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Published: August 14th 2014
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We arrived in Ho Chi Minh City around 9:30 on Tuesday night. The visa and immigration process was much easier and quicker than in Bali. The whole process took 20 minutes max! We took a cab from the airport to the Hideout Hostel located in the heart of District 1, aka backpacker district. There were a ton of people in the lobby taking advantage of 7-8 Beer Hour, where guests get two free beers, and 8-9 2 for 1 vodka drinks for 25,000 dong (roughly $1.20 USD). The hostel also hosts a complimentary pub crawl on Tues-Thurs-Sat so everyone was getting ready to hit the town. We were exhausted from a full day of traveling so we laid low in our room. The whole hostel is extremely nice. It's newly renovated with marble floors, amazing showers, AC, great wifi, free breakfast and two free beers a day all for only $8 a night! All the rooms are 8 bunk mixed dorms but our room has all girls, which is kind of nice not having to worry about changing, showering, etc. The next morning we enjoyed our free breakfast which consists of banh mi (bread), fresh fruit, jams and jellies, and Vietnamese
coffee. After breakfast we walked through the open market (got a few pairs of knock off ray bans), had breakfast at a bento box restaurant, and then visited the War Remnants Museum. I'm so glad we got to see the museum and get a different perspective on the "American War", but it was absolutely devastating hearing the harsh truths about the brutal, unjust war. It was especially heartbreaking seeing the effects the Agent Orange, a chemical substance used to destroy the crops and lands of Vietnam, have affected the country and its people. The U.S. released over (amount) of Agent Orange over villages and cities which has had severe long term effects to the persons in contact with the substance such as deformities, cancer, and illness. The pictures displayed in the museum were really hard to see, but I definitely learned a lot from the exhibits. I'm so thankful that Vietnam has accepted relations with the U.S. after the damage caused in their country. After the museum and walking around all day in the heat we were exhausted, so we came back to the hostel showered and rested until "Happy hour" at 7. We had a great time sitting downstairs
in the lobby and meeting everyone. There were a ton of Europeans, especially Brits and a few Americans and Aussies as well. Around 9 or so Vic and I went down the street to enjoy some fresh Pho at a place recommended by someone at the hostel. The food was delicious, quick, and cheap so I was a very happy camper! We met a few new friends back at the hostel and then walked down to the main District 1 strip that I've heard so much about where there were hundreds of backpackers lining the sidewalks. We picked a place that had a few empty chairs and all sat outside and enjoyed our Saigon Beers, which were 50 cents! Afterwards we went to the Hair of the Dog bar, which was apparently having Gay night which we found out upon arrival. The British guys who brought us there were a little embarrassed that they had picked the place and swore there were girls up on the stage the night before (suuure), regardless we had a great time and ended up staying there until about 3 am. Our late night made waking up at 7 for our tour very, very hard
to do! We hopped in the car around 8am with about 10 other travelers and head to Mekong river for the Floating Market tour. The drive took about 2 hours and then we jumped on a boat to head down the river to catch the tail end of the fishermen and vendors on their boats. We learned a little about the history of the floating market and how they operate daily. Afterwards we visited a stilted storefront where we learned about the process of making coconut candied and rice crackers. All the treats were delicious and we got to rinse it all down with a delicious cup of hot tea. We then traveled to another little spot where we tried fresh honey straight from the hive (actually put my finger in the middle of the bees to try it!) and had some honey tea with pollen on top. The bee pollen has a ton of health benefits including help to joints, liver, and back. It is also supposedly good for your skin because it is so high in nutrients. After learning about the crops and way of life of the Mekong Delta people we had a light lunch and enjoyed
some Vietnamese folk music. We then took a relaxing canoe ride down a small waterway and then it was time to head home! It was an amazing but very long day! But an incredible tour from 8-5pm for $20 that included lunch and treats is unbeatable!
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Ingrid
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Having fun I see .......
Hi Madelyn, Sounds like you are having a brilliant time despite your minor moped accident!! Really enjoying the blog. Stay safe. Love from your English family xxx