So onto the final stop of Vietnam … Ho Chi Minh. We couldn’t quite believe how quick our trip in Vietnam had gone, we had such an amazing time and got to experience some of the most beautiful places we had ever been to. From Da Lat we got an 8 hour (VIP!) sleeper bus to Ho Chi Minh. The journey was actually okay this time because we paid an extra £1 to travel VIP style (would definitely recommend if you ever get the chance!)
We immediately found Ho Chi Minh very different to Hanoi. It had a lot more motorbikes and people, however you couldn’t feel this busy vibe as much as the streets were a lot wider and bigger compared to the small, narrow streets in Hanoi. We particularly liked the fact there was more space to move about in Saigon and not feel like you are constantly going to get run over by a bike!
Our hostel (which we booked with 2 other couples) was a 1 minute walk from the walking street. Our first impressions of the famous Walking Street was definitely crazy and absolutely bonkers, there was so much going on, lots of bars, restaurants and even 9 year old boys blowing fire out of their mouths! We had dinner down one of the side streets and ended the night with a few drinks at a bar.
On our first day in Ho Chi Minh we got up rather late (as we felt pretty hungover) and headed to the War Museum. This was a 20 minute walk from our hostel so we got to see some of the city on the way. The price of the ticket to get into the museum was 40,000 dong (£1.30). This was 100% worth it as it is definitely something I will remember for the rest of my life. It was extremely moving and quite breathtaking actually. There were many different levels to visit in the museum explaining the history of the war and the effects the war had on Vietnam as a country. The war museum was an extremely heartbreaking and emotional experience but we both found it so interesting so learn about a crucial part of Vietnam’s history.
After the war museum we walked to the independence palace and the Notre Dame. Both were beautiful landmarks of Saigon. For the rest of the day we spent our time walking about the sitting, looking in some of the markets and getting a feel for the city we were in.
The next day we took an early trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This journey was around 3 hours out of the city. When we arrived at the tunnels we were taken on a tour around the area and our tour guide explained the complex to us. It was so intriguing to see the different tunnels made by the Vietnamese during the war. We actually got to go into one of the smallest tunnels made. This was quite a weird feeling as there was not a lot of space and it was extremely dark! At the end of the tour we got to experience one of the tunnels which ran for 100m, there were exits at every 20m so you could get out if you wanted to. The tunnels were extremely hot and sweaty and it was very claustrophobic down there. I actually felt really panicky when going through the tunnel as there were lots of people in front of me and behind me making it feel like there was no way out. However, knowing there were exits at every 20m really helped! It really helped to put into perspective what the Vietnamese men and women went through during the war to survive.
That evening we headed back into the city and packed up our bags ready to head onto our next destination the following day. Ho Chi Minh was a great place to end our travels in Vietnam as it was buzzy and there was lots to do. We absolutely loved learning about the Vietnam war against America and getting to visit some of the famous landmarks left from the war.
Vietnam for both of us is one of our favourite countries in the world. The country as a whole has so much to offer, from vibrant cities, to sandy beaches, to awesome caves, to beautiful waterfalls and obviously lots of amazing food! We couldn’t have asked for a better trip in Vietnam. The highlights of our time in Vietnam were definitely:
1. Ha Giang Loop
2. Phong Nha Dark Cave
3. The Beautiful City of Hoi An
We can’t wait to come back and visit one day with hopefully a little bit more money and more luxury places to stay!! But for now, thank you for the memories Vietnam and onto the next! Next stop … Cambodia (Phnom Penh)!!!
Adventure Awaits... 