Em & Tola's Travel Blog

A new country and an "old" capital city. Today Saigon is known as Ho Chi Minh City to some, but to the people of Southern Vietnam Ho Chi Mihn City is still Saigon. Saigon is a city where the streets are overcrowded with motorcyles and horns are honked nonstop. Vietnam is different though as almost everyone wears motorbike helmets. There must be a strict motorcycle helmet law in Vietnam...On our first day in Saigon, I became curious as we made our way along new streets. The streets of Saigon immediately smelled of pho (Vietnamese noodles) and many nostrel tickling spices as we walked through narrow alleys that led to the main roads. Walking through the alleys allowed for glimpses into houses, and smiling faces glanced back as we made our way towards the cry of the city's sounds.



On our first day in Saigon we spent a bit of time refreshing our knowledge of the Vietnam War. Being an American, it was quite a moving experience visiting the War Remnants Museum in Saigon (I think it can be this way for anyone though). Visiting the museum reminded me of many people I know back in the U.S. I immediately thought of my Mom's cousin Robert who was sent to Vietnam along with many others. I also thought of my Granddad and Grandma Schroeder's old neighbor David. The Vietnam War brings so much to the table, and it is a war that brings so many mixed emotions. After many intense days in Phnom Pehn, emotions still churned in many ways as we began our time in Vietnam.

Morning came quickly after our first night in Saigon. Our first full day brought us to the Cu Chi Tunnels outside of Saigon. The Cu Chi Tunnels are actual tunnels that the Viet Cong used during the Vietnam War. These tunnels used to stretch from Saigon to the Cambodian border, and at one time there were more than 200 km of tunnels. Visiting these tunnels allowed for an extremely educational and unique day. We had a wonderful tour guide who explained everything very thoroughly which allowed for a special experience. It was amazing to see how the Viet Cong lived inside these small tunnels. A section of the tunnels has now been enlarged so foreigners can experience a 40 m walk through the dark and humid underground tunnels.


After a few days of exploring Saigon, Tola and I knew well that Saigon was a great place for shopping and eating. It is quite a modern city, but it still proves to be developing as one walks around and explores the corners of Saigon. Lately I have really enjoyed the French influence in both Phnom Pehn and Saigon as there is still French architecture throughout both cities. Saigon even has a Notre Dame Cathedral (not quite the same as the cathedral in Paris), and it is unique as it sits within the large city of Vietnam. A mix of Southeast Asia and a slice of something western results into something very appealing especially for those who enjoy a big city. Saigon is a delightful city, but one needs to be careful when crossing the street. :)

Before leaving the Saigon area, we spent one day on the Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta is where the Mekong River meets the sea, and it is a very large area in the southern part of Vietnam. We went by boat to several places on the Mekong River and we had a lovely and relaxing day. Our boat first took us to a local coconut-candy factory where we learned how to make coconut candy. Not only did we observe, but we also participated in a few taste testings. After our coconut candy experience we took a nice calm bike ride through an island on the Mekong Delta. Our bike ride led us to our lunch destination, and eating lunch under the coconut palms of the Mekong Delta was the perfect place to rest and take in the beauty of our surroundings.

Following lunch we took our boat to another island. This island became my favorite as we stepped off our boat and into a small canoe. As we made ourselves comfortable, we were given rice hats to wear. They protected us from the heat of the day. Next we were paddled through small canals that had walls of lush palms along both sides. During this part of our journey I had to really concentrate on where we were because our experience through small canals felt kind of like a dream or a ride at Disneyland.

We have only been in Vietnam for a few days, but somehow it feels like we have been in Vietnam for much longer. Time goes on and I think of all that I have learned during the past couple of months. I am thankful for this blog because it allows me to go back and ponder what we have experienced. Every day of our journey has allowed for learning. There often much to reflect on and so much to take in, and as a part of our journey I am thankful that we are able to share some of our experiences with each of you.

Next stop, Nha Trang.