Vietnam Day 7

Ho Chi Minh City

Woke up early for our transfer through Danang to Ho Chi Minh City. We were dropped off at the domestic terminal with plenty of time, found the airline, then lined up in the queue. We were then directed to the one window checking in our flight - and after the person in front of us was served, the lady simply put up a closed sign! We were a little bit gobsmacked, because no other windows were for HCMC, so we joined the line next door, which was for a Hanoi flight. Luckily, they were happy to check us in, but it certainly would not have been clear to anyone else who came along after us.

View from our hotel room

HCMC was 30^C and muggy, the most humid we have experienced. It is very much a large, modern bustling city. Even though we have experience crossing the road in Hanoi, it is so much worse in HCMC. We decided to walk to the Reunification Palace - and promptly got lost. Other places have given us a paper map of their towns, but no such luck here. Also, the street signage isn't as good as Hanoi or Hoi An. We were hungry, so stopped off at a franchised French bakery. The goods were delicious, but it was very much franchise fare. With our full bellies and a regroup, we managed to find our way.

Reunification Palace

The Reunification Palace was great. It was originally the Presidential Palace. In 1975, Communist tanks burst through the gates, and the South surrendered to the North. The Palace has essentially remained untouched (but preserved) since then. We saw all of the state rooms, and the Presidential rooms, an old movie theatre with the projection equipment, a games room, the spots on the roof where another bombing attempt had damaged it, and the bunker with old maps, telephones, telex and other communication equipment. We really enjoyed it, and it had the added benefit that we were inside for an afternoon thunderstorm, which bought cooling winds with it (although they didn't last long).

The National Security Council Chamber, with maps.

Helicopter and site of dropped bomb

Communications equipment

Projectors and control board for the movie theatre

We managed to find our way back to our hotel, then Sarah headed out for (what turned out to be) a very long massage. It had just gotten to the point where I thought I would have to head in to HCMC find her (neither of us have mobiles, so I'm not sure what my plan would have been!) when she returned.

Dinner was at Nha Hang Ngon, a kind of fancy street food collaborative. It was hot and humid again, so we ordered a beer as soon as we got there. We then ordered our food, and when it came, we asked for second beers. We got a very surprised look from the waiter! Feeling a lot more comfortable and competent around HCMC now, we wandered a little bit on the way back to the hotel. The streets and buildings are lit up with coloured lights, it's really pretty (but still crazy).

We can't find any half day tours, so we think tomorrow we might try heading to the massive markets near us, and then an art gallery - if we can find it!