Ho Chi Minh City or as its referred to by some; Saigon, is the first stop on my Vietnamese adventure.
Journey
We booked our bus from our hostel in Phonm Penh. There was a pick up for the bus from the hostel which appears to be common in Asia and I personally think it should be a worldwide practice! After boarding the bus we were quickly given a bottle of water and a snack. Again, another practice which other bus companies should pay attention to!
The bus journey itself, went without an issue. The border crossing seemed a breeze in comparison to previous. The only annoying part was that you have to take all your belongings with you. The bus company itself slowed the process down because they took all the passports, got them stamped then read out everybody's names. This was an ordeal within itself because the interpretations of names were interesting to say the least. Plus, there was no synchronicity of what names he would all-some would be by their last names, some their first and I was referred to by my middle name. This was all done whilst dying under the weight of my bag. Before anyone says anything, trying to pack your life for months at a time and keep under 20kg is a difficult task!
Anyway, border done and we were off. We were joined by a man who had been refused at the border. This was because he had failed to get a stamp in to Vietnam. Be careful when you are crossing borders to ensure that you have all your stamps eye in order because this man looked to be in a world of trouble.
When we arrived in Ho Chi Minh/Saigon we were greeted by the usual mob of taxi drivers. Be sure to check your hostel directions because many taxi drivers will scam you. We were within walking distance, thus were able to get to our hostel stress free.
We decided to have a walk around and see what this city had to offer. With Reunification day coming up we thought we should take a visit to the independence palace. Outside the palace preparations for the holiday was in full swing.
The palace itself is grand and despite not being the complete original is a real part of Vietnamese history. The museum inside is informative and it is interesting to see the rooms in all their glory. I felt slightly guilted due to my lack of knowledge regarding the Vietnam war but this just gave me the opportunity to research I guess.
Notredamn Cathedral
We had planned to visit the cathedral, even dressing conservatively in preparation. However, they only allow visitors before 11 and after 4. We arrived at 1. So do be warned, especially because the website contradicts this.
Ben Thahn Market
This market is well known within Saigon. There are multiple stores inside selling clothes, shoes, jewellery, trinkets and a lot of fake designer goods. Vendors here are relentless, if you approach their stores too closely they are over you like a rash. Unless you are really interested, keep a distance.
We went around the food bits here and I treated myself to a very tasty mango smoothie. I must admit, the cheapness of the smoothies are just another thing that Asia manages to get so right!
Pho 24
We stumbled across this place, which happens to be quite a popular chain across Vietnam. I had seen that pho had been recommended ok quite a few travel sites so thought I would give it a go. Pho is in simple terms a noodle soup with varying veg and meats. Pho 24 has a deal at lunch hour times to get a 'small' bowl of noodles with meat for 29 thousand dong;about one pound. What a bargain!
I ordered the brisket pho. The pho itself was alright but it was quite bland and definitely needed the soy and chilli sauce. The meat was not the best but on overall it was not bad. However, we also decided to try sweet tarp which is similar to coconut rice pudding but at the same time very different. It is served differently across regions. I really liked the dessert though, I found it refreshing and they give you the perfect amount.
We also ate at two other places but unfortunately the names were in Vietnamese and they have totally gone from my mind. However, the first one was on the main road where the bus drops you off and they are one of the only restaurants where you can eat comfortably for around 50dong each. They season their pork really well and give decent sized portions.
The other restaurant is on the same road, it's white and it's always busy. Due to already trying pho, I thought I would go for something different- in the shape of a Vustnsnese beef stew. However, it was very similar to pho. Although, the meat was tender it was very fatty and the rest of the meal was not great. I was disappointed because the place was always so busy. Maybe we just tried it on an off night who knows.
Apologies for my lack of knowledge on names but when you go you will know what I mean. Until next time... Love Imogen xoxo
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