Waiting for more! Thanks.

me too.

"Marija" and "annhig",

Glad to have you along

Thanks for sharing in my wonderful Southeast Asia travel experience.

Cheap And Fun Saigon Airport Transportation

As travelers that make plans on the go, we surf the web as we enjoy spring rolls and beer at an airport restaurant. We are still in need of accommodations for the next few nights in Saigon and end up booking a room online at Tan Hai Long Hotel And Spa located at District 1 near Ben Thanh Market. Tan Hai location makes it ideal for us to get there from the airport, we think.

It is close to 6pm as we leave the airport building in search of transportation to our hotel. An almost not surprising light rain is falling as we bargain with a few taxi cab drivers for a reasonable fare into town. I do not know if it is because of the rain or because they could tell we are foreigners despite my best “Sin Cho” but the prices are double what we expected. It is time to at least explore other options.

Not far from the taxi stand we spot a local parked bus and head that way. We are waved off as we approach the bus driver and we soon realize that “Ralph Camden” is done with passengers for the day. The last direct bus from the airport to Ben Thanh Market stops at 6pm.

All is not lost as another bus soon pulls into the airport and we get to again practice our best “Sin Cho”. Fortunately, this bus driver is more accommodating and gives us a good plan to get to Ben Thanh. Using his best English, he tells us he will take us outside of the airport for about US$0.50 to another bus stop where we can transfer to a direct Ben Thanh Market bus. So far, what a deal compared to a US$25 inflated taxi cab fare.

The rain has picked up pace as we leave the bus at a stop somewhere along a busy highway that makes us feel like we are still in Hanoi minus one or two beep, beeps. It is not long before our connecting bus arrives and we are enjoying the scenery of Saigon at night like locals.

We do stand out on the bus and get a few curious stares as more local passengers board the bus. However, we also manage to get a smile or two probably for our courage or insanity to ride the bus which hopefully is not known here as “The Flying Coffin” like in Hanoi.

It does not seem like very long although it has been at least 40 minutes before our bus comes to a final stop. We are at the Ben Thanh Bus Station. Not quite sure where our hotel is from here as Ben Thanh Market is a huge square complex, we set out in search of Tan Hai Long.

As luck would have it, leaving the bus station staring down at us like a huge sore thumb is a lighted sign. However, there is only one of many small problems between us and it. Beep, beep, beep, we must now navigate across a busy intersection to get to our destination.

It is a good thing we had a lot of practice in Hanoi if not we may not have made it across the street to Tan Hai Long Hotel in one piece. All in all a great experience from the airport to our hotel for US$0.75 per person, a grand total of US$1.50.

Checking in at Tan Hai Long we receive a welcome drink, breakfast coupons and a nice room for a very reasonable price. Leaving our backpacks behind, it is time to check out the Ben Thanh Night Market.

Video:http://youtu.be/Xvzb0f00N8c

$25????? We paid $9.00 for a taxi last year and that was through the tourist desk in the airport - the return was metered and it was only $7.00 or so.

Saigon is so different from Hanoi, but there's plenty of traffic there too. One time we somehow couldn't make our way across, so we just followed on the heels of a local, who thought it was very funny!

sf7307,

In the terminal that we arrived at from Hanoi there was no "Tourist Desk", normally one of the first places we stop when flying into a new city.

As I mentioned we went outside to bargain on our own which I am sure made us more vulnerable to getting stiffed. About $10 was the price we expected to pay.

I can relate to your crossing situation. Many times it can definitely be a challenge.

Fried Corn And A Street Hustler

After a quick check in process at Tan Hai Long, we head out for a short walk to Ben Thanh Night Market just a few blows away.

The activity in the market area is winding down for the evening as I imagine the light falling rain has discouraged many from venturing out for the evening. However, there are still a few merchants and food vendors that are prepared for whatever mother nature has to offer.

