Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Tour (13 Nov 2012 – 17 Nov 2012)
Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Tour (13 Nov 2012 – 17 Nov 2012)Prelude
Vietnam wasn’t the first choice, in fact, it was quite a last minute decision, because we initially planned to go Beijing or Korea for a tour, but realized that it is too expensive to book so late nearer the date; and secondly, it is getting quite cold (In fact, there was news about snowing in Beijing even before we depart).
We booked at Chan Brothers (again), with a total cost of 3752 dollars. Exchange rate: S$1 = 16000 Vietnam Dong. The tour group comprises 14 people (3 families of 4 – Tan family [Tan Teck Heng, Chong Siew Yun Rebecca, Tan Yan Hao Joshua, Chong Kooi Lan]; Khong family [ Khong Peng Swee, Tay Keng Ong Yvonne, Khong Xinyue Louisa, Khong Zhongyue Vanessa]; Ng family; 2 son/father-in-law [Lim Ah Lee, Leow Wan Heng])
13 Nov 2012 (Singapore – Ho Chi Minh City)
We took SQ186 at terminal 2 at 1740h and it was about 1 hour flight. Vietnam is behind us by 1hour, but it was already dark when we reached there at around 1830h Vietnam time. We were greeted by our tour guide (Sam - +84 903 922 538) and we moved on for our dinner via a coach. Our first meal was Vietnamese and that includes some bo piah and vegetables and dipped in fish sauce (which is always present in all meals).
The first hotel we checked in is Windsor hotel and we stayed at 15th floor. We learnt from Sam that Vietnam is not a safe place and it is better to be cautious with our belongings. We also realized that Vietnam is rather run-down and filthy, and traffic is horrendous- not just heavy, but chaotic. There is no proper traffic crossing and you just have to be daring enough to walk across.
14 Nov 2012 (Ho Chi Minh City – Vung Tau)
We woke up early at 0615h, had the buffet breakfast in the hotel and set off via coach. Quite a long journey, and along the way we saw their rowdy traffic, their 4D booths, their rubber plantations, etc. Our first destination was to explore the amazing underground labyrinth of the man-made Cu Chi Tunnels, a strategic fort used by the Viet Kong Guerrillas during the Vietnam War. They lived in the tunnels for over 20 years and were self-sufficient in the sense that it was a 3-layer/storey deep tunnels with facilities of kitchen, bedrooms, storage rooms, treatment rooms, etc. They spent their days here (where there were bombings by the US army above grounds and nights out of the tunnels looking for food for storage. They also showcased some of their traps and trench-holes. There is a short tunnel for us to experience and I must say that walking/crawling in a half-bending fashion through the 40m long tunnel was actually quite exhausting!
We travelled further to our lunch destination (Binh Quoi), which is a resort style area for us to try some of their Vietnamese cuisine. Of interest is this steamed fish in some gourds. Took some photos of the resort along the way.
Next is another 3-hour long journey to Vung Tau beach, where we spent a night there. We passed by Saigon river, which wasn’t particularly astounding. Half-way, we stopped at a rest station for toilet break and were obliged to buy some of their local fruit products. I am not particularly impressed by this beach resort (unlike those in Phuket, Bintan, etc), because it was rather spooky and quiet at night. The only advantage is that they have free wifi, albeit slow.
Dinner was at Hue Anh – seafood style. We stayed in this beach resort for 1 night at 214 (level 2)
15 Nov 2012 (Vung Tau – Ho Chi Minh City)
First stop was to visit Jesus Statue at Jesus Monument Mountain, also known as “French Pavilion”. To reach the top of the statue, we need to climb 740 steps (I counted on my way down). It was not for the weak heart, and definitely need adequate rest stops to reach the top. After climbing up the “mountain”, we reached the foot of the statue which we can further walk up a very narrow stairway to reach the 2 out-reached hands of Jesus; each side only has enough roomspace for 3 people.
Second stop was to visit the Thien Hau Temple of Five Races, where we prayed for good fortune and health. Interestingly, they requested us to pray with 8 joss-sticks.
Third stop was a passing-by of the Summer Palace of Emperor Bao Dai, the last Emperor of Vietnam. Nothing impressive, just an empty house (we looked from along the road..)
