We arrived in Saigon after dark and opted for the first hotel we found just a few meters away from where the bus dropped us off. We didn't venture out that night and relaxed in front of the TV and under the AC.
The next morning we went in search of a better place to stay as the hotel we were in was on a rather busy and noisy street. We found a little gem, grabbed our bags and checked in.
The rest of the day we explored HCMC, including the War Remnants museum which is full of exhibits from the American phase of the Vietnam war. The fact that this place used to be called the American War Crimes museum might give you a clue as to the tone of the majority of the items on show, shocking stuff!
After the traumas of the museum we wandered around the boulevards of Saigon discovering some lovely spots including the 'People's Committee building' and
rounded the day off with some of the incredibly cheap Bia Hoi, about 18p a glass!
After a day shopping in Saigon's markets purchasing items ranging from tea pots (winging its way back to England as we speak) to passion fruit we then took a trip out to the Cu-Chi tunnels the following day.
An early start took us out of Saigon through the madness of the morning rush hour and to the complex of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war. We peeked into the hatches which led into the darkness and Dave even managed to squeeze himself into one of the openings!
The day just got better and better for Dave when he got a second chance to fire a large gun, this time a M1 Garand apparently.
The finale of the tour was a descent into the tunnels for those who could fit down inside them and then manage to shuffle along for the 30 metres or so to the exit. We emerged breathless and extremely hot after our short experience underground, amazing to think that the VC lived in these tunnels for large periods of time when they needed to; even more so when we found out that the tunnels have been widened to incorporate the western figures of the tourists who visit.
We left Saigon behind the next day and headed for the coast.
The next morning we went in search of a better place to stay as the hotel we were in was on a rather busy and noisy street. We found a little gem, grabbed our bags and checked in.
The rest of the day we explored HCMC, including the War Remnants museum which is full of exhibits from the American phase of the Vietnam war. The fact that this place used to be called the American War Crimes museum might give you a clue as to the tone of the majority of the items on show, shocking stuff!
After the traumas of the museum we wandered around the boulevards of Saigon discovering some lovely spots including the 'People's Committee building' and
rounded the day off with some of the incredibly cheap Bia Hoi, about 18p a glass!
After a day shopping in Saigon's markets purchasing items ranging from tea pots (winging its way back to England as we speak) to passion fruit we then took a trip out to the Cu-Chi tunnels the following day.An early start took us out of Saigon through the madness of the morning rush hour and to the complex of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war. We peeked into the hatches which led into the darkness and Dave even managed to squeeze himself into one of the openings!
The day just got better and better for Dave when he got a second chance to fire a large gun, this time a M1 Garand apparently.
The finale of the tour was a descent into the tunnels for those who could fit down inside them and then manage to shuffle along for the 30 metres or so to the exit. We emerged breathless and extremely hot after our short experience underground, amazing to think that the VC lived in these tunnels for large periods of time when they needed to; even more so when we found out that the tunnels have been widened to incorporate the western figures of the tourists who visit.
We left Saigon behind the next day and headed for the coast.
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