Falling for Saigon

This is the statue of Ho Chi Minh

My unforgettable bus ride

The 6 hours bus ride from Phnom Penh was the most exciting experience I have done so far in my entire life. Why? Well, excluding the hurting butt and aching back, the excitement and greatness I felt when I was crossing two countries by land was indescribable. Stepping my other foot in the border of Cambodia and the other one in the border of Vietnam was something I will always look back to and will definitely tell my future kids about.. 

Route: Ho Chi Minh City

Honestly, it was hard to leave Cambodia knowing that in that trip, a lot of thoughts have been made. A lot of lessons have been learned. As they say, all good things have to end... And this is how it went with mine.

From my hostel in Phnom Penh, Hostel 56, I walked a long way going to the bus terminal of Soraya for my journey going to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. There are only few buses that travels everyday from Phnom Penh to Saigon so one should definitely know the time schedule. The bus 49, which cost US$8  was my medium to Saigon and I was already been warned that it is a long trip and that I have to have some food and water with me. Before the ultimate memorable bus trip, I drop by the Central Market to have a heavy breakfast. The market reminds me so much of the market back home, Agdao public market where my friends and I love to eat the local dish 'Balbacua" after our night shift duty. I left Cambodia around 830 in the morning. 

The bus was empty when I entered and I was happy thinking that I can occupy two seats to sleep. Minutes later, I was just surprised to find myself inside a crowded bus. Couples, back packers, locals, group of tourist - name it and they were all with me inside bus 49. Too bad I couldn't sleep - I murmured. One of the most fun thing taking the bus was the chance of meeting new faces and making new friends. In front of me were two English guys from London travelling together, one is a Doctor and the other one is a Teacher. There was this old man sitting next to me, he is a retiree teacher from US and wanted to tour places in Asia. He was , I have to say one of the character in my trip that inspired me. His stories and knowledge were just something that impressed me. 

 zzzzzhhhhhhhhhh... Yes, despite the not-so-comfortable-seat, I managed to have a nice sleep on my way to the border. By 1:00 pm, the driver informed us to ready our passport cause we are almost near the immigration department. One by one we step out from the bus and lined up for our departure stamp from Cambodian Immigration. Minutes later, I was enjoying the feeling of being in two places at the same time.... 

Isn't  it great to be in two places at the same time?!?!?!?

Getting my Vietnam stamp was so fast, something I was so surprise with. Less than 30 minutes we were all inside the bus, continuing our journey to the center of Saigon. Upon arrival in Saigon, I immediately settled my things in the hostel, which was walking distance away from the bus stop. Again, I got my reservation through www.hostelworld.com and again, I was impressed of the hostel. For HK$54 9around US$12) a night, I have a clean double sized bed and a shared toilet inside the room. I was with 3 other girls, one was from UK, the other was a German and the other one became unknown to me, since I haven't met her during her quick stay. 

Quickly, I sent my Mother a message, informing her not to worry. I arrived Saigon with complete body parts, only with bigger heart and brain from the experiences and lessons I had gained in Cambodia. Then, it was time to work those feet again. I started walking in the city of Saigon. One good thing in Saigon is the fact that most, if not all, tourist areas are just walking distance from each other. I got a good map from the hostel lobby and that's it, my restless feet started their journey! Here are some of the photos through my lens.

Inside the tiger prison

Saigon's Independence Building

My day in Saigon started in the War Museum. Honestly, one reason for coming to Cambodia and Vietnam was my interest in Asian history. I remembered my 'love' of reading Asian history text books back in my high school days. Someone told me that the only way to know history is to see it yourself, so here I am! It touched my heart to see some photographs and literature of the Vietnam war, which were posted around the Museum. On that day, I have concluded that if there is one nation in Asia which is so rich in preserved history, it is definitely Vietnam. 

My day didn't end with seeing the history. I decided to walk around the City, click my shutter and taste the local food of Vietnam. And as I remembered, it was a tiring yet a fun and memorable walk I did. As they say, you will only know one place if you have sit down in the local street, eat like the locals and chat with them. Here are some of my afternoon-night photos.

Let's talk about local Vietnamese food

Mother knows best

Second day was about the continuation journey of my restless feet. Right there and then, I knew I was falling in love with Saigon. Here are some reason's why my heart melts for Saigon.

Saigon Streets are full of stories to tell

New People's building

It's hot yet it was fun

The French inspired Post Office

The beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon

The lights of Saigon

And my favorite spot in whole Saigon?!??!?!!? This.....

My heart just melts ... I can't thank God enough for bringing me here.

I left Saigon promising myself that I will come back again to do the so called "The great Ocean travel". Absolutely there is no other place in Asia as charming as Vietnam...