[Vietnam/Thailand Visit Day 4 Part 1] A Walkway to the Future — The Order and Silence of Phu My Hung
1. Introduction
Travel is the act of discovering unknown fragments within familiar scenery, and at the same time, it is the act of reflecting one's own silhouette onto an unknown land. It is now the fourth day of my trip. Having felt completely immersed in the chaotic and charming daily life of Ho Chi Minh City, where the roar of motorbikes and the heat swirl together, I decided to go and search for another face that this city hides.
My destination is District 7, Phu My Hung. It is said to be a city of the future, governed by silence and order, a stark contrast to the "Vietnam-ness" I have experienced so far. A minor dental trouble that occurred during my trip coincidentally led me to this new landscape. Perhaps a lack of harmony in plans is the greatest gift the gods of travel can give.
The scenery flowing past the Grab car window changes from crowded apartment buildings to orderly high-rise condominiums. This is not merely a change in scenery. It was the dynamism of this country itself, where a quiet and sophisticated future is about to be born from chaotic energy. Now, let's step onto the walkway to the future to find the silence that lies beyond the hustle and bustle.
2. Timeline
2.1. Leaving the hustle and bustle, into the daily life of the future <08:53–10:22>
I woke up in the comfortable bed of my hotel as usual and got into a Grab. After passing through the maze-like alleys of District 1, the car headed south.
Inside the car, I kept asking ChatGPT questions about dental treatment.
My prompt
(As a card to use for insurance) I am thinking of using SBI Sumishin. Please tell me the steps.
ChatGPT's response
I will organize the flow for using the insurance attached to the SBI Sumishin Net Bank Platinum Debit Card, tailored to this emergency dental treatment.
Step 1: Contact the insurance desk in advance
Purpose: Confirm if it is covered and if cashless treatment is possible
Contact: Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Overseas Travel Insurance desk listed on the insurance policy
Information to provide- Name, date of birth, card number
- Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Symptoms:
- The silver crown on my upper right back tooth came off
- I have the detached tooth
- Desired treatment: Emergency reattachment with temporary cement only
- Scheduled visit: DYM Medical Center District 1 Clinic (Japanese support available)
Step 2: Confirm instructions from the insurance company
- If told it is not covered: Visit with the assumption of out-of-pocket payment, and try to apply later-
If told it is covered:- Confirm if cashless service is available
- If cashless is possible, request the insurance company to contact the hospital in advance
- If cashless is not possible, switch to paying upfront and settling later
Step 3: Request at the time of visit
Request the following at DYM:- Medical certificate (English) -> "Emergency dental treatment: Temporary reattachment of crown using temporary cement"
- Receipt (English) -> Clearly state treatment details, date, and amount
- Detailed statement for submission to the insurance company (if possible)
Step 4: Application procedure
- Required documents:- Insurance claim form (specified by the insurance company)
- English medical certificate
- English receipt
- Passport copy (entry/exit stamp page)
- Flight ticket stub or itinerary
- Submission destination: Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance (claim desk for insurance attached to SBI Sumishin)
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Submission deadline: Generally within 30 days from the date of the accident (date of visit)
Step 5: Record keeping
- Scan and save the medical certificate and receipt- Even if the insurance claim is not paid, it can be used for medical expense deductions
If you wish, I can create a phone script (in Japanese and English) to call the insurance desk for this **Step 1**. Using that, you can smoothly confirm coverage and cashless availability.
I also checked how to explain things at the dentist.
In the meantime, I arrived near the "DYM Medical Center" dental clinic.
I had called in advance, but I was a little anxious.
However, that anxiety was unfounded.
The administrative staff at the counter (Japanese) handled everything appropriately, starting with confirming my symptoms and explaining the procedures after treatment, leaving me with no questions. By the way, I had prepared an explanation of my symptoms in English while in the car, but it was good that I didn't end up needing it.
On the other hand, the dentist (Japanese) also provided polite service and careful treatment, allowing me to have a comfortable procedure without any anxiety.
As an example, regarding the bond used for attaching the tooth during the treatment, there was an explanation that "Super Bond" could not be used for this treatment.
Below, I will record the content I confirmed with ChatGPT as a supplement.
My prompt
According to the dentist, when treating front teeth, it can be bonded in Japan using something called Super-Bond, but they explained that it cannot be done in Vietnam.
CHATGPT's response
Yes, that explanation makes sense both technically and in terms of material regulations.
What is Super-Bond?
