On our last day in Mui Ne, I wasn't feeling well, and unfortunately, my stomach issues persisted throughout our weekend in Ho Chi Minh City. Although we were aware that the city's name had officially changed to Ho Chi Minh City, many of the locals we spoke to, including myself, still referred to it as Saigon.
Despite my discomfort, we were excited to start our second Couchsurfing experience with Hang Dinh. Hang is a remarkable young woman who manages to balance a career as a TV news reporter, freelance travel writing, and her own globetrotting adventures with hosting complete strangers in her downtown flat in the heart of Saigon. Despite working long, hot days, Hang always found the energy to take us out, show us the city's highlights, and share fascinating stories about her life and travels.
We were grateful for Hang's hospitality and her insider perspective on the city. She took us to some of Saigon's best street food stalls and helped us navigate the bustling markets. We also visited historical landmarks like the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Our time with Hang was an unforgettable experience, and we left Saigon feeling grateful for the new friend we had made.
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| bike parking at our host apartment, can you spot ours? |
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famous Ben Thanh Market, in the centre of Saigon has everything, but don't forget to bargin |
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checking out the War Remnants museum |
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| Just for the photo book, Hang did the driving |
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| enjoying ice cold Saigon beer, with seafood along the river |
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| were not coffee drinkers, but we loved Vietnam's strong sweet ice coffee |
During the scorching afternoons, Ji and I took the opportunity to explore the city on our own and attend to some last-minute repairs on my bike. We noticed that one of the pedals was malfunctioning, but we managed to get both replaced for a mere $6. Saigon has had its share of tumultuous history, as evident at the War Remnants Museum, but we could see that the future looked promising for Ho Chi Minh City. The city boasts of an array of fantastic restaurants, cafes, and shopping options, and we felt secure as we explored its new buildings and bustling streets. However, what stood out most for us was our time with our Couchsurfing host, Hang. We are grateful to Hang for the warm hospitality and the unforgettable experiences she shared with us.
Our next adventure awaits as we gear up to ride through the Mekong Delta en route to Cambodia.
