Saigon - Insights into the Vietnam War

After just 4 hours of bus ride, I arrived in hectic Saigon, actually Ho Chi Minh City, from the peaceful Mekong Delta. It feels like there are even more scooters driving crosswise through the streets here than in other cities. My hostel is located right in the backpacker party area, where the normal madness happens every evening.

However, for me, the historical aspect was more important. The War Remnants Museum vividly and captivatingly brings you closer to the Vietnam War, not only the course of the war, but also the post-effects of Agent Orange. Highly recommended.

In addition, I went on a guided tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels outside of Saigon. The huge tunnel system was used by the Viet Cong, among others, as a hiding place during the Vietnam War. Partially, entire cities with schools and hospitals were created underground. At the beginning, you watch an ancient propaganda film about the tunnels made by the Vietnamese. For a lot of money, you can also practice shooting with original weapons from the war. But the highlight, of course, are the tunnels: you can crawl and go on your knees through a 100-meter long section of the tunnel, which is enlarged specially for tourists. Since small spaces like that scare me, I went into the tunnel, but fled back outside after just 20 meters, it's very oppressive down there. And the Viet Cong actually lived there for years...

If you are interested in the Vietnam War, you should definitely watch the documentary on Netflix.