DeNang to Ho Chi Minh

 

On the move again. We flew down from DeNang International airport to Saigon. DeNang Airport was a 30 minute drive from our hotel in Hoi An. Saigons modern name is Ho Chi Minh City, but no one seems to care which name we use. An easy flight, taking about 90 minutes.

We land to humid weather. Pouring rain and 31 degrees Celsius. Saigon is the financial centre of Vietnam, while Hanoi is their government centre. The two cities are very different. Saigon feels like a modern Asian City. It’s busy, with all the western shops and a buzzing night life. A Rolls Royce showroom is on the opposite side of the road to a Communist government building. This is a city which contradicts their politics, but most likely a sneak peek into Vietnam of the future.  

As we walk out of the airport, our driver is waiting for us. Perfect organisation as always, apart from a small flaw in the plan. Our drivers car gets wheel clamped. For the last three weeks we have seen organised chaos on the roads, with minimal rules or laws. We arrive in Saigon to a wheel clamp…  

But our Asian journey has given us a little tolerance and the problem is soon solved. We arrive safely at our hotel, keen to unpack and walk the streets of Saigon.

Dinner is a different experience, a roof top bar with live music, over looking the city. Opposite is a modern shopping mall with Merry Christmas being projected onto it. After spending two weeks visiting Buddist temples, it feels strange to see gitterging snow drops fall in 31 degree heat attemptng to promote a religous ceremony unknown to most of people filling the city. What we notice is the price of food and drink have gone up. It’s still a long way from London prices, but inflation is increasing the further south we go in Vietnam 

  Tomorrow we head to the Chi Chi tunnels from the war. An early start. 

 Good night Vietnam.