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