Eventually, Vietnam captures everyone’s travel imagination in one way or another. Numerous
occupations and the recent North/South conflict have turned this beautiful country upsidedown,
yet it has not dampened the Vietnamese spirit! Only 15 years after the fall of the South
and with the end of the Soviet Union, Vietnam opened its doors to West. Followed by the lifting
of the U.S. trade embargo in 1994 this country has changed dramatically. Still politically
communist, capitalism has been fully embraced by most. It is in Ho Chi Minh City (renamed from
Saigon almost immediately after the fall of the South) that we see this rush to make money. At
6am the roads are grid-locked with bicycles and mopeds and everyone seems to be moving at
breakneck speed towards another day.
Cruises to Vietnam are extremely popular and normally operate between Hong Kong and
Singapore or Bangkok. They usually include several Vietnam ports, such as Haiphong (for
Hanoi), Danang/Chan May (for Hue) and of course, Saigon.
Saigon isn’t located right on the sea, but is connected to it by a busy river. Depending on the
size of the ship you select will also determine how close you dock to the city. Small ships get you
very close to the action, just minutes away. Be on deck for the several hours sailing up the river
to Saigon. Some ships offer shuttle services to get you into town, or you can take a ‘local’ taxi,
but first make sure it has four wheels and brakes, and air-conditioning translates into winding
down your window.
I suggest you select an itinerary that includes two days here, so you can explore the frenzied
Saigon markets, where you can buy everything from knock-off designer goods, hand-crafted
lacquerware, clothing (including the beautiful Ao Dai), and discover the aromas of hundreds of
spices. There are enchanting pagodas and temples, culinary delights and many reminders of the
Vietnam War. Two days allow you to venture outside of town and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, giving
your a fascinating insight into Vietnamese ingenuity, or head south to the must-see Mekong
Delta, where an entirely different life on the water takes place, that of rice, coffee and fish.
Roger’s Quick Tips
Best Months: December-April
Don’t Miss: Mekong Delta. Drinks/dinner at Chill
Tour or Not: Some touring, some independent sightseeing
Sightseeing: Reunification Palace, Cu Chi Tunnels
Language: Vietnamese
Shopping: Diamond Plaza (high end), Ben Thanh Market
Cash or Card: Credit Card, USD or Aussie cash
By Roger Condon, cruise sales manager, Discover
