Travel & Lifestyle

SAS EuroBonus Global Challenge Part 2: Bali to Vietnam

I’m participating in the SAS EuroBonus Million Mile Challenge. Overall, the challenge included me traveling for 25 days on 18 flights and visiting 15 different countries on 15 different SkyTeam airlines, ultimately earning 1 million SAS EuroBonus miles.

During the first week of my trip, I flew from Portland to Seoul, South Korea, via Seattle, and finally to Bali on airlines including Delta, Korean Air, and Garuda Indonesia.

After a few blissful (if rainy) days in Bali, it’s time to take to the skies again. Here’s where I’m going next and what I’ve been doing.

Flight 4: Garuda Indonesia

I arrived at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali two and a half hours before my flight, which is pretty early for me (I tend to fly at the last minute).

To my surprise, the airport was not open when I arrived because it was early in the morning and there was still a long queue waiting to board the plane. This was probably because I was in the domestic part of the terminal, as my next flight was just to Jakarta.

Eventually, the doors opened and after going through security, I headed to the Blue Sky Lounge. This is probably one of the best priority pass lounges I’ve been to, with a fully staffed barista-operated coffee bar and even a chocolate fountain. There are also plenty of snacks and other drinks.

Unfortunately, I was stuck in the middle seat on the flight, but it was only a two-hour ride on a Boeing 737, so it wasn’t too uncomfortable, especially since the seat had decent padding and a seatback entertainment display. According to Skytrax, Garuda Indonesia won the award for Best Cabin Crew last year, and I can see why. On the short-haul flight to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), service was excellent, even in economy class, with hearty meals and very pleasant interactions.

I was surprised to get a hot breakfast in economy class on such a short flight. I guess that’s why, as a frequent domestic flyer in the United States, I was surprised by the better service abroad. It wasn’t a restaurant quality meal, but the omelet was fresh and the sausage was good. I also appreciate eco-friendly wooden tableware.

The only downside to this flight was the lack of Wi-Fi, but since the flight was so short, this wasn’t an issue for me.

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Flight 5: Vietnam Airlines

When I arrived in Jakarta, I had about six and a half hours to spare, so I took Grab (a ride-hailing service found throughout much of Asia) and headed to the huge Grand Indonesia shopping mall to kill some time. I’m still amazed at the economics of traveling. The 45-minute Grab ride to and from the airport cost $8.

Chris Nelson/Scoring Expert

My day was going smoothly until I got back to CGK and checked in for my Vietnam Airlines flight. That’s when I ran into some trouble.

My Vietnam visa was not processed originally because there were errors and needed some modifications. I submitted my revision comments in time and was told that it would be resolved within three working days, but in the end it was not processed in time. Therefore, I was forced to pay a hefty fee of $370 to get an expedited emergency visa on arrival. Luckily, my original visa was processed the morning after I arrived in Vietnam.

Chris Nelson/Scoring Expert

After it was resolved, I asked the Vietnam Airlines check-in agent to add my SAS EuroBonus number to my ticket and they told me that I was the 11th person that day to ask for the number. I really hope some TPG readers join me in chasing this million miles.

After going through security and immigration, I went to the Plaza Premium Lounge, which didn’t offer much food and drink and the air conditioning didn’t seem to work. Needless to say, I didn’t linger.

As I boarded the Vietnam Airlines Airbus A321 flight that would take me to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, I realized that I was lucky enough to get an exit row seat with extra legroom.

On this flight, there was another full meal service with a choice of chicken or beef dishes. I chose beef and the sauce was delicious but the meat itself was tough.

Chris Nelson/Scoring Expert

Like my previous Garuda flight, there was no Wi-Fi on this flight, but that didn’t matter since the flight was just under three hours.

Vietnam Highlights

From bustling cities with motorcyclists on the streets to scenic coasts and mountains, I wish I had five weeks instead of five days to explore Vietnam. I will definitely come back.

This trip, I started in Ho Chi Minh City, which was filled with pre-holiday activities. I spent a few days exploring its various neighborhoods, strolling through temples, the majestic central post office and the famous Bui Boon Walking Street, popular with backpackers.

I stayed at Le Méridien Saigon, which had a delicious buffet breakfast, and was a steal at around $130 a night, or 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Of course, I ate as much local Vietnamese food as I could around the city, from steaming hot pho to crusty Banh Mi sandwiches to super fresh goi cuon (summer rolls). Everything was delicious.

Chris Nelson/Scoring Expert

After two days in Ho Chi Minh City, I took a two-hour express shuttle to Hanoi Bai International Airport (HAN), where I spent the next three days.

I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hanoi and spent a total of $260 for three nights. This turned out to be an excellent choice as the hotel had free laundry facilities and I had a pile of laundry that needed washing.

In Hanoi, I saw temples, pagodas, the old quarter and the famous Hanoi Train Street, all worth seeing. The number of markets, cafes and street vendors selling food and other items along the tracks is astounding. I arrived early and found a seat in a cafe so I could watch the train rattle by an arm’s length from where I was sitting. It’s really exciting.

Like I was in Ho Chi Minh City, I tried almost every local dish I could find and found a pretty delicious pizza at a restaurant called Pizza 4ps.

Chris Nelson/Scoring Expert

Overall, I had a great time in Vietnam.

When I return, I want to try the Ha Giang Loop, a famous four-day motorcycle route in the northern mountains, and head to the beaches of Danang on the central coast.

I also loved how affordable this trip was. I average less than $1.50 per Grab ride, and my meals (even at dine-in restaurants) are usually less than $4. Budget and mid-range travelers can easily get by on just $40 to $70 per day without sacrificing any experience. Luckily, credit cards were accepted everywhere I went, so I was able to pay with my primary travel card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, and earn valuable points along the way.

bottom line

Apart from my visa issues, everything went smoothly. That said, I’m getting ready for the second half of my trip, which will have 12 flights in 10 days. I hope everything goes as planned and I’m looking forward to flying on some unique new airlines.

Stay tuned for part three as I head to Taiwan, China, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia, because it’s going to be an action-packed sprint.

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