Vietnam Day 1 - Saigon

Greetings from the land of Mail Order Brides, Vietnam. It's my first time back here in a long time, and this time it's for leisure instead of work. Despite being here for several times already, there are always parts of Saigon waiting to be explored.

This time I'm taking my youngest brother on the trip as well, and we intend to explore, get lost and get drunk together!

As expenses are no longer charged on the corporate account this time round, I have been much more conservative in terms of my expenditure. No more stays at Sheraton Saigon (whose rates have skyrocked from US$150 in '05, to US$320 now) along Dong Khoi Rd, District 1. Instead I'm housed at this really cosy guesthouse called Luan Vu Guesthouse found along a small alley in Pham Ngu Lao, which is like Khaosan of Saigon.

A very pleasant start to the trip was when I ran into my ex-clients at the airport when I arrived. They were returning from Taipei and so we had lunch today at this Japanese restaurant called Sushi Bar. Comparatively, food in Vietnam costs a lot more cheaper than Singapore even if it's in restaurants like these. After that his driver dropped us off at our guesthouse and we promptly dumped our bags at the counter and started to explore.

One of my favourite place to have a taste of Vietnamese food is the highly popular Quan An Ngon, or known simply as Ngon to the vietnamese. It's like a food court where you can go around tasting local favourites. It is rather expensive for local standards though. Reservations are strongly recommended. We didn't go there today because we're too tired to walk so far, but I think when we return to Saigon on the 25th, we'll go there before we head back.

Ben Thanh Market was not to be missed, and we walked there to get some cheap dresses and linen pants. Bargaining is a must, and usually don't settle for anything less than 50% of what is offered. Today I bargained for my pants which the lady quoted me for US$35, and I ended up paying US$9, but I still think it's a little too expensive.

After spending a few hours there and having some dodgy streetstall food (couldn't resist), we walked back to rest for awhile. Headed out again to the same area for the Night Market, where we had a huge feast along the roadsides. We shared the food among ourselves but we over-ordered! For a huge table of food it was less than US$10. So fricking cheap..argh. Can't stand it.

Tomorrow we will be hopping on a bus to Da Lat tomorrow which will be a 6hr ride, then we'll be staying for 2 days because there is a flower festival going on there now, and I hope to do some hiking if the weather permits. Exciting! Now heading outdoors to find some good foot massage.


Saigon beer is good. it's so light I can finish one bottle without turning pink. Happy Holidays!