Greetings from Saigon 
Just wanted to do a blog/report from my travels in Vietnam (first time visitors). I don't expect this one to have as much engagement as the previous Thailand trip, since Thailand seems to be the destination of choice for SA travelers to SEA, with Bali in second place, but I'm sure some will welcome the info nonetheless.
We traveled using Qatar Airways, via Doha. The planes weren't great, especially Doha-Saigon, but the service was way better than Emirates in my opinion. Visas for South Africans need to be done with a 3rd party company that sends through a visa on arrival pre-approval letter, and there's a $25 VISA fee when you arrive at your port of entry.
We're staying in the backpacker district of HCMC, down a myriad of little alleyways full of local shops and apartments at an AirBNB townhouse apartment. We got to our place and headed off on foot in search of some local Banh Mi. On a recommendation we made our way to a place around 25 minutes on foot from our AirBnB, during rush hour.
There's a way to get used to the madness that are Vietnam's road "rules", and this wasn't it. It can be an overwhelming learning experience. Scooters rule the roads here, and while there is a method to the aforementioned madness, it can take a while to learn the rhythms of the traffic and when - and how - you can cross.
On the way, we had our first taste of Ca Phe Sua Da, Vietnamese Robusta - much more bitter than Arabica, so it's usually mixed with condensed milk. It's really really rich, but tastes amazing. The iced coffee really hits the spot in the oppressing heat.
Finally, we got to our destination, Banh Mi Tam Ba. I've heard so much about this baguette, and have wondered what the big deal is, but it really does live up to the hype. Fresh, crispy rolls with a soft interior, stuffed with homemade mayo, pate, roast pork, and some assorted veg with chili and fish sauce.
I neglected to take a decent pic before we devoured the rolls. Airplane food for almost a day and a half will do that.
Unfortunately, straight after wolfing down our rolls, the heavens opened up and the notorious Saigon downpour kept us under the shop shelter for the next 45 minutes (at least)
We had arranged a mini tour for that evening, and by the time our guide joined us, the rain had let up. I didn't take many pics, but we were shown around District 1 and 3. We stopped off for a quick taste of something called Mi, a flavourful broth with some dumplings.
As a side-note, this new forum layout is hot garbage.
One of the last stops was Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street
We took an elevator up to a coffee shop near the top, where we watched the crowds go by over another delicious iced coffee.
Our guide dropped us back near our place, recommending a nearby 24 hour Pho joint.
TF (the fiancee) had a Bho Kho, a beef stew.
Uploading that last pic only took around 8 tries. Anyway, the pho left a bit to be desired, but the bho kho was pretty tasty.
I'm currently at the end of Day 2, but it's 2:26AM here now, so I'm off to grab a beer
Just wanted to do a blog/report from my travels in Vietnam (first time visitors). I don't expect this one to have as much engagement as the previous Thailand trip, since Thailand seems to be the destination of choice for SA travelers to SEA, with Bali in second place, but I'm sure some will welcome the info nonetheless.
We traveled using Qatar Airways, via Doha. The planes weren't great, especially Doha-Saigon, but the service was way better than Emirates in my opinion. Visas for South Africans need to be done with a 3rd party company that sends through a visa on arrival pre-approval letter, and there's a $25 VISA fee when you arrive at your port of entry.
We're staying in the backpacker district of HCMC, down a myriad of little alleyways full of local shops and apartments at an AirBNB townhouse apartment. We got to our place and headed off on foot in search of some local Banh Mi. On a recommendation we made our way to a place around 25 minutes on foot from our AirBnB, during rush hour.
There's a way to get used to the madness that are Vietnam's road "rules", and this wasn't it. It can be an overwhelming learning experience. Scooters rule the roads here, and while there is a method to the aforementioned madness, it can take a while to learn the rhythms of the traffic and when - and how - you can cross.
On the way, we had our first taste of Ca Phe Sua Da, Vietnamese Robusta - much more bitter than Arabica, so it's usually mixed with condensed milk. It's really really rich, but tastes amazing. The iced coffee really hits the spot in the oppressing heat.
Finally, we got to our destination, Banh Mi Tam Ba. I've heard so much about this baguette, and have wondered what the big deal is, but it really does live up to the hype. Fresh, crispy rolls with a soft interior, stuffed with homemade mayo, pate, roast pork, and some assorted veg with chili and fish sauce.
I neglected to take a decent pic before we devoured the rolls. Airplane food for almost a day and a half will do that.
Unfortunately, straight after wolfing down our rolls, the heavens opened up and the notorious Saigon downpour kept us under the shop shelter for the next 45 minutes (at least)
We had arranged a mini tour for that evening, and by the time our guide joined us, the rain had let up. I didn't take many pics, but we were shown around District 1 and 3. We stopped off for a quick taste of something called Mi, a flavourful broth with some dumplings.
As a side-note, this new forum layout is hot garbage.
One of the last stops was Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street
We took an elevator up to a coffee shop near the top, where we watched the crowds go by over another delicious iced coffee.
Our guide dropped us back near our place, recommending a nearby 24 hour Pho joint.
TF (the fiancee) had a Bho Kho, a beef stew.
Uploading that last pic only took around 8 tries. Anyway, the pho left a bit to be desired, but the bho kho was pretty tasty.
I'm currently at the end of Day 2, but it's 2:26AM here now, so I'm off to grab a beer
Keep em coming, your Thailand thread was very entertaining!
. Didn't do any floating market or cu chi tunnels. Did do a sleeper bus trip to Mui Ne, that's quite a lekker little beach town, some good activities.
