Ok, I’m late with my Vietnam updates. I’ve been too lazy to work on the photos (not that I took many) because for some reason I was quite disillusioned with my most recent visit to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon for those of the Vietnam War era).
I’m not going to give a blow by blow Day 1 Day 2 thing because that will just bore us all silly. Its like asking you to my house and making you sit through my holiday slide show (Cue Sonorus voice: Here I am standing by the church. Here is another angle of the church. Oh look, yet another angle of same church.. zzzzz)
So nope I’m not subjecting you to that. I’ll just show the top 6 highlights of my trip! 
If you want more then too bad lor… I’m too lazy to work on the photos liao 
#6 – Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels
I was with a private group of 5 so we had a private driver take us to Cu Chi. The Cu Chi (pronounced ku-chi) Tunnels show the intricate network of tunnels the vietcong used when fighting the Americans. This picture with my lovely shoe (Bee! Look! ) shows the dimensions of the actual tunnel and how much it has been enlarged.
I have visited once about 10 years back. Its a place you will go once but not likely to go again. I went because the other members of my group had not been. Go to listen to anti-American propaganda – excellent if you dislike the Americans and what they were doing in Vietnam (some might argue – nothing) but there you go.
Go into the claustrophobic tunnel, eat steamed tapioca and enjoy sights of bamboo rising up to the sky.
#5 – Watch a Water Puppet Show
Unique to Vietnam is the water puppet show. There is a theatre for tourists in the city or just ask the hotel concierge. The puppets are manipulated under water by men behind a screen. The stories center around the paddy fields and the lives of the every day people of Vietnam.
Even if you don’t understand a word they say, its worth watching to be amazed at the manipulation of the puppets by the puppet masters. Don’t believe people who tell you “Its nothing, don’t bother” Believe me, you will enjoy it.
#4 – Visit the Ben Thanh and Binh Tay Markets
2 main markets in Vietnam are the Ben Tanh (pronounced Ben Tan) market in District 1 city centre and Binh Tay (pronounced Bin Thai) market in District 6 Chinatown.
Ben Tanh market is a tourist trap. But its an all in one place to pick up souvenirs if you know your prices or know your limits. Prices are quoted in USD and Vietnam Dong (VND) and depending on the exchange you sometimes get a better deal in VND compared to USD. Items to get are ground coffee, coffee filters, lacquerware, embroidered items (tablecloths, pictures, pouches, bags etc). Prices don’t usually drop below 30% of what the asking price is unless they are desparate and these days they aren’t. I remember getting much better bargains 10 years ago.
Binh Tay market is one not many visitors go to but I like it because it is very local. It is a wholesale market where you can get almost anything – hats galore!, household equipment, kitchen equipment, clothes, food… at slightly cheaper prices than in District 1. This is the Chinatown area so some traders may even be able to speak Cantonese or Mandarin. You don’t have to buy in bulk but you get better discounts if you do.
Taking a cab from Ben Tanh to Bin Tay market approximates VND80,000 (USD5). If you take a bus its VND3000. Do the math!
#3 – Riding a public bus in Vietnam!
Anyone who knows me will know how bad I am at taking public transportation in Kuala Lumpur. In fact I avoid buses and taxis where possible although I will take the trains. However, in Vietnam, I decided to chance a bus ride for the hell of it.
I had a great time! I took a bus from Binh Tay market back to District 1. The bus station in District 6 is just opposite the Binh Tay market and although I spoke no Vietnamese and the bus conductor no English, we manage to find me the right bus (01) to Ben Tanh market.
The bus station in District 1 is opposite Ben Tanh market so it was very convenient. The whole journey took about 10-15 minutes and cost VND3000. The walk to my hotel took another 15 minutes. A similar taxi ride would have cost VND80,000. I prefered taking the bus – it was fun and an adventure!
#2 – Food Glorious Food!
I love street food anywhere I go. This time, I did not have much chance to eat a lot of street food as I was with some other fussier people. I did however manage to sneak in a bowl of street pho and noodles. Delicious!
However, this time I was exposed to the more “luxurious” side of Vietnam where seafood is fresh and plenty and delicious!
#1 – Staying at the luxurious Sheraton Towers Saigon
When I first heard I was staying at the Sheraton I did a war dance of joy. I have never ever… EVER stayed at a luxurious hotel while on holiday – especially not in a 3rd world country.
We had sumptous breakfasts every morning and the dinner seafood buffet which costs US$37++ a head is a must eat if you love fresh crabs and prawns. The crabs and prawns are so huge they surprised me. And they are cooked LIVE right from the aquarium into the boiling pot. Not for vegetarians and not for the squeamish. Me? I loved every mouthful. Mm….
And there you have it. the Top 6 highlights of my visit to Vietnam. Enjoy it I did even if I’m still working off the kilos that piled on after the trip!
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