Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Jumping ahead a bit but I’ll come back. Just want to share a few things before I forget. Flew from Kuala Lumpur to Ho Chi Minh city, about 2hrs flight time. Nothing to report, uneventful flight. Arriving in Ho Chi Minh city airport is definitely something different! Our cruise guide told us to invest in the “fast track” Customs & Immigration processing. Absolute must!!! There were no fewer than 300 people standing in line to get their passports stamped, our line had maybe 20. In and out in about 30 minutes!

Note: IF YOU TRAVEL TO HO CHI MINH AIRPORT-GET THE FAST PASS!!!

Sign in Women’s Restroom at the airport

Waded through the hawkers for taxis, and everything else, to get outside for our Grab (Uber by another name) car. For about $3 we made our way to the Grand Saigon Hotel. Excellent hotel at a very reasonable price.

The first impressions of Saigon city, crowded, very hot, very-very humid. Don’t plan to wear a shirt or blouse twice if you come here, once and it will be soaked with sweat! Unbelievable number of mopeds. Literally thousands of the little critters racing throughout the traffic. Collette picked up on the culture of the swarm. You never look in your mirror. Whomever is behind you has the responsibility to watch where you’re going and not run into to you. Likewise, you have the responsibility to watch the person in front of you and not run into them. Usually works well until someone forgets and then there is mass chaos until the swarm finds its Zen.

From our hotel bar

Dining area

Sitting area