- Official name: Super-Bond C&B (Sun Medical)
- Usage: Strong adhesive resin cement for dental use
- Features:
- Can fix ceramic or metal crowns for front teeth, temporary teeth, etc., with high adhesive strength
- Strong adhesion, applicable to thin tooth structure and delicate prosthetics
- Standardly used in Japanese dentistry, especially for front teeth and aesthetic areas
Reasons why it cannot be used in Vietnam (speculation)
2. Differences in pharmaceutical approval
- Super-Bond is a dental material approved in Japan; if it has not been imported or registered for pharmaceutical use in Vietnam, it cannot be used clinically
3. Storage and handling conditions
- Strict temperature/humidity control and expiration dates
4. Dental clinic material lineup
- Even international clinics often use resin cements that are easy to procure locally (RelyX, Panavia, etc.)
5. Differences in treatment policy
- Super-Bond is chosen when aiming for "long-term adhesion" like in Japan, but overseas, temporary cements or general-purpose adhesives are often prioritized
Relationship to this treatment
- In Vietnam, they did not use Super-Bond, but instead used **temporary cement** or locally available adhesives
- This makes sense in preparation for full-scale treatment in Japan after returning home
- If strong adhesion were performed locally, it might be difficult to remove in Japan, potentially damaging the tooth or abutment
If you wish, I can create a concise explanation (in both Japanese and English) to convey to your primary dentist in Japan regarding "why Super-Bond could not be used" and "the benefits of emergency treatment with temporary cement." That way, the circumstances can be accurately shared when you resume treatment in Japan.
Although some of it was CHATGPT's speculation, I realized once again that they had performed a reasonable procedure. I also felt that such an explanation from the doctor gave me peace of mind.
After finishing the interaction with the administrative staff regarding insurance and the supporting CHATGPT, I left the dental clinic.
The anxiety of the last two days was resolved, and I felt a sense of relief.
Wrapped in the comfort of being able to communicate in Japanese, I finished the consultation and decided to first take a break at that cafe chain that symbolizes the new daily life in Vietnam.
2.2. Glass-walled cafe and the global landscape <10:22–11:10>
Right near the clinic was the familiar "Highlands Coffee".
The modern, glass-walled store blends perfectly into the sophisticated landscape of this planned city. I ordered a rich, sweet Vietnamese coffee.
I felt that a calm and orderly time flowed here, completely different from the tense sidewalks of District 1, where you cannot let your guard down for even a moment.
Inside the store, I was thinking about exploring this place since I had come all this way.
However, since I had only thought about coming to fix my teeth, I had absolutely no knowledge of the place names or their characteristics.
My prompt
I am here now. (Attached photo)
CHATGPT's response
Looking at the photo and receipt,
You are currently at the Highlands Coffee store at 77 Hoang Van Thai, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
You ordered a "Phin Sua Da (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk)," and the price is 39,000 VND (about 250 yen).
This store is in the Phu My Hung area, a new urban development area where large shopping malls, parks, and restaurants are gathered.
Nearby, there are
Crescent Mall: a large shopping center about a 5-minute walk away,
Starlight Bridge (rainbow-colored bridge): a night view spot, and
SC VivoCity: another large mall.
If you want to go sightseeing or shopping in the afternoon, you can enjoy yourself for a whole day just in this area.
Shall I create a sightseeing course you can go to on foot after this?
With the photo and receipt, it identified where I was and gave me an explanation about the coffee I ordered and the location. Once again, it's a convenient thing. And then, on to the next conversation.
My prompt
Which town in Tokyo is it similar to?
CHATGPT's response
This Phu My Hung area in District 7 is a planned city a bit away from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, featuring wide roads, orderly streets, large malls, and luxury residences.
To compare it to Tokyo, the atmosphere is similar to
Toyosu (a planned waterfront area with shopping malls),
Odaiba (a combination of wide roads, modern buildings, sightseeing, and shopping), or
the tower mansion and commercial area of Musashi-Kosugi (a fusion of newer residential areas and commerce).It is a calm town with wide sidewalks, which is rare in Vietnam, and it has many foreign expatriates.
If you would like, I can create a
1-2 hour tour map that you can walk around with that Toyosu/Odaiba feeling.
As someone living in Toyosu/Shinonome, I feel a sense of familiarity. And, when I have a tour map made
CHATGPT's response
Phu My Hung 1-2 Hour Tour Course
(Walking + Photo Spots + Cafe Break)
① Highlands Coffee (Starting Point)
Address: 77 Hoang Van Thai, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, HCMC
Energy recharge complete with the Vietnamese condensed milk coffee "Phin Sua Da"!
② Crescent Mall (Approx. 5 min walk)
A large shopping mall. It has everything from daily necessities, clothes, and sundries to a supermarket (Co.opXtra).
There is also a wide selection of Vietnamese snacks and coffee for souvenirs.
It is positioned like "LaLaport Toyosu" in Tokyo.
③ Crescent Lake & Starlight Bridge (Approx. 5 min walk)
There is a promenade where you can walk around the lake, and at night, the Starlight Bridge (a bridge lit up in rainbow colors) is magical.
