Crossing the Crazy Streets of Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

So after the half-day Cu Chi Tunnel tour, we found ourselves back in Ho Chi Minh City. It was already two in the afternoon, but we haven't eaten our lunch. We were so hungry, that it didn't matter where we eat, we just wanted food!! The first place we saw was the Nguyen Café, and we were just happy to see a place to eat. When we checked their menu, we were glad that they offer rice meals. But no, the waiter said that they only offer those during lunch time, and it's already past lunch time. Huhuhu. So we ended up just ordering shakes and cakes. While we were chilling and resting at the café, we noticed that most of the other people were looking at us. Why? Do we look funny? I guess they are just curious as we truly look like tourists, with our cameras hanging at our necks, and carrying bags of souvenirs. What's more odd I think for them, is because we're Asians, and most of the tourists they see are Caucasians from Europe. 

Strawberry and Chocolate Milk Shake

So after we felt rested, we decided to go on with our Ho Chi Minh City tour. Like I planned, we decided to just tour the city ourselves. What more could you asked for, that's  Ho Chi Minh City tour for free. First place that we passed through is the War Remnants Museum. We opt not to go inside, since we were not really interested in war relics. Besides, we already went to Cu Chi Tunnel, which we expect has the same thing as this museum. Then next destination is their Reunification Palace. It didn't really look the palace that I expected, but just looks like an office. It’s like their Malacanang or the White House where their president resides.

While walking, we saw KFC at one of their department stores. At last, we can eat a full meal!!! While eating, we noticed that people are staring at us again. What? Is there something wrong on how we eat the chicken wings ?? Or because we just look like Patay Gutom?? We then saw some animal displays made of paper. They were so cute, so we brought some for souvenirs for ourselves. After which, we headed on to the park. While walking, I made a funny observation,  " Gusto ko yung smile nila, you can feel the sincerity" * I like their smile, you can feel the sincerity* Lol. Talk about trying hard to be deep. It's like clichés like' Do you realize how small you are on this amazing world?'  or  'If only the trees could talk, they will tell you different stories.' Hahaha.

It was relaxing to wander in their streets. They were invaded by French, so their streets and establishments are French inspired. Trees, colorful flowers and lamps line their streets. There were  also posh mini cafes and restaurants all around, with tables and huge umbrellas on the street. 

French Inspired Street in Ho Chi Minh

 Then saw the Notre Dame Cathedral and their Post office. I distinctly remember the Notre Dame Cathedral because in front of it is a roundabout where swarming motorcycles circle nonstop. I already expected the swarming motorcycles on their streets, but it's really something one can't get used to. It's like I skip a heartbeat every time I cross their street, and feel I'm  gonna die if one of those motorcycles hit me. Hahaha. 

Notre Dame Cathedral

Ho Chi Minh Post Office

Swarming Motor Cycles in Ho Chi Minh

We decided to hit off the Ben Thanh Market to buy souvenirs. It's like already 5 or 6 in the afternoon, and it's almost closing time. The Ben Thanh Market offers a wide variety of products, from fresh food, peanuts, local products to home displays, clothes and accessories, and of course souvenirs. We bought the mini Vietnamese doll magnets, and some chopsticks for ourselves.   

Ben Thanh Market

Different Home Displays

Vietnamese Dolls

We asked the seller if she knows where we can find Athletic stores outlets, such as Nike and Adidas. She suggested we checked their Trading shops, so we asked for directions and headed straight there. While walking to the Trading Shops, I think we saw their City Hall. I'm not really sure but the building is beautiful and very European so we stopped and took some photos.

French Inspired City Hall

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

When we checked out the prices in the trading stores, it was disappointing as most of it are just the same price as in Manila, while some are even more expensive.  So it's already dinner time, and our stomachs are grumbling again. We decided to eat at Pho 24, their famous Vietnamese fast food chain.  JE tried asking for directions from one of the cops on the streets, trying hard to imitate their accent " Pho Twentyfo" But his attempt was futile, and the cop just answered "No". So we just continued wandering the streets, with curious stares from people directed at us again. I feel like a celebrity. Hahaha. I wanted to dance randomly in the middle of the street, and I bet that would chaos, as even those riding their motorcycles and vehicles were all staring at us. 

Pho Noodles in Pho 24

At last, we finally found Pho 24, and we ordered food immediately. I ordered some Pho noodles and my favorite fried Vietnamese spring rolls. I was not really a fan of Vietnamese cuisine when I first got here, except for their spring rolls which I immediately fell in love with. I don't know if I was just really really hungry, but the food tasted awesome.

As we all felt so tired, we decided not to drink but just chill in their local cafes. We saw Bitter Sweet Coffee, which looks posh and cute, so we decided to check it out. Their coffee is really really good, strong but really sweet, just the way I like my coffee. 

Bitter Sweet Coffee House

Bitter Sweet Iced Coffee

At around 11, we decided to head back to our hotel. We took a cab since it's quite far, and we were dead tired from all the walking we did throughout the day.It was fun revisiting Ho Chi Minh City. I can see that they have already progressed and recovered quickly from the war. More establishments and high-end malls are now available. But there are some things that didn't change, like their crazy streets teeming with motorcycles, and the street vendors lining the streets.  A very tiring, but eventful and enjoyable day it has been indeed.