At one vendor we stop to have another sampling of a dish we took a liking to in Hanoi, fried corn. Kicked up a bit with more offerings than in Hanoi, the fried corn serves us a nice appetizer to our planned meal later in the evening.

As we continue walking the area the rain intensity increases and it brings out the umbrella hawkers. Not being the umbrella type we have no interest in buying one but we are thoroughly entertained by watching a sale being made.

You see, the seller is no ordinary salesperson. Her style and charisma would have an Eskimo buying a refrigerator.

“If you take two, I give you a good price.” Who can resist such a deal from a nine year old?

Under the cover of a make shift street restaurant recommended by a nine year old, we watch as the skies open up and the rain comes down in buckets.

Fortunately, this does not last too long and we are able to enjoy an affordable dinner including “Bone Cha” and a few Bier 333.


Video:http://youtu.be/gpdFD0T8fwY

Chicken In A Basket

As we wait in the early morning to be picked up for our tour of the Mekong Delta, we get an entertaining look at a Vietnamese style of chicken in a basket.

Sitting on the entrance steps of a local hotel, we watch as an employee begins the day by setting some chicken feed on the ground and placing an open ended basket over it. A hen is then brought from somewhere inside the hotel and placed inside the basket.

The real entertainment begins when a roster is added to the mix. Not quite sure what to do, he goes stir crazy circling the basket. I am not sure if he is just trying to impress the chick inside or if he is trying to execute a “Joshua at Jericho” maneuver.

Either way, it's somewhat hysterical.


Video:http://youtu.be/r2EdKwJCp3A

cruel, but funny.

annhig,

I guess it's always tough to be a chicken

Tour Bus To Mekong Delta

Arriving a little later than we expected, a tour guide shows up where we are waiting to be picked up for our day trip to the Mekong Delta. Apparently the street we are waiting on is too congested for the bus to navigate so we must walk a short distance where it is waiting for us.

A few more stops at other hotels and we are eventually on our way through the slums of Ho Chi Minh City headed to the National Highway.

Along the National Highway we pass many open rice fields some of them interestingly having burial tombs in them. We are told about traditional Vietnamese burials which requires a double burial that is done above ground. The second burial occurs after the body has decayed to just bones. These bones are recovered by a male member of the family and ceremonially cleansed before being reburied on family land.

Another interesting spot along the National Highway is “Happy Land” an entertainment park that is in some sort of a construction phase that has Michael Jackson's father as an investor. I think Disneyland has nothing to worry about.

Along with a rest stop break to visit the “Happy House”, after a few hours of navigating the National Highway along with a few well loaded scooters we arrive at the launching point for our cruise down the Mekong River.

Wanting to blend in, I drive a hard bargain to get us a pair of Miss Saigon and Mr. Mekong Delta Mafia hats. Apparently, Miss Saigon drives a lot tougher bargain than the Godfather because she is quick to let me know that she thinks I overpaid for the deal. I should have made them an offer they could not refuse like $0.75 for two hats instead of $1.00.

I sure hope the locals don't think the Godfather has gone soft.


Video:http://youtu.be/9PtIyS2vOsI

I guess it's always tough to be a chicken >>

au contraire - our chucks lead happy fulfilled lives, with plenty of fresh air and exercise, plus friends of both sexes - until they go for the long drive to Penryn, that is. [that's where the farm where they kill and prepare them for the pot is].

nice report and film, DMB!

what did you think of your tour experience as opposed to doing it all independently?

annhig,

"Happy Chickens" until they go for a "Little Country Ride".... Oh Oh!

Really enjoyed the tour experience and I am not sure it would have been as much fun doing it independently. I thought we had a great tour guide and it would have been difficult to beat the cost... US$16 per person including lunch

More reports to come, still have to sort through pictures and videos.

sounds good value, DMB.

looking forward to more....

Nice reporting - following along.

