Vietnam is undoubtedly one of the most beloved tourist destinations in South East Asia. After two years Vietnam finally opened its borders and allowed tourists from all over the world to admire plenty of natural wonders here, take a break from the busy work schedule and try out some new delicious cuisines! A while ago in May 2022, TGM Research took advantage of this incredible opportunity to relax in this beautiful country, explore new landscapes, and enjoy the sights of Southern Vietnam.
Who is TGM Research?
TGM Research is a data and insights company focused on online research panels. They help businesses to identify, connect and engage with the people who matter. By capturing declared, first-party data, they help to understand, segment, target and engage with target audiences globally through research that moves at the speed of culture.
Organization of a large event
TGM team asked us for a full incentive package, as they wished not only to spend some time unwinding together at a seaside resort, but also to strengthen the bonds during workshops. We therefore supported them from the very beginning of the whole experience.
We started off with a detailed plan of departures for all the team members, and collected all the documents needed for travel purposes. It was a challenge, as it included almost 20 people from 7 different countries on 3 continents! After all, flight tickets or visas have no secrets for us, so all TGM team was ready for the adventure of a lifetime when the planned date came. We were waiting for them at the airport to make their way to the hotel easier and more comfortable. The hotel located in the city center met all the expectations TGM team members had after long hours of flights.
Healthy balance between work and travel
Man does not live by work alone, so we took great care of the leisure parts of the TGM unRemote event. As the time we had was limited, TGM chose to focus on the Southern Vietnam region. They’ve experienced two different faces of Saigon, the big city hustles visible to the naked eye during a day, and the flourishing social life after sunset for the contrast. There were some special means of transport included in both of the trips! However, multi-million agglomeration is not the only thing Southern Vietnam has to offer – just check what’s around Saigon! We chose 2 additional destinations outside of the city: Ben Tre, the Vietnamese coconut capital, and Ho Tram, where TGM employees relaxed in the beautiful beach resort.
Saigon’s speed during the day
The first trip we organized for TGM Research to show them around the city was a Day in Saigon. Outside the hotel there was a big group of rickshaw drivers waiting, who had taken TGM team for an almost hour-long drive around the area. On the comfortable rickshaw seats, it was a pleasure to watch everyday life happening on the streets. After lunch in a restaurant serving delicious Vietnamese cuisine, TGM went to the Vietnam War Museum to learn some history about the Vietnam - US conflict. The next stop was at the Temple of the Jade Emperor, where the TGM Research group observed the preparations for the Vesak festival. We also went to the iconic buildings of the Main Post Office and the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral to get some commemorative photos.
Saigon by night on the motorbikes
After visiting Ho Chi Minh City by day, it was the highest time to see it after the sunset! This time, the TGM Research group was taken for a scooter ride to get to know the night face of Saigon. We drove through several districts, exploring narrow alleys and the Khmer market hidden in the middle of the flower market. From the backseat of the scooter, our guests felt safe and they had loads of fun - what you can see in the pictures below! It’s also impossible to ride around Saigon without at least a short stop for some street food, that’s why during this trip we shared our favorite banh mi and pho places.
Mekong Delta seducing greenery
We had rickshaws, we had scooters... So, it was time for some boat joy! TGM team jumped on the boats to dive into the greenery surrounding Ben Tre - the Vietnamese coconut capital. Through little canals and a river, we reached a bamboo mats factory run by our old friend. The TGM team could prove themselves in mat-making, which isn’t easy even with lots of help from the experienced lady! To get to another attraction, we needed to use tuk-tuks, thanks to which the ride took only around 15 minutes. Every single person felt like a child as soon as they understood where we were - in the coconut candy factory! Learning about the traditional process of making candies was almost as tasty as the lunch we had... to make! TGM team rolled their own spring rolls, filling them with freshly grilled elephant ear fish (giant gourami). For those bold enough, we prepared the team to try two things arousing the most extreme emotions in people: balut and durian. To calm all the emotions after the challenge down, we had a really relaxing boat trip through the Mekong Delta canals.
Cu Chi is more than just history
Vietnam is not only the cultural sites and beautiful landscapes. Country’s history is so fascinating, that even the scientific minds will stop to listen! That’s why we couldn’t quit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, which are a network of tunnels that helped the Guerrillas to win the war against the Americans. But before that, we needed to prepare something immersing like nothing else could - food. To deepen the local experience, we took cooking class during which first we collected from the garden all vegetables and herbs we needed, and later learned few Vietnamese recipes including the iconic spring rolls in two variations: with shrimps, and with bananas! With an awesome mood and full bellies, we rushed to visit the tunnels and learn about the dramatic history that happened here around 60 years ago.
Relax in the Ho Tram beach resort
To end those two weeks with a bang, we chose a beautiful resort in Ho Tram for TGM Team. Here, by the sea, in wonderful natural circumstances, there was time for some rest, workshops and further exploring the culture and tastes of Asia - but in more relaxed way now. Finally, we prepared a farewell gala, during which the TGM Research group received awards for their work and shared delicious dinner consisting of local specialties.
