Blogs from Ho Chi Minh City, Southeast, Vietnam, Asia - page 14

Back at the hotel, it was a little bit weird saying goodbye to the expats. People come and go all the time, but the kiwi couple, who have been resident for 3 weeks and have taken charge of the social life, organising meals and including everyone, make a big thing of sending people off when they leave, kisses and hugs, only met them a couple of times. Okaaaaay. Bye! No big deal. Last dinner out in Hoi An, walked 10 minutes back down the main road yet again to a non-Tripadvisor restaurant with a reasonable menu. It was a strange mix of restaurant/travel agent/tailor. People were coming in for all sorts of stuff. We'd sussed it out on the way back from town and remembered wine 24,000 a glass (Sam) and big Saigon beer 12,000 (me). ... read more

I was busy taking some photos from my window seat when the aircraft was approaching the Ho Chi Minh city (HCMC) airport. To my delight, it was a sunny afternoon once again and I had a good opportunity to do some aerial photography before landing. I looked around and I saw buildings all over the places once I crossed the Mekong delta. HCMC is a populated city alright! Once the flight landed, I collected my luggage and came out of the terminal. I was going to stay at Silverland hotel for three nights, and the deal was that the hotel would arrange my transportation from the airport. I looked around and it was not difficult for me to identify the gentleman holding the signboard bearing my name. After the initial ‘Hi, Hello’, I was transferred to ... read more

This final blog entry is being written in Hedge End which feels like cheating but I need to finish it off. Our last two days in Ho Chi Minh City went by in a bit of a blur but we did have one more excursion to the Cu Chi tunnels to fit in. The same guide, Yung, joined us on this trip which took about 2 hours in the minibus, this time along a proper motorway which was a bit less frenetic than the minor roads. The driving in Vietnam has provided us with endless entertainment and we still find it hard to believe that anyone completes a journey in one piece! The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding places, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon ... read more

Walked around Ho Chi Minh for one last time and grabbed a coffee before going to get our flight to da nang! Hotel car picked us up from the airport for $15 so didn't have to worry about trying to find out hotel this time! Room at phuoc an hotel is nice and airy with a balcony! (Only thing is can hear everything from the streets). walked around hoi an in the late afternoon-such a beautiful town filled with lanterns and lights! Another bonus is that cars and motorbikes can't enter the old town between a certain time frame so it's nice and quiet to walk along! Went to the yaly couture tailors to place and order to get some clothes made! I have picked 2 dresses to be made and Ryan is getting a blue ... read more

Not a great night sleep at the duc vuong hotel due to the amount if noise but luckily the Vietnamese know how to make coffee-condensed milk is the key!! Breakfast consisted of eggs and crusty bread which was delicious-Ryan dried the Asian style breakfast-spring rolls and noodle stuff! We set off in the 35c heat to the war remnants museum! It hadn't changed since the last time I was there but still really enjoyed it!sooo interesting reading all about the Vietnam war from the other sides prospective! Also went to the central post office, reunification palace and Notre dame cathedral which were all great! I just love the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh-such a great city! Traffic totally mental but as we have already been to other parts of Asia-now pros walking in between ... read more