Well I am back from ‘Nam. It was an interesting trip. Nice to be in a warm place and escape the cold of Japan and some people.
I went with one of my Aikido Senseis, a student from the high school aikido club and on of my Sensei’s friends from his home island. We were in Vietnam for 10 days. Here is a rough breakdown of where we went.
Day 1: Ho Chi Mihn
Day 2,3,4 : Phu Quoc Island
Day 4,5,6 : Can Tho
Day 6,7,8 : Tran Lin
Day 8,9,10 : Ho Chi Mihn and the surrounding area.
Day 1- 27/12/2006
After landing and waiting about 1 hour to get through customs and immigration, we met up with my Sensei’s friend and headed into the City.
The first day, more really the first night, we spent in Ho Chi Mihn City (HCMC.) We stayed in a decent hotel in Phaum Lan district. This is the main area for backpackers and budget travellers. Our hotel was $7 a person. We had a good dinner at a little restaurant, not quite traditional Vietnamese fair, but really good not the less. Saigon Red beer is really good.
Sitting in the open restaurant, we were harassed by street peddlers. Mainly selling books and sunglasses, but one in particular was selling Vietnam Zippos.. and marijuana, opium and cocaine. Interesting. Since our flight came in late and we had a 06:40 flight to Phu Quoc, we didn’t do a whole lot besides eat and walk around the area.
Day 2 - 28/12/2006
Continue reading ‘Vietnam Review (Part 1)’