Day 01 Saigon

As soon as we stepped inside the Tan Son Nhat International Airport we can almost smell the aroma of freshly made pho bo. Number one agenda for this trip is to eat as much pho as we can. And we intend to do it in the streets just like Anthony Bourdain.

But first, we have to look for a place to sleep and in the wee hours of the morning it shouldn't be a problem. As i've read from other blogs, Saigon never sleeps.

In the arrival hall, we didn't have a problem looking for a taxi the problem lies in the rate they are trying to offer us. Normal rate from airport to backpacker's area is 90,000VND  ($5) but taxi drivers are trying to con us by giving us double the rate. We ended up agreeing to 120,000 VND since its 100am in the morning and we've no energy to argue anymore.

Tip: Look for a Mai Linh or Vina Sun taxi because for one, they always flag down their metre and two they're honest.

We instructed the taxi driver to head towards Pham Ngu Lao st. specifically Beautiful Saigon hotel but unfortunately it was fully booked. We walked down Bui Vien st and chanced upon an unassuming hotel. Saigon Sports hotel had a very small reception area but the ones greeted us offered a smile that took all our wearies away.

The room they gave us was worth $ 22/rm/night with breakfast. And i can say it was truly worth it. It has a small terrace overlooking the street, ref, tv with cable and fairly sized bathroom with bathtub! But we're a little disappointed with their lack of imagination in serving our breakfast. Egg and toast and vietnamese  coffee for every single day. We couldn't care less because our favorite Bahn mi can be ordered from the street beside our hotel for 10,000VND ($0.50) apiece.

Hours after our arrival , we got readied for our Cu Chi Tunnel Tour . And while waiting for our tour guide we had a chance to take pictures of some locals.

and their streets . . . in which i know has been documented a million times before.

But it's just so amazing to witness how the vietnamese can balance their sacks of rice, groceries, big containers, and even a matress! in such a puny 2 wheeled transportation.

Ooops! Our tour guide now instructing us to follow him . I guess we have to leave for the CuChi Tunnel tour. Can't wait .

If you wanna see Cu Chi Tunnel, follow us.