Vietnam, North to South (3 weeks)

Activities:

War Remnants Museum - an in-depth, educational, and moving place. The photos were brutal; so brutal in fact that looking at the gun displays was soothing. One of the best museums I have ever been to for sure.

Independence Palace - The palace was interesting, showcasing old government quarters. Lots of history here. I was also impressed with the amount of green space and Central European architecture in the rest of the city! Remember, petty theft is common in this city so wear a money belt, hands on your pockets when walking, don’t pull your phone out without looking, etc.

Mekong Delta - A day tour out of HCMC. We stopped by a pagoda on our way to the Delta. Then we visited a small honey bee farm near the pier; I got to hold the beehive! Save the bees. We then saw ethnic music, visited a coconut factory where we tried freshly made coconut candies, and went to lunch along a canal. Be forewarned, there’s a huge language barrier in Vietnam; moreso than any other of the 35 countries I’ve ever visited, and it can be frustrating at times, as was encountered out here.

After we went on a row boat trip up the canal. This was the highlight; I wore a cone hat and helped row. The woman was really nice, showing us where her house was and some water coconuts. We made it back to HCMC in the early evening, just enough time to get dinner and relax at the hostel.

Cu Chi Tunnels - Also a day tour out of HCMC. An intricate underground civilization from the war days was fascinating. I climbed on top of an old tank. I crawled through 60 meters of tunnel. There were displays on different types of traps used in the war. Very unique.

Lodging:

Jungle House - Hidden and cozy hostel in HCMC’s District 1. Only 30 or so beds. Curtains at foot of beds which are burrowed into the wall, so very private even in a six-person dorm.

Eateries:

Pho Quynh - This, along with the place in Hue, was some of the best pho I had in Vietnam. Place has both upstairs and downstairs!

Ganges Indian Restaurant - Specializes in authentic Indian, as you may have guessed. Got either buttered chicken or chicken masala.