The last stop on my around the globe travels during this summer holiday is Vietnam. Craig and I have a two-week adventure planned with a friend, Roman, joining for most of it.
We started with our flight from Narita to HCMC. This is Day 1 technically but nothing to report. The flight is about 7 hours and there is a two-hour time difference between the two countries. That should orientate you. π
Our day in HCMC began with a Vietnamese breakfast of Pho and coffee. I am reminded of our favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Salem when I drink the coffee here.
Once fueled we were off to see the sights. Not being too into planning we wandered the streets taking in the city. We walked through the Ben Thanh Market, which was like most covered market areas. One difference I really noticed was that people were very touchy and eager to sell us something. Sadly for them we weren’t really interesting shoppers.
Our next stop was to have a quick drink to hydrate in the heat and decide our next plan of action. We sat near the intersection of Le Loi and Pastuer which gave us an amazing view of the seemingly thousands of motorbikes pass through amidst the cars. Motorbikes are the mode of
choice here and they are crazy!!!!
We headed to see the Reunification Palace from the outside on our way to the War Remnants Museum. The museum was fairly interesting with lots of gruesome photos and “bad” America explanations but in general it was ok. I am wondering what the tone in the north will be.
In the evening, we went for a sunset/night view of the Saigon River from the Majestic Hotel’s Skybar. It was a nice way to relax and have a few drinks away from the city. I continued to be awed by the ferry boats going from shore to shore chock full of motorbikes in both directions.
After a scenic evening walk around the ritzy part of town we had dinner at the much talked about Quan An Ngon restaurant. The food was good but I’m not convinced it is worth the hype.
At last we made it back exhausted at the very mediocre and over-priced Bi Saigon. The room was ok but no double beds and odd decor. Plus the six flights of stairs to the room wasn’t so desireable after a long day of walking around. But for a couple of nights one can survive.
Thus ends our visit in HCMC. We are both looking forward to Hanoi.
More to come,
-T
Sent from my iPhone
