Early start today to head to the Cu Chi tunnels. It was another interesting bus ride out of Saigon (the locals still call Ho Chi Minh City this). Even on a weekend the city is bustling. Once out of the city centre underground power was replaced with overhead as we transitioned to less dense towns and finally villages with crops and produce. I’m still in awe at the state of the power supply which still seems to work as required. 

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a tunnel system built between villages to evade and trap the enemy. There is a labyrinth of over 200km. While not intended for permanent habitation, they could hold around 3000 people at a time, when necessary. We went through a shortish tunnel (~20m) and that was more than enough for me! Tunnel width was approximately the same width as me and much lower than my 1.64m height. It was an interesting experience. 

We were shown the various traps that were installed in the ground as well as the camouflaged ventilation system – often utilising drilled holes in rocks or termite mounds. 

It’s amazing to see how much the jungle has grown back since the end of fighting and the decimation of the land. 

We bussed back to the city and had lunch at a well known Pho kitchen. I got to sample this time as there was a vegetarian option. Then it was on to a street kitchen to sample French baguettes with a pork filling. Bob and I declined this one but had a big plain baguette instead 🙂 .

We were given the afternoon to amuse ourselves so the 4 of us decided to walk to the War Museum after a recommendation from Nicki. A very confronting insight into war atrocities that have occurred. 

We walked in the humidity back to the hotel and came across a huge crowd cheering and waving at the stars from the Gumball 3000 rally (I didn’t know what it was – had to google it). 

We spent some time cooling off in the pool when we arrived back at the hotel. Really refreshing in the humidity. 

Tonight Sandra and Glenn have headed out on a street food tour for dinner while Bob and I headed to the rooftop bar and had nibbles and wine for dinner while watching the sights of the city. It’s been good to have a few hours downtime in a very hectic schedule.  

We then hit the pavement again for a night explore. There is a Walking Street near the hotel which has no traffic for 24 hours from this evening. So good when traversing footpaths often involves vespers sharing as well! It was a sensory overload. So many people.  So many sounds. So many lights. A two day flower festival. A display of Ferraris. And more. There is nothing remotely like this in Australia. 

We’ve had a full day and will sleep well tonight. I will update on Sandra and Glenn’s night experience tomorrow from the Mekong River cruise.