Sunday 21 April..First impressions of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam..
We are staying at Hotel Grand Saigon built in 1930; it still has an old colonial feel to it.
Another ginormous bed!
Kick-off sundowner cocktails by the pool.
A stroll down Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Plaza.
But motorbikes everywhere.
Authentic Pho for dinner. No tourists eating here.
Grab a Grab ( Asian Uber ) to Bui Vien Walking Street; the Khao San or Bangla Rd of Ho Chi Minh.
Station Bar has a good live band but we opt to sit street- side for people watching AND music.
Monday 22 April
A late start today, heading out on a coffee crawl. We started at the Starbucks of Vietnam, Phuc Long. A rather unfortunate name in English.
Next stop, independant Mor Cafe.
14 Ton That Dam is the coolest place. A delapidated 5 story apartment block full of alternative shops and cafes. We chose Refined Cafe and abandoned coffee for cocktails.
Next door is My House, decorated as someone's home; full of Instagramming, mostly female, young people. Scary to see how life has become all about social media..
Ben Thanh Market is just a dissapointing tourist trap full of tat and fake merchandise.
Much more interesting just strolling through the neighbourhood.
We found a fabulous local bistro Cocotte with delicious French food and nice house wine.
Then back to Station Bar for a busy and loud nightcap..
Tuesday 23 April
Neil is feeling a little off with dodgy stomach, so we laze around at the hotel all day. A good view from the rooftop bar.
Wednesday 24 April
On the bus through the city and beyond this morning we realize we'd love to come back to explore some more and way beyond just district 1.HCMC reminds us of Singapore 25 or 30 years ago, just much, much bigger and with a few million more motorbikes.
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