Cruising Mekong River Crocodile Style

For the second time in less than a week we are back on the life line for so many in Southeast Asia. As I look out across the rapidly following brown waters of the Mekong River, I see we will face many formidable enemies on our adventure this afternoon.

The river is filled with crocodiles although these ones have distorted faces with no mouths and are powered by petrol.

A custom here for those who own boats and travel these water is to paint a mouthless crocodile on the bow of their vessels. This is meant to ward off harm from the real Mekong River crocodiles as a “mouthless croc” is all bark and no bite.

We leave port on one of these mouthless crocodiles then it is a group version of “Row, row, row your boat ….. “ as we are soon experiencing life again on the Mekong River and Mekong Delta.

As we make our way to our first stop, we learn about boats on the river. Those that sell merchandise from their boats advertise their goods from a flag pole at the front of the boat.

Sometimes there are whole families that live on these boats earning an existence traveling up and down the Mekong.

Interestingly, many of the boats have altars on them which are marked with red paint. These altars are used for worship and women are prohibited from entering this area of the boat.

On many boats the “Happy House” can be found hanging over the stern and it is said that from here you can see a thousand stars at night.


Video: http://youtu.be/SvIpipI9kUg

From The Lips Of Bees

Although our first stop in the Mekong Delta could have been a stinging experience, it turns out to be a sweet one instead.

At a shop along the Mekong River we get to sample various products produced by our busy friends including honey tea. Here we also learn about the health benefits of pollen and other extracts made from the never ending work of bees.

However, the best experience of this visit is a pressing one as my finger is carefully guided into an active hive of bees.

A taste of honey (boogie, oogie). Nice, fresh, right from the lips of bees. Ummmmmmmm!


Video:http://youtu.be/VjUqWDwgBis

Still reading and enjoying your report.

dgunbug,

Thanks

I've been so busy that I have fallen behind with the postings. Glad you are patient.

Interesting Stuff In A Mekong Village

From a taste of honey, we make our way along a path through the small village located along the banks of the Mekong River. Occasionally we have to maneuver out of the way of a motorcycle or two coming down the path towards us whining at almost full speed. This seems to be the normal around here as local families and kids pay no attention to these two wheel noise makers.

Although we are on a tour, what we are seeing and experiencing is everyday in the Mekong Delta not some fabricated tourist attraction.

Along one side of our path are various fruit trees including the huge but “smelly” Jack fruit along with Longan fruit which I believe I sampled earlier in the trip. On the riverside of the path next we come across a batch of rice paper being made. Circular sheets of it are laid on a wicker stand to dry in the sun and we are told it can be edible if heated up in a microwave.

Our next stop is one where I along with a few others keep our distance from sharing a possible crushing experience. I am happy to just watch from afar as our guide and a few others handle a four year old python.

Close up admiration of an elephant ear fish which is found in the Mekong River is a bit more comforting. It has Mick Jagger lips and is just as cool as The Rolling Stones.


Video:http://youtu.be/kvccTEzeJws

Way too cool, I am following every post with great excitement!

Watch Out Napa

I believe it was the famous actor and director Orsen Wells who said in a commercial for a California vineyard that “We will serve no wine before it's time”.

As I stand over a jar filled with various snakes, a few scorpions and some chili seasoning thrown in for good measure, I wonder if Mr. Wells would have ever thought the time would be right to serve guests some Vietnamese “Medicine Wine”.

Although it has a nice aroma and is offered to have great medical benefits this wine gives new meaning to the term, “full-bodied”. Others accept the offer for free tasting of the “Medicine Wine” but I wait to sample the sweet “Banana Wine” which I am assured is not full of bodies.


Video:http://youtu.be/bbBhwrhJXSg

Shanghainese,

Enjoyed your Shanghai report. I have about 6 months left on my Chinese visa and you have motivated me into planning a trip back there,

Would definitely like to visit Shanghai and take the Bullet Train to Beijing

Next up, the small boat ride, followed by the long bus ride back to PNL.

