In April I visited Vietnam for the first time.

I absolutely loved it. The trip simply was not long enough. A few days in each of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

The flight was with China Airlines - Auckland, Brisbane, Taipei. Saigon. The transits were not bad. Not rushed which helps.

I activated my Airolo eSIM (https://www.airalo.com/ - use referral code: SIMON1954) before departure and it automatically started on arrival in Vietnam.

At the airport I wondered where everyone disappeared to. Then I found hundreds of people queued up for immigration. This explained everything!

A very slow immigration process but it only took a minute to get through passport control once i got there.

It was quick to locate the ride-share location. Grab is super-easy. Link your payment card to it before you need to use it.

Traffic is manic and mayhem with a definite rhythm to it. It was a 45 minute trip from the airport to accommodation. Full traffic immersion!! I have no idea how there aren’t accidents. The best approach to cope is to not watch what your driver is doing.

People are friendly and helpful despite not really understanding English

I was in Vietnam for the 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon. The Day of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification.

There’s a tangible sense of pride here.

Places visited in Ho Chi Minh City

Landmark 81 - https://landmark-vn.com/

Landmark 81 is interesting. From level 79-81 you have panoramic views of HCM City. They have a VR jump game and greenscreen photos to capture your visit. The outside deck walk is cool.

King Koi Coffee - 118 Đường số 7, Bình Trị Đông B, Bình Tân, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Bahn Mi for breakfast is excellent - 40,000VND = NZD2.60

Koi Cafe - Latte. Choice of Arabica or Robusto beans. 75,000VND = NZD4.87

Ben Thanh Market D1 - Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Sense Market - 04 Phạm Ngũ Lão, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Saigon’s Notre Dame Cathedral - 01 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
Saigon Post Office - 02 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
Nguyen Book Street - Nguyễn Văn Bình, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Saigon Opera House - 07 Công trường Lam Sơn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 710212, Vietnam

Tan Dinh Church (Pink Church)- 289 Hai Bà Trưng, Phường 8, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam
St Francis Xavier Church - 25 Đ. Học Lạc, Phường 14, Quận 5, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Secret Weapon Bunker - 70 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Phường 5, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

This was cool. History in the street. Tells the story of the preparation for taking the Palace. Cool that you can lift the tiles and see the stash.

War Remnants Museum 40000VND - Phường 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam

Entry fee 40,000VND - and it’s confronting. I found it really interesting seeing this history from a victors perspective. The US doesn’t look good at all.

Cu Chi Tunnels/Mekong Delta day trip

Places visited in Hanoi

French Quarter

The Note Cafe - 64 P. Lương Văn Can, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Beer Street nightlife - 38 P. Tạ Hiện, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Tranquil Books & Coffee - 5 P. Nguyễn Quang Bích, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Tranquil Cafe - on a side street, down an alley. Instant vibe. Live pianist. Books to read. Tables with power to encourage work and study. Delicious artisan coffee. It’s good!