Arriving in Ho Chi Minh late in the day meant that our first taste of Vietnam's capital was during the bustling late afternoon. The traffic and roads can only be described as wonderful chaos: thousands of motorbikes, taxis and busses all colliding at every corner. The rules of the road seem simple, you just keep moving forward and swerve to avoid other vehicles and people. It seems to work a treat. After a 20 minute taxi ride we arrived at our hotel unscathed.

The Renaissance Riverside hotel is impressive with its french inspired colonial architecture. It is located along the dazzling Saigon River in district 1, the central urban district of Ho Chi Minh City.

After check in we headed to the executive lounge for a quiet drink before embarking on our first discovery of Ho Chi Minh City at night. Little did I know that there was a big surprise awaiting...

As we headed into a smokey french bar filled with ex-pats, I was shocked to find Peter Money sitting at a table. A little plan of some months in the making between Sco and Pete to surprise me for my Birthday. Pete had flown in from Manilla that morning to spend a few days with us. A very well kept secret indeed!

We finished the night at the rooftop bar of Saigon's oldest Hotel, The Majestic, where a local band delivered a truly unique mix of tunes. It didn't take long before they spotted Rock Star Sco in the crowd. Sco delighted all with a performance of Bon Jovi's 'It's My Life' on stage.

What a great first night in this exciting city.