorite child (except, let's be real, some parents totally have favorites). But if I *had* to pick… give me a good fantasy novel. Dragons, magic, sweeping landscapes, morally gray characters doing… questionable things? YES, PLEASE! I'm a total sucker for that. But, honestly, I’ll read almost anything that has a compelling story. Literary Fiction with flawed characters. Sci-fi, with a little bit of romance. Biographies of interesting people. Even a cheesy romance every now and then. (Don't judge me!) The key? It has to *grab* me.
5. How do you find new books to read? Help a fellow bookworm out!
Oh. The never-ending hunt for the next Great Read! It's a delicate balance, a dance between impulse and research. Book recommendations from trusted friends and family are amazing. I read Goodreads reviews obsessively. I follow book bloggers and BookTubers who have similar tastes to mine. I spend *way* too much time browsing bookstore shelves (and, let's be honest, the "New Releases" section on Amazon).
And sometimes? It's just pure, unadulterated luck. Wandering aimlessly through the library, grabbing a book based solely on the cover art… and BAM! Instant love. That happened just last week with a book I'd never even *heard* of. The cover was gorgeous, and the blurb was intriguing, and the rest is history. The moral of the story? Be open to new experiences. And don't judge a book by its cover… unless the cover is *really* gorgeous. Then, absolutely judge it.
6. Okay, so, you're reading all the time. Do you *ever* get bored of books? (Gasp!)
Bored? GASP! Okay, maybe not *bored*… but I definitely go through phases. Burnout, even. Sometimes, I'll feel like my brain is just… saturated. Like I've had too much literary sugar. I get this feeling of being "all read out." When this happens, I might dabble in audiobooks while doing chores. Or binge-watch a TV show. Or, maybe I’ll go back to my old love: watching movies.
It comes in waves, honestly, and it never lasts for too long. I can't stay away from books for very long. It’s like my… therapy, I guess? That’s probably a little much. It’s like breathing, and then forgetting how to breath, and then remembering, and feeling so grateful for oxygen.
The key is to remember that reading is supposed to be FUN. If it stops being fun, it's time to adjust. Listen to yourself. It's OKAY to take a break.
