Crossing the border between Vietnam and Cambodia was relatively easy compared to Singapore/Malaysia border. It wasnt at all hectic nor busy and the bus company had everything arranged for us. The whole bus' passports were handed over to the immigration officer and she called out names as she look through the passports. We then boarded the bus, like school children obediently lining up to go up the bus, once our names were called. The passports were then all stamped at one go and so we basically did nothing on our part, an easy and relax way to exit Cambodia.
The proportion of Chinese in Saigon is higher compared to anywhere else we have been to. Just to side track a little, we finally understood why there is a large number of Singaporeans choosing to marry Vietnamese ladies.. Read between the lines!
Went to our pre-booked Madam Cuc Hotel and was happy to be informed that the price we paid for also includes breakfast and even DINNER! What an additional bonus to our limited and slashed budget. No prizes if you can guess who is happiest to receive this news.
Ben Thanh market, an enormous market that sells local foodstuffs and clothes, was nearby and we decided to head there for the first attraction in Vietnam. Shop after shop of Polo Rauph Lauren, Adidas, Levis etc at just USD5 even before bargaining. I guess we need not question the authenticity of these goods.
In Saigon, it is never about crossing the path when the coast is clear. One basically walk onto the road right where the traffic is and allow the motorbikes or cars to give way to you, instead of waiting for the non-existent traffic lights. As dangerous as it may sound, the local drivers are actually skilful enough and accidents are a rare sight. Picture-carrot cake Tried fried carrot cake at a roadside stall and it was so much tastier than Singapore's! The carrot cake is crispy and was of an excellent combination with the egg. However, there was a major drawback as it was really oily and unhealthy.
Crossing the road in Vietnam
Without a specific aim and location in mind, we basically roamed and explored the streets, walking into shopping centres upon sight. A thunderstorm soon followed and it became one of our worst nightmares. Due to the poor drainage system within the city, the flooded rainwater rose to nearly the height of our knees! Combo-ed with the busiest ever traffic we've ever seen in our lives, crossing the roads in Saigon became a tall order.
Raining in HCMC!
It was a long walk in the rain back to the hotel. While having our FREE dinner, we mingled with 2 outgoing Germans, who were intending to stay at Vietnam for another 3 weeks. Our chat ranged from their travel histories to their education system since one of them was a teacher back home.
Day 6 - Ho Chi Minh City
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