Bisbee,

Don't spoil it for everyone else, even if you are not enjoying my trip report or did not enjoy the journey yourself

For me, traveling is just not a journey but an adventure even it is on a small boat or a long bus ride.

BTW: There is more to come than you predicted. Hope you'll come back to offer others more of your insightful commentary

Thanks, I've topped my report for spring this year for you, hope you can visit China in the year of the Snake! Feel free to ask any questions.

Shanghainese,

Is end of Jan good for Shanghai visit? How about areas for hiking, outdoor activities? Heard China has some great national parks.

Any thoughts or tips on visiting Tibet or seeing pandas? Will have about three weeks free from end of Jan/13 and I am considering another trip to China.

Thanks for your input

Rice Paper

Our tour of a Mekong Delta village goes from discovering interesting wines to learning more about a product I would associate with Southeast Asia. Our learning begins with sample tastings of the finished product then we head over to one corner of the large open air shop.

In this corner, “weighing in at less than 110lbs”, we find a lone woman ready to rumble as she is tending to a sort of boiling pot oven. Stretched over this pot is a silk type skin onto which a mixture of rice powder and water is poured.

Our tour guide claims to have done this process for many years but needs a little help as he is trying to give us a demonstration. When he tries to remove the tissue paper thin finished product, it falls apart . Even he gets a laugh when I give him my Trump impression, “You're fired!”

In the end, his work is tasty dipped in soy sauce and he still gets a thumbs up from me.


Video:http://youtu.be/kafWUVNn9M4

One Useful Nut

As a kid growing up in the Caribbean, the coconut has always been a sweet part of my life. From drinking fresh coconut water to enjoying homemade layered coconut candy, as an islander it is difficult to not have this nut be a part of your being.

However, it is on this tour of Southeast Asia and in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam that I learn so much more about the usefulness and commercial production of the coconut.

Did you know that in some countries (not in Vietnam) monkeys are used to harvest coconuts?

From coconut candy, that is not as good as the homemade one I grew up on and still enjoy as an adult, to ladies purses, they sure have found a lot of ways in the Mekong Delta to use this nut.

It is almost insane.


Video:http://youtu.be/TrUfxe6bVX8

Loving your little youtube bits .

kmkrnn,

Lots more to come

Snap, Crackle And ….

Having spent some time over the last few days on the brown and almost muddy waters of the Mekong River, what I am now looking at surprises me.

I am standing a few feet away from a cooking wok type pot that is about one quarter filled with black sand that we are told is from the Mekong River.

This black sand is being heated with oil to about 180 degrees and will used to make our next sampling product, pop-rice. As rice is added to this black mixture and vigorously stirred we soon begin to hear the snap, crackle and then the pop as the black color disappears. The wok becomes filled with white pop-rice.

A few filter processes that involves a swinging sifter to remove the black sand which will be used again and I am sampling a handful of the warm, light and fluffy finished product.

Our guide then offers to take us back to Ho Chi Minh City but I along with a few others voice our opposition. I want to see and experience more of the Mekong Delta.


Video:http://youtu.be/pSSbnqz7Vjg

I'm glad you enjoyed your day trip to the Mekong (and your writing is quite well done). Perhaps it's gotten better since I did it in 2005. I thought it was OK, but couldn't really recommend to any of my friends that asked about it. But what the heck, it was only $8.

Vietnam is a special place that I enjoy very much. Looking forward to arriving back in Saigon about 28 hours from now.

Bisbeee,

I think it has. However, I think a lot of one's travel experiences on tours depend on the tour itself and the tour guide you may end up with.

For me, I thought our tour guide was great and probably made all the difference.

Safe travels to Saigon. Hope you have a great trip

BTW: Seems like you travel a bit in Asia. Any other countries over there you find interesting to visit? I have been also been to Thailand, Laos, China, Singapore and Cambodia. I would be interested in your input for other countries to visit in Asia. Thanks!

