We traveled overnight to Saigon on a bus that had beds instead of seats and it was actually somewhat comfortable. When we arrived in Saigon we headed immediately for the Cu Chi Tunnels which is a 250 km network of underground tunnels built by the Viet Cong where they basically lived while fighting the Vietnam War. Above ground, there are massive craters from American B-52 bombers and numerous boobie-traps spread through the area. Below ground are the tunnels, some built so narrow that the average person can’t fit through. The entrances to the tunnels were so well hidden, that we really needed to look in order to find them. The only section of the tunnels open to visitors is about 130m long but it gives a good idea of what it was like for the 17,000 Viet Cong soldiers who fought here. Adding to the “war experience” was an onsite shooting range where visitors could fire machine guns. We could hear constant gunfire as we crawled through the tunnels.
 |
| Bus with beds |
 |
| Boobie-trap |
After the tunnels, Lungi returned to the hotel and I visited the War Remnants museum which includes a collection of military vehicles and weapons left behind by the American troops. There were also very graphic pictures and videos of those wounded or killed during the war.
Saigon is a very cool city and far more developed than what we had imagined. Like the rest of Vietnam, it has many French influences and it is a very interesting mix of traditional lifestyle and modern culture. We spent the rest of our time hanging out with a friend, Seonaid, wandering the small streets, shopping at the markets, having excellent cappuccinos at French style cafes, and eating delicious Vietnamese food.
We heard stories that the Vietnamese people were often very rude and aggressive with North American tourists but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The people here are incredibly friendly, helpful and generous. Overall, the food, the people, and the ridiculously cheap cost of living have made Vietnam one of our favourite countries in Asia.
 |
| Disabled war veterans |
 |
| Massive centipede |
 |
| My drunk scooter-taxi driver |
 |
| Drinks at a beer den with Seonaid |
From the photos and your comments, it seems you are both enjoying the sights, and good food, and the laid back, friendly Vietnamese people. Who is Seonaid? Is that her driving the motorcycle with Lungi on the back?? (please be careful!) We look forward to your next and final stop -at home in Feghal! - for some rest and relaxation. Can't wait to see you both! love mom
ReplyDelete