Fourth stop was to visit the 200-year-old Whale Temple. It was believed that many years ago, a whale saved the lives of some fishermen in harsh seas, and itself got killed. In remembrance and gratitude, the Prince of Vietnam decided to collect the remains (bones) of the Whale and construct a temple to allow the people to worship.
We then had an early lunch at 11am, at this restaurant called Far East, when we had seafood lunch. This was followed by another 3 hour bus-ride back to Ho Chi Minh City, stopped at the fruit toilet station again, before reaching the next interest: the War remnants Museum. We managed to see some of the photos of war time and some weapons used, and also the aftermath of the toxic gas (defoliants) used by the US- Dioxin (2-3-7-8 tetra cholorodibenzo-p-dioxin/ TCDD), which caused mutation in the newborns.
Next was to a lacquer ware factory – didn’t buy anything, but nice to look at. After this was to visit the outside of the former Presidential Palace before reaching the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Saigon Post Office.
We ended the day by enjoying their local dinner in Tulip restaurant, which we finally saw some crowds (the rest of restaurants are rather quiet and seemed to be only supported by tourist/tour groups). We checked in back to the same Windsor Hotel, but this time at level 21 (non-smoking level and executive level). Room 2104 and 2121.
16 Nov 2012 (Ho Chi Minh City)
This is the day where we spent most of our money. 1.5h long bus ride to Mekong Delta at My Tho, which houses 4 distinct islands (Turtle, Phoenix, Dragon and Unicorn). The Mekong Delta is an extensive artery of waterways, provided by the Mekong River that provides irrigation of nearby rice paddles, farms and orchards and also serves as an essential means of transport of the residents to mainland, be it for work or study. We took a motorboat to Unicorn Island, where we tasted their honey tea and tried some of their local delights (coconut sweets, sugared ginger, dried coconuts and fruits) and of course, asked to patronize them. There was also singing performance by some of their local girls which, well, was passable. There was a short road of shops which sells some keychains, belts, bags etc.
We then continued by boat (sampan) through the secluded canals which is guided by 2 locals, wearing their authentic straw hats. We then transferred to the motorboat and off to our lunch destination at Bach Tung Vien. Of note is this deep fried elephant fish and the “dinosaur egg”, which is some sweet and sticky stuff.
Next was another 1.5h journey back to Ho Chi Minh City (along the way I had to empty my bladder in a plastic bag – too urgent). We visited the Goddess Temple, followed by the outside of the Parliament House for photo-taking, and then shopping at Ben Thanh Shopping Centre, where we can bargain. It was quite huge and crowded (and stuffy), and we were once again warned to be careful of our belongings. There was this “Pho 2000” Beef horfun which was named because it was visited by Bill Clinton in 2000.
After shopping, we were scheduled to catch the 5pm Water Puppet Show which lasted 50 minutes. Don’t really understand the language, and I haven’t read what the show is all about.
It was already around 6pm when we left for our next shopping destination at Antique Street, which was similar (yet not so similar) to our Orchard Road, where there are quite a fair number of design goods and boutiques. We were asked to meet near at the Majestic Hotel (near the Saigon River) at 1915h, when we were to have diner on board the Saigon River Dinner Cruise. It was Asian-style dinner on a ship, with singers to entertain us. We were not particularly entertained unfortunately, because 1) we had the dinner in a smoky environment, 2) we were supposed to wait till 2030h before the ship starts to move. Anyway, it was agreed upon that we will give the ride a miss and return back to Windsor hotel.
17 Nov 2012 (Ho Chi Minh City - Singapore)
Last day in HCMC. Woke up at 0630h and had the same buffet breakfast. Left the hotel at 0900h and reached HCMC Tan Son Nhat airport at 0930h. Took SQ173 at 1220h and reached Singapore at 1530 singapore time. Bought some more souvenirs in the airport (chocolates, coffee etc), and spent for alcohol at the DFS.
Ended off with a bad experience with the Comfort Cab SH6397.
Bought quite a lot of food from the tour guide’s recommendation, which I believed he must have earned quite a lot of commissions – Kuehs, Coffee, crackers.
<< Home