Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Back at the end of March, Mark and I took a short trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  After a quick flight we arrived in the city formally known as Saigon.  Almost immediately after stepping out of the airport we realized that while we were still in Asia we were far away from life in Singapore.  Even after becoming accustomed to heavy traffic in Singapore, we were still overwhelmed with the amount of traffic in HCMC – specifically the number of motorbikes.  Initially I enjoyed taking pictures of the mass of bikes but after being there for a while they start to make you nervous.  Unlike in the U.S., the traffic in Vietnam doesn’t stop for pedestrians so you have to be quick and committed when crossing the street.  Add that on top of being constantly warned about thieves that drive by on bikes and yank away or cut away women’s purses or cameras and it’s enough to put you a little on edge.  Thankfully Mark and I made it through the trip unscathed.

Motor bikes at an intersection

I liked the "hat-helmet"

About a 40 minute drive from the airport took us to our hotel, Intercontinental Asiana Saigon, which we highly recommend.  Once there we unpacked a bit and then started sightseeing.  First on our list was going to Hard Rock to get Mark’s pilsner glass.  The Hard Rock ended up being right next to our hotel so we didn’t have to venture out very far which was nice because they were actually out of the glass Mark collects but we settled on a different style glass.  After the Hard Rock we walked around the city.  We hit a few stores, saw the HCMC Notre Dame Cathedral, and did some people watching.

It has been a long time since we've seen a couple of these

Street food

Notre Dame Cathedral in HCMC

At Hard Rock

Mark excited to get his glass

Following our city walk, we went for dinner at a place called Hoa Tuc.  The food was great but even more exciting was the location.  Housed in a restored former Opium den, Hoa Tuc was just a short walk away.  It was a little hidden but we were glad to find it!

Hoa Tuc, former opium den

Outside view

Mark at dinner

Mark's dinner - seabass with veggies

My dinner - Crab and asparagus soup

The next day we visited the War Remnants Museum. Outside of the War Remnants Museum you can take pictures with all different kinds of Military equipment which was really neat.  The inside galleries are a little more grizzly, especially the Agent Orange exhibit.  This was probably the one the affected Mark and I the most as it was really sad and makes you think a lot about the consequences of war.  Inside they also had a large collection of war photographs, as well as sections on war crimes, war imprisonment, and historical truths.  

In front of the WRM

Fighter jet, Mark's favorite

Front of A-1 Skyraider, my favorite picture from the trip

U.S. Military equipment

Vietnam war propaganda

The Historical Truths section was really interesting also. Mark and I both vaguely remember learning about the Vietnam War during our time in school but we watched a 7-part History Channel special before the trip as a refresher and to learn more.  While the special was informative, it was definitely different than the information we were given while in Vietnam.  Guess it’s like the old saying, “There are two sides to every story”.  That being said, Mark and I never really felt uncomfortable while visiting.  We had read in various places that the Vietnamese as a whole have no animosity towards the U.S. and we definitely found this to be true.  In fact, the last gallery at the Museum was called Peace Through Children’s Eyes and is a set of pictures of peace drawn by Vietnamese children.  Placing this gallery last does help you feel better leaving everything you just saw by ending things on a more positive note.

Final gallery

Peace Through Children's Eyes

The next day’s activity was a boat trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels.  During boat trip along the Saigon River on our way to the tunnels you realize that everything is relative.  When we arrived in HCMC I couldn’t help but notice the lack of wealth in comparison to Singapore but when you’re boating down the river which people are using to bath, fish, and wash their clothes, you become aware that HCMC is actually far ahead of surrounding areas of Vietnam.  

Boat dock, ready to head toward the tunnels

The boat we took out

Mark relaxing on the way

Mark and I on the boat ride to the tunnels

Local fishing

An hour and a half after leaving the docks, we arrived at the tunnels.  For those that don’t know (because I didn’t), the Cu Chi tunnels are 75 km worth of underground networks that the Vietnamese used during the war for living and hiding. These tunnels are what many people believe helped the Vietnamese eventually win the war.  The entrances were made small to keep their larger American enemies out.  But, in the event that an enemy would get through, the tunnels were full of booby traps.  Some of the original traps are on display and they are pretty gruesome.  We stayed away from the booby traps but I did squeeze into a hidden entrance (which I was legitimately scared I wasn’t going to fit back out of!!!) and Mark actually walked through a 60 foot underground portion of the tunnel.  Fearing a “freak out” I sat that one out.  Mark said it’s something he was glad he did but not something he would do again as it was a dirty, dark, hot, and tight space.  Some spots are narrower than others, the largest spots you can crouch and make your way through but in tighter spots you have to crawl.  In additional to touring the tunnels, we also shot AK 47’s at the shooting range which was a lot of fun! Never did I think I would be able to say that I shot an AK 47 over in ‘Nam!  

Tunnel dock with water plants

Mark on the way to tunnels

Sneaking into the secret entrance

On my face is the look of fear that I may not get out, haha!

Booby trap

U.S. Tank that has never been moved

Stationary since 1970, there are even bullet holes in the side

Mark shooting some targets

Just call me Rambo :)

Mark drinking his new favorite Tiger beer (local Singaporean beer)

The U.S. helped Vietnam recover these using our more advanced technology after our relations had improved

Ho Chi Minh City skyline in the evening - everything looks small now compared to Singapore

On our last day in the city it was pretty rainy so it worked out well that we didn’t have much planned.  After checking out of the hotel, we walked around the city one last time and then headed to the airport.  Altogether, it was a great trip!

Morning newspaper

Vietnam Flag

Taking cover from the rain!

Playing with the camera settings

Enjoying our last hours in Singapore

Colt - "They went all the way to Vietnam and all they got me was this hat?!"

Pouting because he didn't get a bone