Calling All Dentists

Besides all the cool stuff I am learning about Vietnam by touring the Mekong Delta, I discover I might have at least one thing in common with the Vietnamese people, a weakness for sweets.

As we watch syrup and another sweet being made, our tour guide points out that being a dentist here might not be a bad profession.

The resourcefulness of different cultures is amazing to experience as I have learned so much about the many uses the Vietnamese have for coconuts and rice. Even the kernel from the rice is used to fuel a fire for cooking.

This portion of our Mekong Delta tour end sipping some Jasmine Tea with me have some regrets that I did not have the stomach to try the Medicine Wine. Maybe next time.


Video:http://youtu.be/1HaZhYrEQSw

Sorry I got busy and wasn't checking this forum. Except for the south, most parts of China is very cold in January. For your other questions, click for "cokesmith", he has traveled extensively and has written about the experiences you are looking for.

Oh, the Lunar New Year starts February 10, millions in China will be traveling home in early February to join their families for the celebrations.

Shanghainese,

Thanks, think I will wait until later in the year. Just have to do so before my visa expires.

Time For Lunch

Having dispelled with deserts first, we are headed back down the Mekong River for lunch. Again, we get to witness life on the heart and soul of Southeast Asia.

We pass the local ferry as it is leaving its dock carrying a light load of passengers for less than about US$0.50 per person.

Other vessels traverse the brown waters of the Mekong some of them so laden with goods that they almost seem on the verge of sinking.

Although it sounds interesting, I hope one thing that is not on the lunch menu is water lily salad. We are told this plant that lines the river bank to prevent erosion is also use to make salads.

About 35 minutes of cruising the river and we make our stop for lunch. On the property of the restaurant one of Vietnam's hottest cash crop is being harvest. We are told that due to its popularity the price per kilogram has increased ten fold.

I wonder quietly why my broker still has me heavily invested in pork bellies.

Our lunch is a typical Vietnamese meal with rice, meat, vegetable and spring rolls nothing special except for the plate of treats on the table.

As if an eyeball is looking at me when I break its skin, a few minutes later I am on the phone to Zurich, Switzerland.


Video:http://youtu.be/Eabx4rNenqY

A Village Bike Ride

Grabbing a few free bicycles after lunch, a “dare devil” group of us head off on a bike ride through the local village. With “Miss Saigon” and “My Blue Bonnet” I am hoping we will blend in like locals.

Crossing a bridge I get a different perspective of the Mekong as I watch more boat traffic move up and down this significant waterway. One boat filled with fresh bananas passes beneath me, its motor making that unique sputtering “putt, putt” sound.

Navigating a village road that sometimes follows a branch of the Mekong and is lined with trees is so relaxing that it just makes me feel like singing. Now I know how Kermit felt doing the same thing through Central Park.


Video:http://youtu.be/HqnOEPoLxyY

The Next Vietnam Idol

Our tour of the Mekong Delta ends with an unexpected discovery. As we cruise the river one last time we are serenaded by possibly the next Vietnam Idol.

Thirty minutes later we are back where our tour begins and we are given an option for our return to Ho Chi Minh City. If as a group we are willing to pay a few extra Dongs we can take the Express Way back to the city and save about thirty minutes driving.

In a way I save everyone from having to make that decision and I hope they did not mind getting back earlier than planned.


Video:http://youtu.be/UMgAPYHLqBg

Beautiful Artist And Artwork

Our second day in Ho Chi Minh City is planned to start a little later than our first day. This time we have the opportunity to enjoy a splendid breakfast at Tan Hai Long which is included in the price of our room. Delicious fried rice, meats along with a bowl of fresh soup with shrimp and hot peppers and I am stuffed to begin the day.

Today, we are headed to visit Cu Chi Tunnels on a very affordable tour about US$8 per person. As with our tour the previous day we are picked up along with others and given another perspective on the history of Vietnam.

