This is one of those unforgettable experiences that will always be part of the journey shared between my wife and me. Ho Chi Minh City was actually the first country we visited purely for our honeymoon—if we don’t count Singapore, which was more for work and studies. Among all the memories we made in Ho Chi Minh, this one definitely ranks at the top for me. It was simple, meaningful, and something I’ll always hold close.
But before I continue with the story, let me say a quick hello to everyone! I hope you’re having a good day, and I’m wishing you lots of luck, good health, and happiness—wherever you are and whatever you’re doing.
Okay, now back to the story.
While we were exploring Ho Chi Minh City, we walked for miles through the city streets, visiting popular spots, tasting the local food and coffee, and capturing photos of the beautiful architecture along the way. Suddenly, my wife said she needed to go to the toilet. I checked the map and found the nearest public restroom, which was about 150 meters away at a park nearby.
When we reached the toilet, my wife asked for some small notes, assuming—like in many places—that there might be a small fee. I gave her some change and waited nearby. At the entrance, she started talking to a lady who was sitting just outside the toilet.
Here’s where it got funny.
Before entering, my wife removed her shoes, but instead of using the slippers provided outside on the rack, she went in barefoot. I found it a bit odd, but didn’t say anything right away. A moment later, another girl arrived, took off her shoes as well, but then used the slippers that were neatly arranged outside.
That’s when I realized the whole system! I couldn’t stop myself from laughing and called my wife over, telling her about the slippers and that the toilet was actually free to use (there was a sign outside, which she hadn’t noticed). As soon as she realized what had happened, she burst out laughing too.
It was our first experience with a public toilet in a park where you're expected to remove your shoes and wear communal slippers to go inside. Later, we found out this wasn’t just that one location—other public toilets nearby followed the same practice. Maybe it's a local custom, or just a way to keep the facilities cleaner.
At first, I thought this whole slipper thing was just for the women's toilet—but surprisingly, the men’s toilet had the same setup too! Everyone had to remove their shoes and wear the provided slippers before going in. That was something completely new for me.
It might sound like a small thing, but it really stuck in my mind as one of those unique local customs that you’d never expect until you experience it firsthand.That was something completely new for me. You’ll never see this at my place in Malaysia, and definitely not in Singapore either.
If you ask me whether the toilet is clean—yes, it is! They’ve done an excellent job maintaining this place. Now, let me take you on a little journey of imagination. Picture a typical public toilet in a busy park, crowded with people. You’d probably expect it to look and smell... well, not great. It’s not a VIP restroom, after all—it’s just a regular public facility. So believe me when I say, this one truly blew my mind.
You might be wondering why I’m sharing this story with you. Well, to me, memories aren’t just about beautiful places, stunning photos, or delicious food. What matters most is being there with the people you love and truly feeling the moment, even if it seems small or simple. There’s no such thing as a bad memory—because even the difficult ones can become the best, once you see them from a different perspective.
I think that’s all for today. I hope you enjoyed this post, and I’ll see you again on the next journey of life. Until then, take care! Cheers.