Reflections

This tour was a lot of fun, in fact it was fantastic.  It was great to have the other Aussies along, especially the ones I knew already.   

This was my first fully organised and supported tour.  Would I do another fully supported and organised tour?  Probably not at this stage as I feel there is too much wasted time sitting around waiting for other people.  Also I am not the type of person who likes to be locked into someone else’s schedule.  Having done so many independent tours I like my freedom.  

Some places needed more time, others less.  That said parts of Asia would be difficult to do unsupported without having done this tour as a recon.  One thing that was a bit disappointing, we changed guides and drivers at each of the border crossings (except for Bien who was with us all the way) which was a bit of a pain getting used to new people all the time.  You were also obliged to tip each one as they came and went briefly.  The money was not an issue as a reasonable tip was normally US$1.  The guide in Vietnam, Sogern, was more of a navigator than a guide as he wouldn’t point out interesting places or explain anything unless prompted to do so.  Bien was a very nice bloke, always helpful and informative.

I would have preferred to pay the single room supplement (only $300) and get a room to myself.  However, Kev (also my room-mate on the Victorian Tour and Eastern Euro 2011 tour) had asked me so I couldn’t really refuse.  He is a good room-mate though, makes absolutely no noise at all during the night, is very considerate and I do enjoy the company.    

Costs: 

Airfares: $1,300 (Qantas – code-share with Vietnam Airlines)
Bike tour: $2,200 (including a mountain bike, all meals, accommodation, transfers, entrance fees).
Spending Money: $361 (including drinks, snacks, tips and purchase of souvenirs).

Total cost: $3,861. 

Day 25: Sun 2 Dec - Saigon - last day

Slept fairly well, up early and after my exercise routine went to breaky.  

Met some of the group at the foyer about 8:30am and wandered towards the War Museum with them.   I'd seen the museum before so I continued on to try and find a so called bicycle shop street but couldn’t find anything.  Ended up walking past the New Epoch Hotel where I stayed last time I was in Saigon.  It was good to re-visit this place from the past.

Continued back to the markets and bought some drink coasters.  

Back to the room where I sorted and packed my bag, then showered and changed for the flight home.  I had about five hours till I needed to be at the airport so went to an Italian Restaurant for a Caesar salad and fresh coconut drink lunch.  The fresh coconut was just divine, nothing added, just cut a hole in the top of a coconut and put a straw in.  

Then went wandering around the city centre, Opera House and onto the banks of the Mekong River.   They don’t seem to have made the best of the waterfront here as it could be a huge drawcard for tourists.

Back to motel where I chatted to the group who were coming and going.  Most had additional days in Saigon before they were flying home.  As I had had my fill of Saigon I decided that I might as well wait at the airport.   So I decided to catch a cab about 4pm and was at the airport by 4:30pm.  Cab cost $5 + $5 tip.   Tried to check in but the flight didn’t open till 6pm so had to wait till then.  It looked like the airport has been upgraded since 2010 as it seemed much cleaner and nicer.  I can't even remember the flight home in 2010, must have been so tired.   Eventually checked in and went in search of the Qantas Club Lounge but as there were no signs anywhere I couldn't find it.  So just went into the public area and had something to eat and drink.  When I was wandering towards the gate early I found the Vietnam Airlines/Qantas code share Club where I waited for the flight call.   

Boarded the Vietnam Airlines code share flight on time and took off with little fuss.   Was served a nice dinner of meat and veggies.  Took an analgesic/relaxant and went to sleep.  Slept on and off till breaky, 7am Sydney time.  

All round a great flight, the woman next to me didn't speak English so an excuse not to talk.   

Arrived in Sydney to grey skies and drizzle a half an hour early at 9am, but then had to wait 15 minutes for a gate.   Finally off the plane, cleared customs in 5 minutes (using the self-serve facility) and outside by about 10am.   Wendy came to the pick-up area and collected me.  It is always nice to be home again. 

The Peoples’ Congress building in Saigon

Day 24: Sat 1 Dec - Saigon

A good nights sleep but still woke very early.  

Breaky was good with both Asian and European dishes.  The coffee, as usual, was not quite drinkable.  Don't know how they could get it so wrong it is not rocket science.  Most of the group were visiting the famous Cu Chi Tunnels this day but I had seen them during my last trip to Vietnam.  

Met up with Kerry and Bob, who had also seen the tunnels before, for coffee near the stunning French built Central Post Office and Cathedral.  Coffee was very drinkable this time.  Kerry and Bob had to clean their bikes (brought their own bikes on the tour) so I went off wandering and to shop.   Ended up at the Ben Thanh Markets near the motel.  Got some table runners and bamboo placemats for Wendy and Tinkie.  Also a couple of sports singlets for Wendy and me.   I dislike souvenir shopping very much and very often don’t bother.   

Met Bob & Kerry again about 3pm and went shopping again, this time to Saigon Square.   

Met the group for dinner, but different people wanted different meals so we split into three groups.  I went with the Pho (Vietnamese broth soup pronounced fur) in a local shop near the markets. Bill Clinton had a meal there in 2000 (photo in shop) so it must be good. And it was great.  

Called at the ice cream place and had single scoop of yoghurt on the way home.  Kev, the ice-cream kid from wayback, had three huge scoops of ice-cream on a plate made of sweet cone.   He certainly loves his ice-cream.   In bed about 9:45pm.