Spherical-the-world SAS EuroBonus problem half 2: Bali to Vietnam

I am doing the SAS EuroBonus million-mile problem. In whole, the problem will encompass me touring for 25 days on 18 flights and visiting 15 totally different international locations on 15 totally different SkyTeam airways as a way to find yourself with 1 million SAS EuroBonus miles.

My first week on the highway took me from Portland to Seoul, South Korea, through Seattle, and on to Bali on a mixture of carriers together with Delta, Korean Air and Garuda Indonesia.

After a number of blissful (if wet) days in Bali, it was time to take to the skies once more. Here is the place I went subsequent and what I have been as much as.

Flight 4: Garuda Indonesia

I arrived at Ngurah Rai Worldwide Airport (DPS) on Bali two and a half hours earlier than my flight, which is kind of early for me (I are usually a last-minute flyer).

To my shock, the airport wasn’t even open once I arrived because it was early within the morning, and there was a queue of individuals ready to enter. This may need been as a result of I used to be within the home a part of the terminal, since my subsequent flight was simply to Jakarta.

Ultimately, the doorways opened and after I received by safety, I proceeded to the Blue Sky Lounge. This could be one of many greatest Precedence Move lounges I’ve visited, with a full barista-manned espresso bar and even a chocolate fountain. There was additionally a large unfold of small bites and different drinks.

Sadly, I used to be caught with a center seat on my flight, however it was solely a two-hour hop aboard a Boeing 737, so it was not too uncomfortable, particularly as a result of the seats had first rate padding and seatback leisure displays. Based on Skytrax, Garuda Indonesia received the award for greatest cabin crew final 12 months, and I can see why. On this quick haul to Soekarno-Hatta Worldwide Airport (CGK), the service was glorious, even in financial system, with a full meal and really nice interactions.

I used to be fairly shocked to obtain a sizzling breakfast in financial system class on such a brief flight. I suppose that is the frequent home U.S. flyer in me being shocked by higher service outdoors of the nation. It was not a restaurant-quality meal, however the omelet tasted contemporary and the sausage was first rate. I additionally appreciated the eco-friendly wood cutlery.

The one draw back of this flight was the dearth of Wi-Fi, although because it was so quick, that wasn’t a problem for me.

Flight 5: Vietnam Airways

Once I landed in Jakarta, I had about six and a half hours to fill, so I caught a Seize (a ride-hailing service that yow will discover all through a lot of Asia) and headed to the large Grand Indonesia mall to kill a while. I am nonetheless amazed at how reasonably priced getting round was. The Seize value me $8 for a 45-minute airport experience round-trip.

My day was going fairly easily till I returned to CGK and was checking in for my Vietnam Airways flight. That is once I encountered a couple of snafus.

My visa for Vietnam had not been processed initially as a result of there was an error, and it wanted some revisions. I had submitted the revisions in time and was instructed it will be resolved in three working days, however in the long run, it had not processed in time. Due to that, I used to be compelled to pay a hefty $370 charge to get an expedited emergency visa on arrival. It was simply my luck that my unique visa was processed the morning after I received to Vietnam.

As soon as I received that sorted out, I requested the Vietnam Airways check-in agent so as to add my SAS EuroBonus quantity to my ticket, and so they instructed me I used to be the eleventh individual that day asking so as to add that. I’m actually hoping that there are some TPG readers on the market chasing these million miles together with me.

After clearing safety and immigration, I went to the Plaza Premium lounge, the place there weren’t many meals and beverage gadgets on supply and the air-con didn’t appear to be working. For sure, I didn’t linger.

As soon as I boarded the Vietnam Airways Airbus A321 that may be taking me to Tan Son Nhat Worldwide Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, I spotted I had lucked out with an exit-row seat with further legroom.

Throughout this flight, there was one other full meal service with the selection between a rooster or beef dish. I opted for the meat, whose sauce was flavorful, however the meat itself was very powerful.

Like my earlier Garuda flight, there was no Wi-Fi on this one, however that was superb because the flight time was lower than three hours.

Vietnam highlights

From bustling cities with motorbike-clogged streets to coasts and mountains full of gorgeous surroundings, I want I had 5 weeks and never 5 days to discover Vietnam. I’m positively going to return.

For this journey, I began in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, which was teeming with preholiday exercise. I spent a pair days exploring its numerous neighborhoods and wandered by temples, its imposing central publish workplace and the well-known Bui Vien strolling road that is in style with backpackers.

I stayed on the Le Meridien Saigon, which had an impressive breakfast buffet and was a strong worth at round $130 or 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time.

After all, I ate native Vietnamese delicacies across the metropolis as a lot as potential, from steamy pho to crusty banh mi sandwiches to ultrafresh goi cuon (summer time rolls). It was all scrumptious.

After two days in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, I took a fast two-hour shuttle flight to Noi Bai Worldwide Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, the place I spent the following three days.

I stayed on the Hilton Backyard Inn in Hanoi, the place I paid $260 whole for 3 nights. This proved to be a superb alternative because the lodge had free laundry services and I had some garments piled up that wanted to be washed.

In Hanoi, I noticed temples, pagodas, the Outdated Quarter and the well-known Hanoi Prepare Road, which was one thing to behold. The sheer variety of markets, cafes and road distributors promoting meals and different gadgets alongside the practice tracks was astounding. I arrived early sufficient to get a seat at a restaurant so I may watch because the practice chugged by inside arm’s attain of the place I sat. It was exhilarating.

And identical to I had in Ho Chin Minh Metropolis, I attempted nearly each native dish I may discover, plus what turned out to be a quite scrumptious pizza at a restaurant referred to as Pizza 4ps.

General, I had a superb time in Vietnam.

Once I return, I need to attempt doing the Ha Giang Loop, a well-known four-day bike route within the northern mountains, and hit the seashores of Da Nang on the central coast.

I additionally beloved how reasonably priced my go to was. My Seize rides averaged lower than $1.50 every and my meals, even at sit-down eating places, have been usually beneath $4. Finances and mid-tier vacationers can simply get by on $40-$70 per day with out sacrificing something concerning the expertise. Fortunately all over the place I went accepted bank cards, so I used to be capable of pay with my primary journey card, the Chase Sapphire Most well-liked® Card and earn invaluable factors alongside the way in which.

Backside line

Issues have been going easily, other than my visa subject. That stated, I am bracing myself for the second half of my journey, the place I’ve 12 flights in 10 days. I am hoping that all the pieces goes in keeping with plan, and I am wanting ahead to flying on some distinctive new airways for me.

Keep tuned for half 3 as I journey to Taiwan, China, Thailand and Saudi Arabia, as it will be an action-packed dash.