Vietnam Part 2

27 Nov (Day 3) - This day was spent mostly on the coach, which isn't too bad. I had my fair bit of sleep in Vietnam, although a little too much. Hah. First destination was a 3-hr drive away from Ho Chi Minh City! We went to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a strategic fort used by the Viet Cong Guerillas during the Vietnam War. We tried getting into the tunnels ourselves and the amazing part is, the tunnels have already been expanded so tourists could fit in. Before that, they were really really tiny. It's crazy that the Viet Congs were really people with slim built, plus food was scarce during that time and they had to fight! The tunnels were a little claustrophoby though. Not for the faint hearted. You could only see the person's ass in front of you if you brought a torch along, and you have to duck walk all the time throughout.

We had lunch at this nice garden after, where there were lots of soon-to-be newly weds taking pictures. It's crazy. It's like there are so many people getting married and the garden was filled with photo-taking brides and grooms. Guess this is the only place nice for taking pictures. Hah. Looks like chinese garden really, nothing fantastic.

We proceeded on another long journey to Vung Tau after, a coastal fishing village which is really nice. At least the miserable traffic was a plus point. Hah. We were driven in trishaws and had a mini tour around the area. The guide got us to a fruit stall and we got some longans and they were fantastic. Quite a recommended place to go. I think the best part of the trip was here. Sort of reminded me a little of Kending in Taiwan. Had some seafood dinner (tiny seafood) and headed for a night market, which erm.. is not really any market. It's quite dead..

Headed to our hotel after, and it was a horrible hotel! We thought the one in the city was not too good but this was worse. Well anyway, just for one nite. At least there's cable tv. Hah.

28 Nov (Day 4) - Woke up at 530am and headed down to the beach (right across the hotel) and watched the sunrise. There were quite a bit of people at the beach and was a really peaceful morning. The only regret - in the midst of rushing down for the sunrise, I forgot to bring the camera. The air was cold and the sand was really fine. Walked into the water and I just remembered the times I had in Santa Monica, carefree and nice. Really want to go back to LA. =) *hint hint*

We had a quick breakfast and went to Jesus Monument Mountain, which is at close proximity to the hotel. This is the best part of the trip! At least I get to exercise a bit plus I get to see a really great view from the top of the mountain! (a hill actually) haha. It was really amazing! Recommended place to go. I was perspiring when I reached the top, but it was quite an achievement and I enjoyed every minute of it. Next we headed to a guanyin temple, a summer palace of the previous emperor, which surprisingly looked a little lacklustre, and a whale temple where there were carcasses of whales!!!

We check back to the hotel to collect our belongings and headed for lunch, and thereafter, towards the city. Went to a furniture shop (boring!) and then to the "Orchard Road" of Ho Chi Minh, where we saw a parliament house turned theatre, the Ho Chi Minh monument. We went to the night market as well where I supposedly tried the best spring roll in Ho Chi Minh. Had pho as well.. not bad. Lastly, headed for dinner and the funny thing was, there is this company dinner at the restaurant we were eating and the employees were singing! Including the boss! They kind of went up and sang along. Haha. Vietnamese can really sing!!! We had our share of laughter. Not too bad to end the trip.

29 Nov (Day 5) - Had breakfast and we headed to the airport. I didn't realised this when I touch down but the airport looks really clean and slate. And it's really quite nice it's architecture. So, will I go there Vietnam again? I should think not, but well.. hard to say.