We arrive into Saigon 40 minutes after leaving Nha Trang on Thursday, 23 December - the best USD 33 I have ever spent!!! Why on earth people take the bus or worse yet the train is beyond me.
It's great to be back here but boy I'd forgotten how crazy busy traffic is.
After dropping off my bags at the hotel (I'm so pleased they have a room ready for me at 10am) I head out for a much needed coffee. Within seconds of leaving the front door I'm asked a million times if I want a motorbike ride, no thanks. I'm then asked where am I going. I smile back thinking none of your business and keep walking.
I finally confirm my Christmas Day plans - am leaving early morning on a 3 day / 2 night trip to Phnom Penh through the Mekong Delta. Great to have it finally sorted.
Decided it was well time I had Pho, huge embarrassment that I haven't had it before now and I've been in the country for 2 weeks.....asked for a recommendation and ended up eating at a chain I've eaten at before. Boy I was not disappointed! No idea why I left it this late and I'm leaving Vietnam in a few days so no sure if I'll have the opportunity to have it again. Stupid me.
Wandered around the area for a couple of hours before it started to rain lightly then heavier. Took cover under street stalls umbrellas where I got before arriving back at the hotel.
Chilled out for awhile before going for an early dinner. The 5am wake up was beginning to take it's toll on me.
Christmas Eve (Friday) after breakfast in the hotel I head out to wander the streets. For some very strange reason the hotel advised it will only accept payment for the room in USD. Am far from impressed - means I know need to go an exchange my Dong for USD. After being asked by nearly every motorbike taxi where am I going? And do I want a taxi? I reply sweetly (smiling) "away from you".
I stop for coffee and enjoy watching the constant stream of motorbikes wizz past. Then make my way to the Commonwealth Bank to exchange Dong to USD. I've been advised that only banks do this, which is a bit of a pain. I'm told I need to prove a few things before they do the transaction so head back to the hotel to gather the things required.
It's hot and humid so rest in my room with the a/c for a few minutes before heading out again. This time with everything I need and thankfully it all goes well.
I have a beer at a "bar" on busy street near the hotel - there is lots of look at (two santa’s on a bike; motorbikes carrying flowers, beer, soda bottles, water bottles, ice, brooms by the dozen, ladders, children returning home from school, chicken wire) plus lots to turn down (DVD's, sunglasses, food).
I head to the corner, another good people watching place for dinner. See day time turn into night-time and more people come out. I notice quite a few of the young children with Santa hats on. Just before I leave the restaurant a fully dressed Santa arrives with his sack and the children flock to him.
I try to have an early night as tomorrow morning I'm leaving early for my tour through to Phnom Penh.
Christmas Day I'm up early. After a super quick breakfast the pack goes on and I head to the tour company. They had said arrive 30 minutes early and I'm already 10 minutes late. Hope there will be no issues.
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