[Vietnam/Thailand Visit Diary Day 4-3] Return to the Hustle and Bustle – The Long Road from the City of the Future
1. Introduction
After catching a glimpse of Vietnam's grand blueprint in the future city of Binh Duong, I began my journey back to the reality of Ho Chi Minh City. As the afternoon light began to soften, I tapped the Grab app and slipped into the cool interior of the car. My destination was District 1, the base of my trip. However, I did not yet know that this return journey itself would become another climax of the day's travels.
On the map, it is only 37 km. But this is Ho Chi Minh City. From the world of smooth presentations talking about the future, to the chaotic reality dominated by a flood of motorbikes. This traffic jam, which lasted over two hours, was not just a loss of time. It was an unforgettable attraction, experiencing the very friction created by the heat of development. And ahead of that, a mission awaited: to acquire the spoils of my trip in the center of the glittering consumer culture.
2. Timeline
2.1. Return to the Hustle and Bustle – The Long Road from the City of the Future <17:32–19:29>
I departed from Sora Gardens SC, an Aeon Mall in Binh Duong New City, at 5:30 PM. The estimated arrival time shown by the Grab app seemed like an optimistic figure.
As expected, as I approached Ho Chi Minh City, the car barely moved. Outside the window were cars and their horns. Motorbikes slipped through the gaps like blood cells flowing through capillaries. The neatly designed streets of Binh Duong felt like a distant dream. However, I believe this chaos is the identity that drives Vietnam today.
After more than two hours, the car finally arrived at my destination, Saigon Centre. The city, now completely under the veil of night, was shining with the humidity after the rain and the light of neon signs.
2.2. The Radiance of Saigon Centre – Souvenirs and Procedures <19:29–21:43>
Forgetting the fatigue of the long journey, I stepped into the glittering space of Saigon Centre. My purpose tonight was to buy souvenirs.
Regarding souvenirs, I had done some research using AI before leaving the country.
The summary is as follows.
Vietnam Souvenir List
Buying at markets is fine, but I personally prefer buying at shopping malls for the following reasons.
I don't want to buy unnecessary things
I don't want to buy overpriced items
I don't want to buy anything of poor quality.
VAT refunds often have a minimum purchase amount per store, so I want to buy everything together.
At Takashimaya, I can get a 5% discount with the Takashimaya card I have.
Having said that, I actually got talked into buying an overpriced coconut juice on the street on the second day...
Anyway, for that reason, I had decided to buy my Vietnamese souvenirs at Takashimaya, and I consulted AI about that too.
My prompt
Tell me what I can buy at the mall where Takashimaya is located from this list (souvenir list).
ChatGPT's response
I have picked out souvenirs you can buy at Saigon Centre (Takashimaya Ho Chi Minh City) from the list mentioned earlier.
Souvenirs available at Saigon Centre / Takashimaya
1. Food & Sweets
- Vietnamese Coffee
- Highlands Coffee (store located inside the building)
- Trung Nguyên (available at the basement of Takashimaya or the attached gourmet area)
- Premium Chocolate
- Marou (direct store located on the basement gourmet floor of Takashimaya)
- Dried Fruits & Nuts
- Annam Gourmet (located in the basement of Takashimaya)
- Lotus Seed Snacks
- Available for purchase at the food section in the basement of Takashimaya
2. Seasonings & Cooking Ingredients
- Nuoc Mam (Fish Sauce)
- Annam Gourmet sells brands from Phú Quốc
- Sate (Spicy Paste)
- Available at Annam Gourmet or the Takashimaya food section
- Instant Pho
- Available in the imported food section of Annam Gourmet
3. Sundries & Crafts
- Lacquerware
- Sold at sundry and gift shops inside Takashimaya
- Embroidered Pouches & Scarves
- Available at gift and fashion accessory shops on the 1st and 2nd floors of Takashimaya
- Bamboo & Rattan Products (Small items)
- Some sold in the gift corner
4. Fashion & Beauty
- Bamboo Material Clothing
- Available at local designer brand stores inside Takashimaya
- Handmade Accessories
- Vietnamese brand accessory shops on the 1st and 2nd floors
- Natural Coconut Oil
- Sold at Annam Gourmet or organic cosmetic shops
💡 Features
- At Takashimaya,the air conditioning is comfortable and prices are clearly displayed, so you can shop with peace of mind even for the first time.
- Prices are slightly higher than at the market, but the quality is consistent.
- The basement food floor is well-stocked, and you can find almost all food, sweets, and seasonings.
- Fashion accessories are high quality and often have stylish designs.
Furthermore, they even suggested specific stores for each product level.
First, I visited this shop that I had scouted out yesterday.
The Vietnamese bag brand "CHAUTFIFTH" that I was interested in.
I bought these as souvenirs for my two daughters, choosing them while showing the products via Line video chat. It's a convenient world.
Next, I went to the Marou store.
I ate it after returning home, and it was quite delicious.
Then, I went to "Annam Gourmet".
