Our Vietnam Adventure Begins — Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Leaving Perth

Strangely, I have had mixed feelings about our holiday to Vietnam. After visiting Thailand several times now, I know Vietnam has a lot to live up to. Rightly or wrongly, I find myself comparing these two countries, more than any others I have stayed in before; if I am honest, I know I shouldn't. They are two completely contrasting destinations, offering very different experiences, after all. Rather than trying to look at these two places together, I have come to the conclusion, it's time, to let the magic of Thailand go — for now!

We left Perth Airport in the early hours of this evening, on one of those ghastly night flights, which Darrell and I hate so much. To say I am tired today is an understatement, but I am well aware my time in Vietnam is somewhat of a busman's holiday, and have to make time to write, tired or not.

Most of the flight from Perth was spent firmly attached to my aeroplane seat, due to the unexpected turbulence, especially over the Gulf of Tonkin. Every time I managed to drift off to sleep, even for a few minutes, I was abruptly woken up, as the plane rocked from side to side. Having said that, ignoring the stomach churning journey, the customer service experience, was actually one of the most pleasant I have ever had. The staff onboard our Vietnam Airlines flight were first class; their attention to detail was above and beyond, especially when Darrell and I were flying in cattle, sorry, I mean economy class.

The toilets were well stocked with little extras, you wouldn't normally get, at the back of a scheduled flight. Every time a passenger used the facilities, a member of the crew was straight behind them, cleaning, scrubbing and freshening up the pint sized cubical. There were toothbrushes, handwash and creams, lotions and potions and an air freshener hanging from the door — unusually, pleasant odour swamped the air. It was actually a joy to have a pee — apart from the battering from the elements outside and the occasional knocked head.

Orchids Saigon Hotel

After a sleepless flight, we arrived into Ho Chi Minh City at 6am, where we began the lengthy process of having our visa's checked. Vietnam is extremely conscious about whom it allows across its boarders, so with my Australian residency, I had to apply for a tourist visa, in complete contrast to the first time I visited in 2019. Then I was a British citizen and therefore didn't need a visa, now my new legal status meant I would have to have one to comply with Vietnamese law.

Applying for the visa was a little difficult, especially after being led down a few online rabbit holes by various fake sites. If you are travelling there yourself, make sure you go to the legitimate Vietnamese Government page, not the plethora of money making machines, trying to debunk your every move.

With visa and other paperwork in hand, Darrell and I joined the lengthy queue, finally making it outside the terminal and pick up point at 7.30am. The airport transfer I had arranged, through 'Get Your Guide' took us straight to the stunningly beautiful Orchids Saigon Hotel and yet another wait before we could check in.

Check in was at 1.30 pm, so we left our cases, freshened up in the gym on the eighth floor and made our way into the city centre, somewhat bleary-eyed. We had a lot of time to kill, which was going to prove a little frustrating, as we battled jet lag and over 24 hours without sleep. My advice is to just stick with an earlier departure, at a far more agreeable time, it will make for a far better start to your holiday. Darrell and I were so tired in the end, I think we started to get on each other's nerves; expected under the circumstances.

TOP TIP: After consulting Doctor Google, watching YouTube videos and engaging with Jane McDonald on the UK's Channel 5, it is clear crossing Vietnamese roads can be hazardous. The best way to do it, is hold one's breath, look straight ahead and walk — DO NOT HESITATE NOR LOOK BACK. The cars and bikes literally make their way around you, even if there is a lot of hooting and shouting — I'm still alive, at least!

Saigon Central Post Office

Our first stop was the beautiful colonial style Saigon City Post Office. This place is my dream, full to bursting with souvenirs, objet d'art and collectables — I loved it. Oh, and you can actually send a postcard or two as well, once you choose from the thousands on offer.

Oddly for me, I haven't bought anything yet, but rather just had a browse in a very tired and irritable way. The architecture of this building, you won't be surprised to hear, is very French in style. I almost, yes, almost, felt like I was back in Paris, minus the 38 degree heat outside. This place is also a must when sheltering from the sun, offering a safe cool environment, in which to relax and recover from the heat outside. Tomorrow I'll be back, shopping like its gone out of fashion.

Book Street

Just around the corner from The Post Office, there is the famous Book Street. Every shop sells books in one guise or another and in every conceivable language. For a book lover like me, this venue is heaven.

There is a café in one of the shops, which allowed Darrell and I the luxury of taking the weight off our feet for a short while. Drinking coffee, we sat overlooking this fascinating street, just next to the well known Notre Dame Cathedral.

Once again, like many of the vloggers I follow on YouTube, I was disappointed the cathedral was covered in scaffolding. According to others who have travelled to this historic landmark, the Cathedral has been work in progress for years, with no signs it is going to end anytime soon. This building has been covered up for so long, creepers are actually growing up the scaffolding outside. This remains a great source of sadness for me, and many others I am sure; sadly we haven't been able to see Notre Dame in its full unrelenting glory. Ah, well, it just means we can come back in the future and see it, when the work is eventually complete.

Ho Chi Minh and The People's Committee Building

From Book Street we walked for what seemed like ages (20000 steps to be exact) briefly checking out places of interest throughout the city. These included the statue of Ho Chi Minh, looking down on everyone who passes by, in a stately, almost majestic pose, that only a great Communist leaders can do. Behind the statue, is the People's Committee Building, once again a grand colonial edifies, which frames the square where it is situated perfectly!

Gammer Beer

My Banh Mi

During an impromptu stop at Gammer Beer, opposite our hotel, I sat listening to the sights and sounds of the city, drinking a beer or two on my lonesome. These are times I value more and more as I get older. I enjoy spending time on my own, just thinking and coming to terms with a life, a million miles from where it was just a year and a half ago.

Darrell and I ended the evening with a visit to the World famous 'My Banh Mi' Bistro, opposite Notre Dame. A Banh Mi is really a baguette, filled to bursting with meat, pate and other goodies, and is absolutely delicious. This well known Vietnamese staple, of course, has its roots in French colonial history. Vietnam is the only place that has distinctly European food on the menu, which is bread and pastry based; In all but name this is just a sandwich, but it really is something special. The tastes and flavours are a reminder of east meeting west; this filling, tasty, culinary delight is a must-try for anyone who travels here.

From this small eating establishment, covered in the graffiti from visitors over the years, we wearily made our way back to the hotel, where I've written this blog tonight. This is also the first substantial piece of writing I have undertaken for quite a few months, since I damaged my wrist, and I look forward to continuing to document our travels throughout southern Vietnam. I finally feel whole again; that missing piece has finally been recovered and in suitable relaxed demeanour, I feel happy to be back in Asia, the second love of my life...

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