I peeped through the plane window just as I landed at Tan Son Nhat Intl. Airport in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, what a lovely day today! When I started my 2015, I wrote down 3 countries I'd like to visit: Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam. Unbelievable, but I am almost done with my travel wish list. I couldn't thank enough the Lord for sending me to places!
Hello Saigon
Friends, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to Saigon!
So hot this time of the year..
Looking outside, it seemed like I haven't left Manila except for what felt like a thousand motorbikes that reminded me that I am in fact in Vietnam!
Royal Park
The trip from airport to Royal Park Hotel was a quick one. I came without other expectations but to attend some work related stuff and just enjoy Saigon as it is. Glad to check in early.
Some welcome present on my table when I get to my room. Such Asian hospitality.
After checking in, took a free map from lobby and realized that I can't even get to say the street names. Almost lunch time so I took it with me and decided to see the place! I joined other tourist for a free drop to the city proper. At least 7 tourist was in the van, and I tried my wits to ask the driver what time is he picking us up- but to no avail. Now it has begun.
I walked my way to the Saigon Centre which I think is under renovation that time. It wasn't so bad- for one I don't look like any Westerners (if that is an advantage) so I kept it cool and blend in. Most often, sidewalk vendors would talk to me in Vietnamese, but I managed to get away and luckily found a decent restaurant, a Japanese resto right in the middle of Saigon (oh well).
Spicy salmon rice and green tea, loved it!
Ben Thah Market
After lunch , a nice afternoon stroll seemed appropriate. So I walk around Le Loi Road in District 1 until I arrived at Cho Ben Thah Market. One of the earliest structure in Vietnam and is home for local stuffs, souvenirs. I did a quick sight seeing, stalls lined up offering various stuffs. By almost 3PM when the day's becoming stuffy I decided to move on with my next itinerary at District 7.
Beware in VN
I hailed a cab from Ben Thah to bring me to District 7, Expo Center. The driver seemed to understood when I told him to the Expo Center. After a whilel, I realized we were not taking the main road which I didn't mind first as this must be some shortcut. Can't complain, he knows the place better than I do. After such a long time of traveling and found the sight of motorbikes so exhausting, we have arrived! I asked him to provide some receipt for the VND500,000 (wow that much, quick math that's Php1000+.) He was insisting in "baroque" English pay extra VND500,000. Like what? I told him No, its only VND500,00- so then I asked him if he could drop me at the main entrance, hoping some security guard could sort the matter, but reading my mind he was "almost shouting" No drive! No drive". I maintained my composure, paid him the VND500k and got off as quickly as possible.
Unbelievable, and scary to be honest! Later on, I told my Vietnamese colleague about the incident and said this could be pretty normal in Vietnam, (say what?) and suggested that next time ride a more reputable taxi lines like Vinasun Taxi.
Something Saigon
The taxi incident was pushed aside because I was engaged with meetings, catching up with my colleagues, and checked out the Expo place. We decided to have dinner together and then I found out I have to moved out of my hotel otherwise I would need to leave as early as 6AM to get to the 9AM opening at the Expo. Who even booked my hotel??? So I thought, nothing will ever go right after my first day scare-experience, and now even my hotel booking fail. I traveled back to my hotel only to pack up and check out the next day.
I am all smiles though..
Hmmm, no?
Saigon's Best
I was still feeling bad because of what happened yesterday. I woke up early than usual only to check out, instructed the bellboy to drop me at Duxton Hotel so I could make some arrangements first. It was a swift ride because it was as early as 6AM, and catching a glimpse of myself at the mirror, puffy eyes..why so mean to me?
By 745, all set to go. Now here's another taxi ride. Somehow the thought of another nosy driver bothered me. On my way to District 7, the driver seemed uncomfortable, with that worried look all over him. Oh Lord, please not another scam. So after like 10 minutes, he was on the phone. On the next stop-light he handed me his phone and in fast English said to talk. I was too stunned, too many things in my head- but to my surprise heard the other line said "This is the wife, sorry he can't speak English well, could you tell me the exact address?" Oh goodness. I let out a big sigh of relief.
Saigon much more
I think I have never felt so much relieved after that. I thank the driver for bringing me safely to the Expo center, and he even doesn't want to accept tip but I insisted on it. This kind of people do exists! And with a light heart, I am just too ready to face Day 2, and found out that Saigon is just so much more!
The Expo opening was a big hit for the locals, and I'm even glad to bumped into a fellow Engineer who is doing HVAC here in Vietnam. I was surprised to learn he is based here for like 10 years! He only spoke of good things about Vietnam and how Viets is much easier to get along with. Somehow Day 2 shed me some light about quite a few things in Saigon:
The ride to expo was a sight of motorbikes-people happily ignoring the traffic signs
and surprisingly doesn't knock one another!
Authentic Phoa noddle for the win! Crisp, fresh vegetables and the tasty warm soup, add
some chili sauce. So super!
On our second night and we dined in a nice open air resto with a large monitor playing the SEA games football between VN and Thailand. It feels good to see people coming together to enjoy the friendly game over a glass of cold beer!
Hong and Team Vietnam brought us to another local diner, fresh Vietnam foods!
They just love vegetables, the green and leafy stuff. No wonder they are pretty lean!
Probably one of my faves now!
Fresh is an understatement.
Ben Thah pa more!
Next stop, Ben Thah Market with Hong. It was nice to see it all lit up during evening; hot noodles, local foods, coffee, dried fruits, souvenirs. People move from one kiosks to another. I was looking for souvenir and ask the lady sales girl, she pointed to the calculator VND150,000, I typed in VND100,000. She shakes her head profusely "No, no". Alright, so I move on to the next when she started shouting "Last price, last price" I'm not so good with haggling talaga. Duh.
Finally, we had some cold coffee. I noticed that most people prefer to sit outside. Even small shops managed some makeshift chair and tables, just like typical Europeans do.
So Saigon
Vietnam's history is of war, revolution having been a French colony for a long time. Unlike Philippines for example who is much over with war and things in the past, Vietnamese people seemed to be aloof, even cautious. I even read that they despise Europeans and try to mistreat them, in every possible way (if that is even right).
Honestly, I feel like Saigon and myself have started on a wrong foot. Did I enjoy my quick stay? Half-half. Saigon is a great place-with all its authenticity, fresh foods, fair weather, admirable people- this is truly Asia! There is something genuine and unique about Asia which my own country Philippines is part of and who knows, a second meeting with Saigon might not be that bad!
Cheers,
itsmelory (^.^)
