Details

Staff, directors, family and friends embarked on a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on 29/10/2016, led by board chairman Mr Lim Guan Lee. Over the next 3 days, all 111 participants had a thoroughly enjoyable holiday and brought home many fond memories.

We arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh, in 3 different groups on 3 separate flights. The first stop was the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office in the city, then the remnants of the Vietnam War, Cu Chi Tunnels in the later part of the day. That night, we were entertained by a water puppets performance.

On the second day, we made our way to Cai Be in the Mekong region. The picturesque sights on the Mekong riverbanks were charming and the ways of the people were simple. Many of us had the opportunity to take a short ride down the river on a rowboat. We also had a close-up look on the production of rice paper, coconut candy and pop-rice. After lunch, the groups visited a traditional house and learned more about Vietnamese music. That night, the three different groups sat down together to a sumptuous buffet dinner at the hotel ballroom. Speeches were made and toasts were proposed; games, songs and prizes created a memorable night for everyone.

On the last day, we visited the War Remnants Museum and gained more understanding about the Vietnam War and how resilient the Vietnamese were as a people. The last stop was a lacquerware workshop which showcased a great variety of exquisite lacquerware. It was a short trip but it has enabled the participants to interact closely and fostered greater unity and a deeper sense of belonging to the institution.

Visit Central Post Office in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City on the first day

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Lunch at restaurant specializing in pho

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Traditional Vietnamese pho

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Tour of remnants of the Vietnam War - Cu Chi Tunnels (1)

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Tour of remnants of the Vietnam War - Cu Chi Tunnels (2)

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World famous water puppet show

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Staff trying their hands at manipulating the puppets

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Tour of Mekong River on the second day

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Taking a slow ride along Mekong River on the rowboats

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Enjoying the rustic sights on the riverbanks

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A close up look at the production of "pop-rice" and other local products

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Pre-dinner speech by Board Chairman Mr Lim Guan Lee

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Staff enjoying the games planned by hotel staff

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Toast to Thong Chai by everyone

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Group photograph

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Tour of the War Remnants Museum on the third day (1)

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Tour of the War Remnants Museum on the third day (2)

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