As we did yesterday, we make a stop at factory/tourist attraction where disable students use their talents to create some beautiful and awesome artwork. These students are just some of the victims of the American military use of “Agent Orange” here during the Vietnam war.

I have an admiration for them as I watch them at work using items like eggshells to produce masterpieces. It is heart wrenching to see some of insane effects of war on innocent people generations removed from the conflict.


Video:http://youtu.be/lZPdy9yUuQk

Intro To Cu Chi Tunnels

Our introduction to Cu Chi Tunnels begins by watching a propaganda type video on how the Vietnamese fighters including women and children where able to use simple tactics to overcome high tech US military attacks against them.

One effective deterrent was the multilevel tunnel built here. The first level for accommodation, the second level for bomb protection and a third level that provided a means of escape. There were also booby traps made from bamboo built inside the tunnels. A simple but very well designed system that served its purpose well.

Not far from watching this video we are given the opportunity to experience a part of this tunnel system as a well hidden entrance is revealed. It is a tight squeeze for a two hundred pounder with broad shoulders.


Video:http://youtu.be/51x8ZquIRcI

A Cu Chi Tunnel Experience

With my hands above my head along with some coaching I slip my body and broad (ok, fat) shoulders into a hole in the ground that I am sure was designed for someone half my size. With two others I have just entered a part of the Cu Chi Tunnel system that has remained pretty much the same way it was from it's origination.

Once a cover that hides the entrance to the tunnel is closed behind us we are pitched into complete darkness that is darker than a moonless night. It is only out of sense of being “macho” and having others with me that I am able to suppress some of my rising fear. A moment for all of us to pose for pictures and the flash of the camera reveals what a tight mess we have gotten ourselves into.

Following the light of an iPhone, its is a crawl on hands and knees over wet leaves as we navigate towards a promised exit. At one point our leader turns a corner and we are again pitched into complete darkness. His words in the distance that he can see the exit is comforting and I begin to slow my breathing.

Although we have only traveled about fifty feet or so it not something I would want to do on any regular basis except if my freedom and life depended on it.


Video:http://youtu.be/kpDFY5pMQEI

not your average tourist experience, DMT!

cudos to you for trying it; I think I'd have passed.

annhig,

It was scary fun.. My first experience being claustaphobic. I'm glad it was brief in distance although it felt like an eternity in time.

Cu Chi Tunnel Tour

Our tour of Cu Chi Tunnel continues with a painful reminder of the war and the terrible fate that many suffered here.

Simplistic in design, many of Vietnamese tools of war led to the unimaginable painful deaths of their enemies.

Our first examination of one of these tools is a trap door that leads to a fall onto a bed of precision sharpen bamboo spears about six feet below the surface.

Next we are shown the well camouflaged ventilation system for the tunnel network. What looks like an ant hill is not an ant hill after all.

Here, the destruction craters of B-52 bombs and shooting trenches still remain after almost 40 years. For me, it is somewhat surreal as I remember scenes from documentary films and movies showing young men fighting and dying probably in the same trenches I am standing mere feet away from.

Indeed, “War Is Hell”.

One interesting thing we are told is that dogs were trained to detect American soldiers presence near the tunnels by the smell of American shampoo.

Crossing the grounds here, we see other entrances used in the tunnel system, bigger openings for women and children.

Nearby just the frame of an American tank destroyed in 1970 remains. Making the most of limited resources, the Vietnamese used captured military equipment and unexploded bombs to create additional hardware and weapons for their cause.

Our next stop is what most people come here for but should only do if one can comply with the rules that make the experience possible. The most important rule I think is that one must not have fear of darkness or narrow spaces.

This part of the tunnel has been renovated somewhat for touring purposes and although it is about 200m long there are several exit points.

Even after earlier completing a non renovated portion of the tunnel system, I find this part of the system more uncomfortable and difficult to navigate. For me, it requires hunching over and I give up about 30m into it.

