Wed 11.12.19 - Sat 14.12.19

Ho Chi Min City

Wed 11.12.19

Today we caught a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City unfortunately the flight was delayed so we didn’t arrive at the hotel until mid afternoon. Ho Chi Min City was previously known as Saigon until the end of the Vietnam War and was the former capital of South Vietnam. Traffic here is insane and the 3m plus motorbikes are king of the road and the pavement! No joke. Had an orientation walk visiting Ben Thanh Market and passing the Independece Palace, the Opera House, Nortre Dame Cathedral, the People’s Committee Hall and the Post Office. Some beautiful French colonial buildings. We then headed to the food court of the Central Market for an early dinner.

The Mekong Delta

Thu 12.12.19 - Fri 13.12.19

Early start with a four hour minibus journey to the Mekong Delta where we met our guide Jerry in Vinh Long. We walked around the local market before boarding a long boat for our cruise to explore life in the Delta stopping off for a simple lunch before visiting a clay factory (unfortunately not enough space in my bag for a terracotta pot) followed by a stop for a tasting at a workshop where they make snake wine and sweets. Needless to say we didn’t try the snake wine. We arrived at the Ut Thuy home stay mid afternoon. Jerry took Brent and I on a cycle ride round the island which was a bit hairy. When we got back we were treated to a cooking lesson to make papaya salad and rice pancakes which were part of our dinner.

The following morning we woke early to barking dogs. Back in our long boat we left the Co Chien River and crossed the much wider Mekong River passing cruise boats and a tug pushing a boat filled with black sand. We decamped to three sampans (sand pants) the women then rowed us through the back waterways, lots of birds and small mud skippers, chickens too. Back on our long boat we passed the wholesale floating market at Caibe and our last stop was to visit a honey shop.

Ho Chi Min City

Fri 13.12.19 - Sat 14.12.19

Reverse trip back to the city. Had a quick lunch when we arrived back and then visited the War Remnants Museum. I’m glad we made the visit but it was very harrowing and graphic - it left us emotionally drained. Lovely last supper with most of the gang. Can’t believe that they leave tomorrow morning as the Vietnam tour ends.

On Saturday Judith was up early, she joined Katja on a 1/2 day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Despite a 2hr bus journey both ways it was worth it. Very interesting to see how the VC (Viet Cong) soldiers lived, fought and survived during the Vietnam War. I didn’t actually go through the tunnels - I’ve lost weight but not that much! Back in the city we had a farewell lunch with Katja at the street food market then a bit of shopping at Ben Thanh Market. Dinner at Sen a vegan restaurant. Tried to go for a drink at the Rex Hotel rooftop bar as recommended by Sam but found ourselves on the other side of town at a members only club! Oops. Picked up our laundry instead. What an exciting life we lead!