A week later than planned (as mentioned here) but I finally got myself toegether and made my way for Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in Vietnam, to visit my third country in South East Asia.
Border crossing
Fairly hanging for this 8 hour trip. Had a back row seat with bad air con—hurray. I thought it was an empty row but just as we pulled out a gang reached the bus. They were friendly folk but would have loved to just perch out.
Stared at this the whole way, didn’t have the mental capacity to play
I had my 90 day multiple entry visa got online so I thought everything should be smooht. That is until I realised I was missing a wee yellow sheet I got upon entering Cambodia. Held the whole bus up searching for it in my bag but finally got it and brought it back to hte border police. Would have been $100 if I didn’t have it so be sure to keep it in your passport!
We then gave our passports to the bus operator who gave them to the Vietnamese border police who stamped them all and we were on our way.
While on the way I got notification that my accomodation was double booked and was cancelled. The second time it had happened for Vietnam so that was a bit stressful. Quickly hopped on Booking and looked for the closest and cheapest place I could find.
All’s well that ends well as I found a place just around the corner from where the bus dropepd us off. Basic enough but nice staff, my won bed with a TV, and even a massive cockroach in the bathroom to keep me company.
Bui Vien Street
I dropped my bags off and went around the other corner in search for an Irish bar as the rugby was on.
Less than a minute from the gaff was one end of Bui Vien street and this was quite an introduction to Vietnam! After a young firebreather nearly torched me head I strolled up the street ot take in all the madness—load bars, unenthusiastic dancers, street beers, karaoke, and general craic.
Like an evolved form of Siem Reap’s Pub Street
One of the quieter nights there
Had a late night and a lazy next day. My mission was to get an eSIM from a store. While Airalo app is handy, the plans are nowhere near what is on offer in a store so I strolled around to Viettel and got set up by the good staff there. Always remember to bring your passport when signing up for these.
That evening I checekd out Bui Vien again, as is my wont. Another big game for Liverpool and got to see them beat City for the second time this season.
Beauty
The rest of the week I scoped out a few other spots but rarely ventured further than Bui Vien, it has all you need!
Rup
Then, as luck would have it, a friend and former colleague happened to be in town so met up with him too. A veteran in this part of the world I got a ton of tips as we sipepd on some tasty bia Saigon.
D90 legends
Venturing beyond Bui Vien Street
Contrary to how it seems I did manage to escape the allure of Bui Vien Street, with it’s cheap beers and buzz.
The city is pretty busy as you’d imagine so not the best for running, but there are some decent parks nearby that I took advantage of. I also really appreciate the amount of outdoor cali and gym equipment I seen.
Believe it or not I did see daylight during my time here
And to top off a great week I even made a new(t) friend.
Preferable to the lizards I met in Thailand
DavAI SummAIriser
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