Day 29 - 'The Marathon'. A slow start start to the day as we headed down for a lazy breakfast at the hotel. Ventured out into the city heat at about 09:45 after trying unsuccessfully to book some theatre tickets online for a show at the Opera House. Because of this we headed at pace to the ticket office at the Opera House as there were only 13 tickets left when we checked online. Crossing busy roads and dodging the many street sellers, we made it to the Opera House and got our tickets. Job no.1 done, we planned what to do for the day.

We decided we were going to just have a stroll around the district we were in and maybe take in one of the land marks, the Reunification Palace. From the Opera House we headed north to the Notre Dame Cathedral and had a quick nose around before heading for the palace. It was just before 11:00 so we stopped for a coffee shop to grab a drink and to cool off. Whilst in there, our plans were scuppered as we realised that the palace was closed from 11:00 - 13:00 so we had to change tact. We walked down to the Ben Thann market it the centre of the district and had a look around. Deciding we wanted some t-shirts and a coffee filter we started hunting and haggling which is quite good fun although some are better than others and just cave in. At one point, not actually in the market, Alice was actually on the side of the seller as I was trying to haggle. 2 t-shirts and a filter in the bag we headed out for some lunch at Pho 24 which was back near the Opera House. Whilst there, a film crew were filming something in the restaurant and we were directly in shot behind the actors so not quite sure what 'Hollywood' film or low budget Vietnamese advert we're staring in!

After lunch we went to the Reunification Palace as it had reopened. This is where the president of South Vietnam lived before Vietnam became one country. Here is also where the war ended as the North army tanks came through the front gate, took the palace and hoisted their flag. The place has been left as it was on that day with a few repairs. There is a helipad, cinema and a massive bunker underground. Spent quite a bit of time wandering round and then on the way out watched a film on how and why it was built and how it was used.

The only other thing on our list for the day was to visit the sky tower which boasts 360 views of the city from the 49th floor. We wandered down for a walk along the river and then stopped for a drink in a cafe. It was the most expensive beer (a german tipple, Krombacher) we've had on the trip, just short of 100,000vnd (about £2.80). Was nowhere near that price on the menu but then the bill came out with a service charge and VAT in top, cheeky gits! We then went to the sky tower whilst still daylight to get the views of the city. We waited until it got dark so we could see what it was like and you certainly got a feel for the number of mopeds around.

Returning to the hotel we felt like we'd walked a marathon, we stopped at the hotel restaurant to grab a drink. Three Dutch girls on the table next to us enjoying a few beers before they all jumped out of their seats as a rat came running under their table. They sat at another table before a few minutes later another oldish western chap on his own looked at the menu and decided to come in. He had a face like thunder so I was praying he would sit at the rat table ad he duly did! A nod of the head and a laugh with the Dutch as they were thinking the same as me and we waited for the fun to begin. Unfortunately the rat didn't make another appearance before we left.

A quick shower and change before going out for dinner. Alice had done a bit if research about a place called Asian Kitchen which was close to the hotel down an alleyway somewhere off the main road. Walking out of the hotel and turning right onto the main road we didn't really spy any alleyways or signs as it was so manic with people, sellers, mopeds and taxis you can't really concentrate and just try to preserve your life. Doing a loop of the block, about a 15 minute walk, we gave up and headed back to the hotel to start again. About 8 steps from the hotel in the other direction was Asian Kitchen! Surprised we didn't get a taxi there based in yesterday's performance! Had a really nice meal washed down with a new beer for this trip, Hanoi.

Back to the hotel to catch up on the blog. Off to Cu Chi tunnels tomorrow morning at 08:00 so earlyish start again.