The people of Vietnam make this beautiful country so special. Most of my trip I was traveling with a local guide (Vu in the south and Tango in the north - two of the best guides I have encountered globally) which makes interactions easy. But even when I was on my own communicating with no shared language the people were incredibly kind, helpful, and often smiling.
I started right off with touring in Saigon visiting the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum and Saigon Central Post Office. And in half a day I learned more about the Vietnam War (or the “American War” as it is referred to there for obvious reasons) than I have learned in my entire life to this point. The palace is like going back in time. It was the home of the president in 1975 when it was stormed by North Vietnamese who drove tanks into the glass. And everything inside looks as it did then.
The War Remnants Museum is difficult to walk through but also important. There are three floors of photographs and artifacts. Everyone inside was somber as we walked and read. Seeing the POW prison outside was so incredibly horrific and eye opening.
It was nice to have a heartwarming experience at the post office after the intense visit. Here was the sweetest old man. He spoke no English. My guide explained that he was a public writer and he has been coming to the post office for 50 years. Many people could not read or wrote and so he would listen and write their letters for them to mail. And he still shows up, just in case he is needed.
Now off on a vespa food tour! Food is just a part of the culture here as well as the vespa which are the most popular way to travel. Note: I was happy being a passenger on the back and not actually driving myself!
We had spicy noodles, banh mi, spring rolls, soup, and even frog legs.(and yes, frog legs DO taste just like chicken!) Such a fun experience and even though many tourists do this, it didn’t feel ‘touristy’ as we were eating in little restaurants with locals, who again were kind and friendly.
