We arrived at night in Ho Chi Minh to a brightly lit bustling city. The first thing that struck me was how many motorbikess flying by with what I thought was without rhyme or reason. Cars were honking their horns, the bikers were honking, and they seemed to be going in all different directions. We were staying at a hotel that was close to most of the places of interest and quite active surroundings.

The next day, we were off to experience the Mekong Delta located in the south. We boarded our bus, heading to My To. As we were leaving the city, it was amazing to see the number of motorbikes to the point where some lanes were designated for them only. It appeared to me they might even be more than cars.

On our way, we stopped at a Cafe to savor Vietnamese coffee. There was similarity to the preparation in Laos. There is a glass cup with condensed milk at the bottom. The coffee is in a metal container placed on top of the glass. The metal piece is actually a filter. After the coffee clears the filter then it is mixed with the milk. Depending on the personal choice, you could bypass the milk.

This cafe also had the relaxation amenity,  hammocks, and members of our group took the opportunity for a few minutes to enjoy the hammocks.

As we drove along, we noticed several rice farms with unusual structures present they were in fact tombs. There is a custom where people can be and are buried in their fields. There are many reasons for this practice stemming from earlier beliefs and practices.

Upon arrival in My Tho, gateway to the Mekong Delta, we headed to the dock and boarded a wooden barge. There were vendors, restrooms, etc. A great opportunity to get a cap, Vietnamese hat, and other souvenirs: the usual things you would find at a popular entry port.

On board we were treated with a fresh coconut, quite refreshing.

Our first stop was at the home of an organic farmer.

His wife managed the kitchen, and she made a snack that we tried, and we also bought a bag. I can’t recall the name, but it was a sheet like fragile crispy snack that was packaged about three sheets in a bag.

After leaving the farm, we boarded a sampan for a further ride along the canal. Sampan is a traditional means of transportation in the delta.

After alighting from the sampan we boarded what I would call a mini van heading for lunch.

After lunch we went over to a coconut candy workshop. The place was buzzing with visitors sampling and purchasing candy.

After lunch and a brief stop at the candy workshop we headed back to our awaiting barge and then to our bus ride back to Ho Chi Minh.

The next day we started out for a tour of the city.

Our first stop was a stroll down Ho Chi Minh book streat. There were no children around as they were probably in school. Book Street is not only for reading but a place to relax, have a drink, get souvenirs, etc There were several book stores owned by authors and different publications.

The cathedral and the post office were in the same vicinity. We did not visit the cathedral as it was under renovations.

We visited the Independence Presidential Palace, which now serves as a museum. The palace was the residence of the president but was destroyed by bombings. In 1962, reconstruction started and was completed in 1966. The grounds are beautifully manicured and are frequently used for engagement and wedding photographs. This site was significant in the fall of Saigon.

We later visited the secret bunker museum. Tran Van Lai bought a house where he built a tunnel/bunker where he accumulated a stock of arsenal. He was an important player in the assault on the palace, the US embassy, the radio station, the police station and military commmand offices .

We were off to lunch after leaving the museum. Most meals through our tour from Bangkok to Vietnam included soup. I found the soups to be tasty and really liked pho (Vietnamese soup).

We had an optional tour Saigon Street Food experience. What I did not know or was not paying attention to was that we would be transported by motorbikes. The number of bicycles in this city is vast. All Riders are mandated to wear helmets, and you can see that they are compliant. I noticed from my arrival the large number of motorbikes and how they ride crossing each other and other vehicles in no particular order or direction. I am sure they feel that they ride at a fairly reasonable speed, I guess. In my opinion, they are always speeding. A ride on those bikes can be quite daunting but is also fun.

We were picked up at our hotel and donned our helmets got on the back with clear instructions and off we went. Our first stop was to get Banh Mi (sandwiches made on request) and a beverage. A Banh Mi runs under $2. I like sandwiches and really enjoyed mine. It was like a deli shop on a corner.

After a forty-five minute stop here, our bikers picked us up again, and we were off to our next stop. We stopped in the vicinity where US soldiers resided during war. These buildings are now residences and quite active. Each space was well utilized not only as living quarters but business places as well. Motorbikes were seen inside of many on the lower floors and some were seen on the upper floors as well. Those occupants on the upper floors rent spots for their bikes on the ground level. There are plans to relocate these residents in order to demolish these buildings and construct high rise buildings.

We were again picked up by our bikers heading to a seafood restaurant.

They were clearly expecting us as we were quickly ushered upstairs, and a table was waiting for the group. This was a crowded place, not a formal setting but an enjoyable time as well.

After a sumptuous meal, we were on our bikes again for desert at another spot. There was a variety of deserts I chose the flan, never had it in iced coffee but a new experience is what it is all about.

After desert, we were back on our transport for a ride through the city highlighting the red light district. That particular street was  active with music, people drinking, and clearly present were security workers. All in all, it was a fun night seeing the city at night and enjoying the bike rides. Take a look at what it is like in the busy city at night.

The next day, we were heading to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 130-mile  underground network where fighters and villagers lived. Life in the tunnels included but not limited to marriages, births, manufacturing, care of the wounded, and combat training. The Tunnels are about 30 miles out of Ho Chi Minh city and can be reached by local buses. Traffic can be heavy, impacting the length of time it takes to get there.

Traps were set at some entrances and if an enemy fell in, he would fall on sharp bamboo spikes.

There is a gift store for gathering last minute gifts before leaving the sight then we had lunch in the village before heading back to our hotel and to prepare for our departure.

Well this ended my twenty days trek from Thailand to Vietnam. I enjoyed this tour because it was educational, it was adventurous and culturally stimulating. I experienced things that I never thought I would participate in but as I have always said this is the reason I travel new adventures and experiences.