Ho Chi Minh City

20:00  So much to write – so much to see.

We left the port of Phu My early this morning for Ho Chi Minh City via a long, straight and well maintained road. Most Vietnamese ride motor cycles which can’t go very fast. These are imported from China for $200(US).

Ho Chi Minh City is very polluted.  The Communist government is trying to reverse this by moving heavy industry out of the city.

The old French colonial buildings are well kept and attract the tourists, who are now supported by a ‘brigade of tourist security guard’.  Crossing the roads without their help is hazardous as fanatical motorcyclists aim straight for the hapless visitor.

We visited Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the style of the original in Paris, but here it is red brick and without flying buttresses.  Many couples dressed in full wedding outfits have their photos taken here. 

The Post Office was busy and contained a picture of the old man himself.  It was at the Reunification Hall that the flag of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was raised, signifying the end to the Vietnam War. 

Finally we saw the US Embassy, although the building where US helicopters attempted to save the Embassy staff is no longer there.

A visit to the Benh Tanh market provided an opportunity to see Vietnamese enterprise at work.  We are not good at bartering.  We usually end up with about 50% of the original price but, on reflection, this seemed too much to pay.  We didn’t buy the snake wine, which is traditionally given to bridegrooms on their wedding day.

Our tour guide directed us to an excellent restauarant where we ordered Pho Bo and spring rolls.  Pho Bo is beef and noodles.  A hot broth cooks the thin slices of the meat as it is poured into the dish.  You can add extra flavourings with herbs, lemon grass, lime etc.  The spring rolls were nothing like the Chinese equivalent.  Light, with prawns and raw fish, dipped into a chilli sauce, these were delicious.  And the cost of all this with Tiger beer – 260,000 dong ( $13 US)

Later back at the ship, small boats approached the ship and boys stretched out their arms to catch any goodies the passengers could throw them.  They soon scarpered when the pilot boat came into view.

So, what do we think of Vietnam? We like it. It has recovered well from the war and like most countries in Indo China, it seems to have a good future.

It was good to be more independent today and to see how the Vietnamese live and work.  We will do more of this on Tuesday in Halong Bay, further to the North.

Arcadia Singers concert tomorrow!