During the day, it's for walking along the lake or resting on benches, and from evening to night, it's a photo spot for the illuminations.
④ Luxury residential area around Midtown Villas (Approx. 10 min walk)
A group of condominiums for foreign expatriates. It is characterized by orderly street trees and wide sidewalks.
It has the atmosphere of the "Toyosu Tower Mansions" or "Shibaura Island" in Japan.
Cafes and restaurants are also scattered about.
⑤ SC VivoCity (Approx. 15 min walk)
Another large mall you arrive at after walking a bit from Crescent Mall.
There is a movie theater, arcade, and rooftop playground.
There are also many home appliance retailers and local fashion brands.
⑥ Highlands Coffee or The Coffee House (Break)
Take another cafe break on the way back.
Have a sweet dessert drink or a Vietnamese-style Banh Mi as a light snack.
In just a few minutes, it summarized tour spots in a place I didn't even know the name of.
Based on CHATGPT's advice, I plotted the locations on Google Maps.
Since I understood the sense of distance, I headed to the huge shopping mall "Crescent Mall," considering my time constraints.
As I stepped inside, the ceiling lights reflected dazzlingly on the polished floor, and boutiques of luxury brands like "HERMES" and "PRADA" were shining quietly. And right next to them, Japan's "MUJI" had a store with its usual calm appearance. The wave of global consumer culture is definitely surging here in Vietnam as well.
CHATGPT's response mentioned LaLaport Toyosu, but seeing tenants like Hermes, I got the impression that this place is at a higher level.
AEON is also a tenant, and along with anime like Crayon Shin-chan, I realized that store service is also a strength of Japan.
2.3. Quiet Streets and Harmony with Nature <11:10–11:36>
Leaving Crescent Mall behind, I started walking aimlessly. What spread out before me was a landscape that pleasantly betrayed the image of Vietnam I had held until now.
A huge glass-walled "Mercedes-Benz" showroom. Its overwhelming presence speaks to the economic prosperity of this area. By the way, a Maybach was also on display, and I thought it was quite a store.
Beautiful white-based mansions line the wide roads. Red tiled roofs, well-tended gardens, and security gates that quietly guard the houses. The air is so quiet and calm that I doubted for a moment if this was really Ho Chi Minh City.
However, if I suddenly turned my eyes, a huge advertising billboard announcing the construction of a new high-rise apartment building stood on the side of the road. Yes, this city is not in a state of completed silence. It is a living city that continues to grow even now.
And perhaps the greatest charm of this planned city was its coexistence with rich nature. After passing through the streets with their artificial beauty, my field of vision suddenly opened up, and I could see a quiet river flowing slowly beyond the trees.
A beautiful promenade is maintained along the shore of the vast lake, and the noise of motorcycles can no longer be heard. All I can hear is the sound of birds and the wind shaking the trees. Modern urban development and the natural space of water and greenery are in such perfect harmony. This silence might be the new form of prosperity that the future Ho Chi Minh City will bring to people.
3. Summary of the Trip
The morning of the fourth day in Ho Chi Minh City was a time to experience the city's surprising diversity and its powerful vision for the future through a walk in the Phu My Hung area of District 7. In contrast to the historical chaos and energetic bustle of District 1, this was a quiet, clean, and orderly city. It is perhaps one of the utopias that Vietnam is aiming for in its new development.
Modern shopping malls, high-end residential areas reminiscent of the West, and beautiful waterfront parks. All of these were the most eloquent proof that this country is no longer living only in the memories of the past, but is building a future with a clear blueprint. A chance detour during my trip ended up teaching me about the multifaceted nature of Ho Chi Minh City and its profound charm. To truly understand this city, one must look not only at its past history but also firmly at its current form as it heads toward the future.
4. Supplementary Information
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GPS Data (Times are local time)
2025-08-15 08:53:01 | 10.743997, 106.721628 | In the car moving to District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
2025-08-15 10:18:21 | 10.730956, 106.723739 | DYM Medical Center
2025-08-15 10:22:55 | 10.730203, 106.722306 | Highlands Coffee
2025-08-15 10:47:48 | 10.727622, 106.718561 | Crescent Mall
2025-08-15 11:17:34 | 10.726461, 106.715453 | Residential area in District 7
2025-08-15 11:36:00 | 10.727739, 106.718025 | Lakeside in District 7
Wise Usage Information: According to Wise payment logs, there is a record of a 4,300,000 VND payment at the DYM Medical Center at 3:15 on the 15th.
Grab Usage Information: According to Google Timeline, there is a record of departing the hotel at 8:38 and traveling by taxi for 21 minutes to SECC in District 7.
Step Count Information: The total number of steps for the day on Friday, August 15th, was 18,788 steps.
Continued