I looked for food items to bring the taste of Vietnam back to Japan.
First, coffee.
For coffee, there were many types of beans, and furthermore, a variety of manufacturers.
Once again, I consulted CHATGPT.
My prompt
Should I buy this?
CHATGPT's response
This is a blended coffee called MR. VIET REAL STRONG ORIGINAL.
Product Overview
Brand: MR. VIET
A brand based in southern Vietnam, popular with tourists for its unique package design
Contents: Ground Coffee + set with Phin (Vietnamese filter)
→ You can recreate Vietnamese coffee immediately after buying
Blend: Mostly Robusta + some Arabica
→ A balance of Robusta's strong bitterness and body with Arabica's aroma
Flavor Profile:
Rich and firm bitterness
Deep body, pairs perfectly with condensed milk or sugar
Quite a powerful taste when served black
Recommended way to drink:
Cà phê sữa đá (Iced coffee with condensed milk)
→ Excellent balance of bitterness and sweetness
Hot Vietnamese coffee (black)
→ You can directly enjoy the savory aroma of the dark roast
💡 This set is very popular as a souvenir. The reasons are that the packaging stands out, it comes with a Phin for an authentic Vietnamese feel, and the price is reasonable.
I actually bought this, and since it came with a filter, I was able to enjoy it.
And then, the pepper I was planning to buy.
Again, I didn't know what I should buy.
I consulted ChatGPT about this as well.
My prompt
What is this?
ChatGPT's response
This is salt with a grinder containing Italian truffle salt (Tartufo Estivo).
DetailsProduct Name: Sea salt with Tartufo Estivo (Summer Truffle)
Country of Origin: Italy (labeled as Product of Italy)
Contents:
Coarse salt (sea salt)
Black Summer Truffle (Tuber aestivum Vitt.)
Form: Bottle with a grinder
→ Designed to be ground by twisting the transparent plastic part on top
Uses:
Steak or roast beef
Pasta or risotto
Warm vegetables, potato dishes
Egg dishes (omelets, scrambled eggs)
💡 As a Vietnamese souvenir, it is not a local product but rather an imported luxury food item, but it is often sold at Annam Gourmet or the luxury food section in the B1F of Takashimaya.
The local price is cheaper than in Japan, so it is also recommended as a high-end gourmet gift.
Well, it's fine, I suppose. But I would prefer to buy something produced in Vietnam if possible.
If I hadn't asked ChatGPT, I would have made a mistake.
My prompt
Do you have any recommendations?
ChatGPT's response
Here are some recommended souvenirs from Vietnam.
🌿 Pepper Recommendations
Tiêu đen Phú Quốc (Phu Quoc Black Pepper)
The one with the green cap labeled "Tiêu đen Phú Quốc"
Strong aroma and distinct spiciness
Great for meat dishes and stir-fries
Estimated Price: 21,000–29,000 VND (approx. 130–180 JPY)
Tiêu đỏ Phú Quốc (Phu Quoc Red Pepper)
The one with the red cap
Dried from fully ripened berries, with sweetness and a fruity aroma
Recommended for cheese, salads, and fish dishes
Estimated Price: 24,000–32,000 VND (approx. 150–200 JPY)
Tiêu trắng (White Pepper)
Mild and elegant aroma
Perfect for soups and seafood
Estimated Price: 25,000–35,000 VND (approx. 160–220 JPY)
🧂 Salt (Muối) Recommendations
Muối tiêu chanh (Lemon Salt & Pepper)
Contains salt, pepper, and dried lime peel
Excellent for seafood, fried chicken, and grilled fish
Estimated Price: 15,000–25,000 VND (approx. 90–150 JPY)
Muối ớt (Chili Salt)
Salt + chili
Also goes well with fruits (mango, pineapple)
Estimated Price: 12,000–20,000 VND (approx. 70–120 JPY)
💡 TipsChoosing pepper from "Phú Quốc" ensures consistent aroma and quality.
Small bottles are light, break-resistant, and great for gifts.
Salt in bottles is more convenient for storage and transport than bags.
I wouldn't have known this without asking ChatGPT either.
Based on the advice, I bought a red pepper grinder called "SEL DE BAC LIEU" and Himalayan pink salt.
Thanks to ChatGPT, I was able to avoid the common souvenir shopping pitfalls of "I shouldn't have bought this" or "I wish I had bought that."
Next is the important VAT processing.
I'll show ChatGPT the document I received at the special counter.
My prompt
Explain this
ChatGPT's response
This is a VAT (Value Added Tax) refund confirmation form for Takashimaya Ho Chi Minh City.
The contents are summarized below.
Summary Date: August 15, 2025
Email Address: For sending the electronic VAT refund receipt
Contents:
The purchaser agrees to provide the information necessary for the refund process, such as name, contact information, ID, and purchase receipts.
Confirm the accuracy of the information provided and sign only after fully verifying the details.
Understand that Takashimaya is not responsible for any errors or omissions after confirmation.
