More motorbikes than anywhere else in a city, lots of noise, crowds and many backpackers and expats. Ho Chi Minh City, or far more called by it’s old name Saigon, is a huge city in the south of Vietnam. Before coming to Saigon I spent a few days in Nha Trang, which is a beach side town that mostly caters for the Russian tourists. Not much to write about there as I spent most of my time in the water or on the beach.
My train arrived early morning in Saigon. The streets where busy with people going to work. I had a breakfast-baguette in one of the stalls along the road. From the train station I walked to the tourist district and stayed in the Thrang Anh hotel, which is situated in a narrow alley just off the busy party street.
On the second day a got up early and went to the park where people do morning sport. I knew from the helpfull girl at the Panda Travel agency that people would practice Tai Chi there. Indeed there were individuals and groups practicing Tai Chi. They were really friendly and let me join in. Much to the delight of the people around as I must have looked like a complete fool trying some Tai Chi moves for the first time in the middle of all the professionals. Nevertheless it was fun and I even got to try it with a sword and fan. After that I was ready to do some sightseeing and visit the Notre Dame, old but still active Post Office and some other places along the way.
Early start on the following day to see the Cu Chi Tunnels. I ready it was the must see and not to miss attraction. Unfortunately I was disappointed; the guide only told little about the actual history and made macabre jokes it thought weren’t that funny. Also found it weird to make a stop at the shooting range part of this trip. The part I actually enjoy was crawling through the small and long stretch of tunnels. I’d say go visit if you have enough time but otherwise skip it. The War Museum and Reunification Palace were much more informativ and interesting to visit. The War Museum was definitely intense and told the story and showed pictures of the devastations and cruelty of the war.
In the evenings we went for some beers. One night as we were sittling on the baby-chairs in the middle of the street the owner of the restauant rushed us inside and took away the chairs. Soon we realized that the police was there and the owner had to pay a fine for extending the bar onto the street.
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