I miss my first experience of the tunnel here, crawling on my hands and knees over wet leaves in almost pitch black darkness.


Video:http://youtu.be/vEZZJryHm2k

thank you DMB for an insight into a tourist attraction that few people here are likely to see.

i would include myself in that category.

Cu Chi Gun Range

Not since taking an ROTC class in college many moons ago have I pulled the trigger on anything except a few water pistols. For about US$1 a bullet, I have the opportunity to fire off a few rounds on anything from an American made M-16 to a Russian AK-47.

At Cu Chi Gun Range there are available many of the guns used in the Vietnam war that with some simple instructions you can use to take your best shot. I chose an old style Russian gun and although it was fun I think I am better at shooting water instead of bullets.

Video:http://youtu.be/D0vQbrAsv7A

Who told you that's a Russian gun another tout? The gun that the person was seen shooting in the video is an old US made M1 or M2 carbine. Possibly WW 2 or Korean war vintage. The last gun shown in the video, with the still frame, is a US M16 A1 Vietnam war vintage.

Hanuman,

Glad you are back (or maybe you never left). I missed you

Words You Can Shop, Buy Maybe

The opportunity to learn more about Vietnamese culture continues even as we make our way back to Ho Chi Minh City. Although I am not an avid shopper, I listen and ask questions as our tour guide gives us some tips for bargaining.

One word that we learn to be careful with is “Mac-w aah” as in the wrong situation you might be looking at a right upper cut coming your way.

“Mac-w aah” can be taken as offensive so might want to practice your “bob and weave” or be quick with a “Sin loi” which means sorry it is my fault.


Video:http://youtu.be/mkn-ItbStT0

American Military Equipment

Back in Ho Chi Minh City, we take a walk over to a museum that we are told over it's history has had many names. On the grounds of the War Remnants Museums are what I consider the less heart tugging reminders of the conflict here.

As someone that has been fascinated with aviation from my early childhood, I am always in awe of flying machines and the miracle of flight. To touch a UH-1 helicopter, the aircraft that symbolized for me more than any other aircraft the US presence in Vietnam is simply a cool experience.

For a moment I withdraw the war aspect of these machines and admire those that designed and operated them. Their courage and sacrifices should not be forgotten.


Video:http://youtu.be/xG7Yc6HdJIk

The Cruelties Of War

No doubt the most heart wrenching and soul searching moments of my visit to Vietnam comes as I leave the outside displays at the War Remnants Museum and venture inside. Here, I get to see some of the historical horrors and cruelties of war.

From tiger cages where prisoners were kept like animals to the point of developing unbelievable deformities to the guillotine and the use of chemical weapons, our inhumanity to each other can reach a point beyond insanity.

In viewing the displays here the exhibits are weighted mostly to the U.S injustice here but one would be naive to think it did not happen on both sides of the battle field. I am sure the displays at Cu Chi Tunnel only give a hint of what some U.S service men suffered on the other side.

In any event, it is a tough pill to swallow seeing some of the exhibits and it does give me a sense of shame for some of our misguided policies here during the war. One of the most lingering affects of the war here was American use of Agent Orange. Even many of our service men and their offspring such as a girl born without full arms have been forever damaged by this chemical weapon.

However, it is nice to see that areas of Vietnam that were once destroyed are now thriving communities and cities. The before and after comparison are ones you like to see as probably they show us that maybe we have all learned lessons from the mistakes that have occurred here.


Video:http://youtu.be/ai7jOiTPBuI

DBMT - thank you for your last post.

food for thought indeed.

Some people might find this useful but probably not the OP or his fan. Most, if not all, of the items on display at the war remnants museum were actually ARVN or VNAF equipments and rebranded as US military for show or propaganda!