There is a signature field at the end, and signing indicates agreement to the above conditions.
💡 Simply put, it is a confirmation form stating, "I agree to provide accurate information for the VAT refund application and that Takashimaya is not responsible for any errors.."
After this, you will receive the document (e-invoice) that can be presented at the airport for tax refunds via email.
And I'll also check the procedures at the airport.
My prompt
Please research and explain the procedures for when leaving the country in detail.
ChatGPT's response
This is a more detailed summary of the VAT (Value Added Tax) refund procedure at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. I have organized the flow step-by-step to ensure things go smoothly.
VAT Refund Procedure at Departure (Tan Son Nhat Airport)
1. Arrival at the airport—Aim for 3 hours before departure
Arrive at the international departure terminal and head first to the VAT counter before checking in. The trick is to have plenty of time.
Sun Getaways+1
2. To the VAT counter (Customs inspection)
Carry the items (unused) purchased at stores eligible for VAT refunds and present them at the customs counter.
Required documents are as follows:
Passport (original)
VAT refund declaration and electronic invoice for the purchase
The purchased items themselves
Once the documents and items are verified by customs, a stamp will be affixed, and the VAT refund will be approved.
For this inspection, it is safer to keep the items in your carry-on luggage and ready to be taken out immediately.
my.trip.com
3. Receiving the VAT refund (after customs stamp)
Once the customs inspection and stamping are complete, perform the refund procedure at the VAT Refund counter.
Refund method:
Cash refund (VND) is common.
Alternatively, refund to a credit card may also be available (in some cases, up to about 15% may be deducted as a fee).
4. Points to note (Be sure to check!)
The minimum purchase amount must be 2,000,000 VND (including tax) or more per store per day.
It must be within 60 days from purchase to departure. Eligible items are limited to
unused, unopened, and portable items.Some **excluded items (cosmetics, food, jewelry, underwear, etc.)** are not eligible for a refund.
5. Experience regarding the actual locationAlthough this is an example from Noi Bai Airport, there are accounts that the VAT procedure counter was in an easy-to-find location
opposite Gate 31.There is a possibility of a similar layout at Tan Son Nhat Airport, so
it is easier to find if you check near the departure gates or check-in area
Simple flowchart
Arrival at airport (international terminal)Present items, documents, and passport at the customs counter before check-in → Get stamp
Take stamped documents to the VAT Refund counter → Refund in cash or card (up to 85% provided)
After passing security, head to the boarding gate
To ensure the flow on the day of departure goes smoothly, the following preparations are also recommended:
・Keep documents and items
together in a place where they can be taken out immediately・
Check the locations of the VAT counter and customs in advance・
Go to the airport with plenty of time (2–3 hours before is a good guideline)If you wish,
I can also create a guide with a map showing the route to the counter within the terminal. Please let me know if you need it!
This information was quite useful; if I hadn't seen this, I might not have been able to get a refund. Details to follow.
2.3. The Return to Silence <21:43–21:55>
With the help of ChatGPT, thanks to my AI tour conductor, I was able to do some meaningful shopping.
With the fruits of my journey in both hands, I left the Saigon Centre. The bustle of the night continued, but my heart was full. It is about a 10-minute walk from the mall to the hotel. Feeling the night breeze, I looked back on the events of the day. The blueprints of a future city, a two-hour traffic jam, and heart-fluttering shopping. It was another dense day. Needless to say, I let out a sigh of relief when I opened the door to my hotel room.
3. Summary of the Trip
The fourth day in Ho Chi Minh City was a journey through Vietnam's "future" and "modernity," starting from Phu My Hung in the morning, continuing to Binh Duong New City in the afternoon, and ending at the Saigon Centre at night. Just as I touched upon the vision of grand urban planning, I was immediately caught in a real-life traffic jam. That gap is likely the realistic face of a developing country.
And the place where that energy is concentrated is a massive commercial facility like the Saigon Centre. Alongside global brands, new talents from Vietnam shine, and people generate vitality for the future by consuming there. The many souvenirs I obtained after a long journey are not just things. They are the crystals of the trip, condensing the current momentum of this city.
4. Supplementary Notes
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GPS Data / Google Timeline
17:32 | Departed AEON Binh Duong New City
19:29 | Arrived at Saigon Centre Shopping Mall (Stayed until 21:43)
21:55 | Returned to Silverland May Hotel
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Grab Usage Information
Route: Near AEON - Binh Duong New City → Takashimaya
Date/Time: August 15, 2025, 17:26 PM Departure
Distance/Time: 37.53 km / 2 hours 3 minutes
Fare: 473,200₫
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Receipt Information
Multiple purchases at Chau T Fifth. The total purchase amount for which VAT refund procedures were completed was 2,872,800 VND.
Purchased pepper, salt, coffee, etc., at a supermarket (Annam Gourmet, etc.).
Step Count Information: The total number of steps for Friday, August 15th, was 18,788 steps.
Continued