It has been a rainy day in Ho Chi Minh City today with showers for most of the day followed by high humidity. We spent a lazy morning at the hotel recovering from our over indulgences of the last couple of days.

In the afternoon we visited Hội trường Thống Nhất - the Reunification Hall (formerly known as the Independence Pallace). Built over 4 years between 1962-1966 this palace was commissioned by the President of South Vietnam to replace the old palace which was bombed
by two Vietnamese Army dissidents during the Vietnam War, with the aim of assassinating the President and his family. In March 1975 two North Vietnamese tanks burst through the front gates of the Palace and South Vietnam surrendered to Communist North Vietnam ending the Vietnam War. The Palace name was changed in November1975 by the provisional revolutionary government to Reunification Hall.

On the way to Reunification Hall we fell across Banh Mi, ending the quest that started yesterday. I have to admit they are the best Pork Rolls I have ever tasted. Along with a freshly baked white bread roll and the succulent port is pate, pickled carrots, spring onions. Coriander and chili. Yum!

The drizzle lasted all day today. Despite this Sco made his way to the hotel rooftop to plunge into the cool waters to escape the sticky humidity of the day, much to the disbelief of the staff at the hotel. It wasn't long before the heavens opened with a surge of water that left his Dry t-shirt towel and shoes sopping wet!

We spent the evening in a fine dining restaurant called 'The Deck'. Located about 20 minutes from our hotel, on the banks of the Saigon River. It's location is a very expensive part of Ho Chi Minh City, a part of town colloquially known as the 'Expat Ghetto', where large multinational corporations stash their top executives in compounds with 10ft walls and high security. Away from the noise and business of Ho Chi Minh City 'The Deck' provided a calm refuge from the city as we dined on a covered deck above the river. Not even the constant drizzle could take away from the beauty and awe of the river up close and personal. Topped with a Lychee Martini and Freshly shucked local Nha Tranh Oysters served with Salt, Pepper Lime and Tobassco...I was in heaven!

An early night this evening, with our last day tomorrow to enjoy this beautiful city, before we head to the airport to continue our journey.