Hanuman,

assuming I'm the "fan" you speak of so disparagingly, I know nothing of Vietnam save what I read, [not just here], and i also assume that the OP is posting what he saw and read on his trip.

instead of making snide posts, perhaps you'd care to set out simply and clearly what s/he's got wrong?

annhig,

I thought I did that already. First it was the incorrect identification of a US gun as a Russian gun. Now it's identifying weapons of the South Vietnam arm forces as those of the US. Very clear and I'm not being "snide".

I thought I did that already. First it was the incorrect identification of a US gun as a Russian gun. Now it's identifying weapons of the South Vietnam arm forces as those of the US. Very clear and I'm not being "snide".>>

as the OP is clearly referring to the information he has gleaned on his travels, whether accurate or not, I fail to see how he can be held responsible for it. your tone was terse to the point of rude.

this is the remark that i thought was snide and unnecessary:

<<Some people might find this useful but probably not the OP or his fan>>

looking at your posts on other threads, you seem quite capable of having a civilised exchange with other posters; what have I or the OP done to deserve less?

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia/thailand-a-happy-reunion.cfm#last-comment

well thank you, Hanuman for the elucidation.

that explains why you and the OP have "history" but I don't understand why you choose to drag me into it.

Hanuman,

It's "Post Time" but it looks like you will be running this race alone. I hope the others have not been put out to pasture or worst yet made into glue. Indeed a sticky situation.

I miss them too

Here's a link you might find helpful and might want to add your expert insight to

http://www.fodors.com/community/fodorite-lounge/hi-my-name-is-i-have-a-posting-problem.cfm#last-comment

A Saigon Secret

It is not until our last night in Vietnam that I discover what maybe one of Ho Chi Minh City's best kept secrets. While walking to the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater we stumble upon something sweet that is as simple as ABC.

A quick calculation and I determine that if tomorrow I walk to Cambodia instead of taking the bus, I can indulge in a few sinful pleasures and not even gain a pound!


Video:http://youtu.be/bVHS0lxbVJ4

A Wet Puppet

An easy walk from our hotel is The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater almost a must if you visit Saigon. This is a show that gives an entertaining presentation of Vietnamese life and culture in an interesting form of storytelling.

The art of water puppetry has a steep traditional in local Vietnamese culture and is connected with the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

For me, attending any theater production it is always amazing to see the talents of the performers no matter the art form. As a person that never mastered the recorder, I always appreciate this.

The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater has several shows every evening that last about 50 minutes without an intermission. For about US$7.50 per person it is a worthwhile outing in Ho Chi Minh City.


Video:http://youtu.be/8Ao7hrwZcm8

annhig,

You're welcome. My apologies for the "sideshow"

Good-bye!

It is our last morning in Vietnam and in few minutes we'll take a walk to a bus that will be taking us to Cambodia.

As I recall our time here, one of the fun if not crazy things we did while here was simply crossing a main street. Making multiple crossings and not being a “Hit” in some strange way made us feel apart of Vietnam.

If you come to Vietnam it is definitely something you may have to contend with. One piece of advise, just keep walking and I hope you will enjoy Vietnam and its people as much as we did.

Thanks, Vietnam.


Video:http://youtu.be/w5jLYG2R6kw

I honestly don't think that Rome is any better - and Budapest was pretty hairy too - they seemed to think that a pedestrian crossing was an invitation to go faster.

thanks for sharing your experience of Vietnam with us.

I enjoyed your well done report and hope that I can find more from you.
We're thinking of going.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the videos. Nothing better than a visual.

annhig,

I think it must be fun for drivers in countries like that especially when they see a tourist trying to cross the street.

Glad to have you along to share my trip report. Next up, Cambodia in between all my other postings while on my current adventure

cybor,

Thanks for following along. Although learning about some aspects of the war there was heart wrenching, our visit to Vietnam was wonderful.

I will soon make postings on Cambodia which was also a part of our trip to Southeast Asia last summer.

More of my travel adventures and pictures are at:

http://dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com/

I hope you will also get to enjoy Vietnam