Taipei 101

6 Date Ideas For Couples in Taipei

Whether you live in Taipei or are simply passing through, there are no shortage of fun date activities for couples (or even first dates) looking to spend some quality time together (or get to know one another). From incredible hiking trails and night markets, to international film houses and Japanese izakayas, all the way to rowdy arcades and quirky cultural parks, Taipei has it all, you can’t go wrong. 

I’ve compiled a list of 6 of my favorite date ideas in Taipei, Taiwan, for you to choose from for your next date night (or day). 

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Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

How Much I Spent Per Week in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

When I moved to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, my work was going quite well and beginning to scale significantly, so that will be reflected in my budget. Keep in mind that this budget may not be reflective of other expats or foreigners living in Saigon, and it can be done on a lot less. Also, I’m writing this now several months out of being in Ho Chi Minh, where I spent just over a year. 

I moved over to Saigon from Taipei, Taiwan, which was much needed for personal and professional reasons. If you’re curious how much I spent per month while living in Taipei or how much a luxury serviced apartment there costs, check out my past articles! 

I figure this type of article is important to include what I spent per month for rent in Ho Chi Minh, as it is probably the largest base cost, so let’s get started. 

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Phnom Penh Cambodia

Visa Run: Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh Bus Ride

For how much I travel, I still somehow really hate flying. To skirt having to fly in a metal tube, 35,000 feet in the air for a mere 45 minutes, I somehow convinced myself that doing my Vietnam visa run to Phnom Penh, Cambodia via the Moc Bai Border should be done by bus. This wasn’t my best idea. If you’re currently in Vietnam and considering your visa run options, I recommend running a pros and cons comparison when choosing between the bus and flight. 

For those who are looking to visa run within the day, meaning you are just going to the Moc Bai Border and then straight back to Ho Chi Minh, then the bus is probably your best option. I like to make a trip of things, so a short 45 minute flight will be my preferred method next time.

If you’re curious about why I’ll choose to fly the next time I need to visa run from Vietnam, continue on. 

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Icon 56 rooftop pool ho chi minh vietnam

How Much Does a Luxury Service Apartment Cost to Rent in Ho Chi Minh?

Moving to Ho Chi Minh was an absolute unexpected blessing. So much so, that I signed my original lease for 3 months, and ended up extending it for over a year. I was fortunate enough to have some great friends already living in the heart of Saigon that I stayed with for my first week there while apartment hunting. And a hunt it was. I spent a week touring Ho Chi Minh’s countless serviced apartments, and ultimately settled on one that I couldn’t have been happier with – Icon 56 Apartment in District 4. 

I’ve always felt it’s important to try and maintain an upward trajectory in life, and coming from Taipei, Taiwan, Icon 56 Apartment was definitely in line with that ascent. I hope this post serves as a base for those looking to rent luxury service apartments in Ho Chi Minh City, and can serve as a rubric for what you can expect price and amenities-wise.

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War Remnants Museum Ho Chi Minh

A Day at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

If you’re travelling to Vietnam or simply passing through Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum is an absolute must-see. 

As Saigon served as the headquarters of U.S. military operations in Vietnam during the Second Indochina War (Vietnam War), it’s rich with history and sobering reminders of what most consider to be an unnecessary war. The War Museum can be done in just a few hours, so it makes for a great spot to check out without having to commit to a whole day of walking or tours. 

Let’s take a look at how to get to Ho Chi Minh’s War Museum, several of the exhibits, and their operating hours.

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What I Spent Per Month in Taipei, Taiwan

Curious about how much you can expect to spend per month in Taipei, Taiwan? Well, then this post is kind of for you. Sort of…

If you read the rest of the blog, then you’ll know that this is not a budget travel blog. While I do have some budgeting advice, and don’t mind saving a dollar here and there, I can be a bit careless with spending. Below is an expense breakdown of what I spent per month in Taipei, Taiwan, as a mid-twenties (single at point) male who enjoys his fair share of beers, BBQ, and baozi (包子). 

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Luxury service apartment Taipei W110

How Much Does a Luxury Service Apartment Cost to Rent in Taipei, Taiwan?

I lived in Taipei for several years and have mixed emotions about it. It was a time of stress, heartache, happiness, and growth. Ultimately, it was crucial for getting me to where I’m at now professionally and emotionally, so I will always be thankful for my time there. Anchoring me down and keeping me levelheaded was my apartment at Taipei W110 – a luxury service apartment based in the heart of Xinyi District and a stone’s throw away from Taipei 101 (the world’s tallest building from 2004 until 2010).

Taipei W110 was one of the best apartments I’ve ever lived in, so I thought I would help answer some common questions you might have about how much a luxury apartment in Taipei costs and what it comes with.

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Lumiere Hotel Phnom Penh

Capri By Fraser: a 4-Star Boutique Business Hotel in Phnom Penh

If you’re looking for one of the best hotels in Phnom Penh to stay in for a short business trip, rooftop jacuzzis, and great view of the former ‘Pearl of Asia’, I recommend checking out the Capri By Fraser – formerly known as ‘Lumiere Hotel’. 

Located in the heart of bustling Phnom Penh, the Capri By Fraser is a boutique business hotel for travelers looking for all Western amenities and luxuries in Cambodia. I stayed at Capri By Fraser for 8 nights when making a visa run from Vietnam, and couldn’t have been happier with my stay. It was a quiet refuge no more than stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of it all along the riverside.

Below, I’m going to break down some of my favorite things about the Capri By Fraser, and why I think it’s not only one of the best bang-for-your-buck business hotels, but one of the best hotels in Phnom Penh period

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