पागल साइगॉन

We couldn't imagine much about Ho Chi Minh City (hereinafter referred to as 'Saigon' in the text). What we got was fascinating and touched us. Saigon is a city that pulsates and lives. It is experienced up close. If we compare it to Singapore, there are no emotions there, Singapore is modern, great but artificial. Saigon is authentic and emotional. The people there have all been very friendly to us, whether we didn't have the right currency at McDonald's, or when we bought two cans of beer and a can of cola from an old man on the street. Everyone was friendly and helpful.

The journey to Saigon took about 1.5 hours from the port in Phy My. It passed along lush green rice fields that can be harvested 3 times a year here in South Vietnam. We saw water buffaloes, ducks, geese, and dogs. The area is actually muddy and submerged in water until shortly before the city, but the city continues to expand because the 10 million people (and 7 million mopeds) simply don't have enough space.

Our first stop was the 50th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower. With a cool beer and 40 minutes stay, we could take in the metropolis from above.

Then we continued with the tour group '15' to the historic post office, the 'Notre-Dame' church, and the Reunification Palace on Independence Square. We still used our free time there for a quick stop at McDonald's. Yes, you have to consider, we had been up since 7 am, and meals were not included in this 9-hour excursion. Well, at least we enjoyed a deluxe cheeseburger for 45,000 Dong xD.

We then went to the history museum where we watched a performance of the water puppet theater. That was clearly my low point on this trip. Yes, it's probably part of the culture and the emperor used to watch it, but it was too touristy for us and also overcrowded and very childish. The puppets were old and not beautiful. Now we have seen it and know that we don't have to watch it again :-)

Next stop - Ben Thanh Market. Holy Shit! What a hustle and bustle. A huge market where many locals also shop. From T-shirts to leather suitcases, there's really everything here. However, it smells like chemicals mixed with spices, food, sweat, and perfume. The nose has to endure something (and the stomach). The traders at their stalls sit on tiny plastic chairs and eat or sleep. Bargaining is welcome here and the price can easily go down by another 30% - 50%, at least that's how it was for us.

We had 1 hour of free time here, and after experiencing the market a bit, we went out and strolled through the streets. We even dared to cross a street, the most important rule: 'Just keep walking, don't stop' - The motorcyclists estimate whether they can drive in front of or behind at walking speed. A little test of courage.

We then bought 3 cans of drinks on the street, and Lisi toasted with Richard and an export beer while we fascinatedly watched the hustle and bustle on the street. This is really something you have to experience!

Last stop - artist's workshop. Here we could see how the beautiful lacquerware items are made. Some parts were really awesome. However, we only stocked up with drinks for the 1.5-hour return journey and souvenir T-shirts.

Saigon is worth a visit. Saigon surprised us and gave us a very, very nice day with great memories.