Return to Ho Chi Minh - Departure from the Viking Saigon Cruise ship , Excursions and Then Farewell Dinner
We left the ship on a wet morning and have a drive of 3 hours and lunch etc before we arrive in Ho Chi Minh. A highlight is an excursion to the Tunnels and a more cdetailed expalanation of the Vietnam War ending , the collapse of the American supported South Vietnam Army following the Paris accord and the victory of the North army forces and the Viet Kong.
The Tunnels were constructed during the fight with the French for independence and also covered ground aiding inclusion of travel through Laos for the North Vietnamese army and the transfer of Russian and Chinese military supplies.
The Killing Fileds were described by Lee our Guide and tour director in a cstill raw and emotional manner. He lost family members including his father in the war with the Troops from the north. He remains emphatic that the North military replaced most of the Viet Kong in the tunnels and this paved the way for the failure of the South forces. We discussed in detail the use of Agent Orange the pesticide employed to l clear the defoliation of the vegetation.
We found this an interesting and challenging time of history and his comments as to the Paris Accord, the failure to observe by the Northern forces and the economic consequences of the reintegration of North and south to be interesting and somewhat different to the newspapers stories.
We then followed on and discussed the consequences and the massive economic realignments through 82% of all revenue from the south now being redirected through government actions to redevelop the North , hence the roads and infrastructure around Hanoi.
Interestingly, Lee remains a committed and passionate Vietnamese citizen of south Vietnam and isn’t aware of or considering the apparent Chinese infiltration of immigrants, government sponsored projects and he was quite open in acknowledging that the Chinese cannot be trusted. He used our visit to Cambodia to demonstrate and reflect upon the economic incursions. He suggests it won’t happen in modern Vietnam a nation of 100 million hardworking and passionate citizens still very much committed to commercialisation and growth despite the Communist government. He says the people are very much free traders by nature and auctions.
Following an enjoyable lunch we transfer by Bus to the Sheraton Towers and hotel in Saigon, Ho Chi Minh a superb resort. That evening we have a dinner buffet style with bugs and crabs. It is enjoyable and many of us are quite reflective of the last several days, the visits to this city , Ho Chi Minh and its bustling activity which is noticeably more active. The “Honda” motor scooters are out and about in their thousands reflecting the lack of public transport with about 2,000 public buses and an underground is being built.
Quite simply the South Vietnam city remains the engine room of the whole country both in commercial terms and in terms of all activity.
One of the larger entrances to the tunnels in South Vietnam used by the Viet Kong.
The following gallery photos reflect the various excursions and then our visit to the killing fields, the tunnels and the areas where there was violent battles including both American and Australian troops . It is apparent that we Australians have a much deeper knowledge than our American fellow travellers. The US press corps provided scant detail and information of the war efforts and many of our generation and later appear to have little details. In contrast the Australians had a much deeper knowledge and understanding.
We were also able to reflect on the terrible treatment afforded our Vietnam Veterans after the war. Ken also reflected how he missed active service through conscription after his marble in the draw didn’t come out. In many respects like winning Tattslotto.
Our holiday has shown us much as to ‘Vietnam and the wonderful friendly caring people.
Visit to Cu Chi Tunnels with entry and weapons displayed.
The visit to the Cu Chi tunnels was amazing and we felt that we were unprepared for the ingenuity, cleverness and positive approach the Vietnamese took in fighting from and hiding in these tunnels. From the “backward moccasins “ to the spiked entry points to the use of hand grenades all reflected a smart and clever approach to managing and protecting their tunnels as assets while also making the most of the geographic advantages.
This was a two hour visit that we will never forget. We also came away with a far greater awareness and understanding of ther ingenuity and drive of the Viet Kong and the Vietnamese people in general.
Performance at Ho Chi Minh Opera House - Simply spectacular!
We arrived on the afternoon and attended a performance that evening at the Opera house with a group putting on a spectacular cirque Soleil type production of dance using baskets and wooden poles to depict the life and lifestyle of the Vietnamese community.
It was wonderful in every way with brilliant athletics, stunning scenery and use of the baskets ,
Performance of WOW at Ho Chi Minh Opera house- These are the Baskets and the sticks and ropes used throughout the production
We also completed several excursions around Ho Chi Minh City.
The busy bustling city, with its millions of people (10 million population) and its “mad” traffic and thousands of Hondas (motor cycles) provides another interesting dimension of life.
Totally different to anything we have experienced.
We enjoyed our Farewell dinner at Ho A Senses wonderful Gastronomy here in the city of Ho Chi Minh a short drive from the Sheraton hotel. It was simply a wonderful evening where we sat with Nancy and Greg enjoyed superb food, excellent wine and celebrated the tour.
The following photos are from the Production of Wow at the Ho Chi Minh Opera house. It was a sold out performance and there were many tourists after ending this internationally acclaimed production. Earlier I presented the photo of the Basket and sticks used and worked with throughout. A night we will never forget.
We arrived early at 5.30pm for a 6.00pm presentation. We had pre show drinks and then were ushered to the Balcony.
We also visited the former South Vietnam government house , now a museum titled Independence Palace, and thoroughly enjoyed the historical tour.
See the several photos and definitions below.
Our last update to the return to Ho Chi Minh reflects our tour and then opportunity to purchase famed lacquer paintings and art work as well as vases and objects.
Some simply stunning art pieces.
This has been a long and challenging update. We are conscious of some duplication. However, we covered so much ground over the three days that we wanted to give all of the events a proper consideration and reflection.
Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh has been simply brilliant, and has far exceeded our expectations. A nation of 100 million citizens with the driving commercial and business Clair particularly demonstrated throughout the south.
The food has been exceptional. Viking has delivered a wonderful tour and our guide Lee has been outstanding.
Jeanette and Ken. Now move on to Penang, Langkawi, then to Kulal Lumpur, return to Bangkok for 3 days and finally overnight in beautiful Singapore before we fly home to Melbourne , Australia