Day 6 - Ho chi minh.

A day in Vietnam.

So, we had to wake up earlier today as we were due to arrive at Phu my port at about 9am.

The sun rise made it a perfect start to the day.

By the time we disembarked the ship, it was about half past 9. We had to hop onto the shuttle bus which then took us to the main road where our tour guide was waiting.

As soon as we got into the car, he asked if we had any special requests and we told him that we'd leave the sightseeing to him, but I WANT TO EAT PHO ! How can you visit Vietnam and not have pho right ?

So yes, stop number 1 was a rest stop.

Apparently there are rest areas all over Vietnam and are used by motorcyclists where they can have a quick rest as well as cool down their scooters. They are usually run by one family and they sell drinks and what not.

Next up was a ferry ride.

He did mention that we'd go back by the highway, but he wanted to let us experience the Vietnamese way on the way into Ho chi minh.

Did I mention that it took 2 hours to get into Ho chi minh from the port ? By the time we got into the city, it was lunch time.

My perfect lunch - Beef pho and fresh Vietnamese spring rolls.

We then spent the rest of the day sightseeing. He actually managed to take us to quite a number of places. And it wasn't just taking photos of these places of interest, he actually explained to us the history and the story behind these beautiful places as well.

City hall.

Ben thanh market.

Reunification building.

Notre-dame cathedral.

Post office.

Opera hall.

Knocked out the entire 2 hour drive back again. Closed my eyes and the next moment, we were back at Phu my port.

But yes, this private tour guide was the best one out of the many we've had. Not only did he manage to squeeze in all these places in that short amount of time we had, but he had a detailed description of each place as well. So we kind of got to learn a little bit of history of Vietnam as well.

So guys, if you ever visit Ho chi minh and need a private tour guide, I'll be glad to pass you his contact details.

As we arrived back early and seeing as I haven't managed to snap a full photo of the ship, I figured this was the perfect time to do so.

Unfortunately though, the ship was way too huge to fit into one frame. I tried the panorama feature on my phone and failed miserably. Oh wells.

Next up, dinner.

And here's animal of the day.

We wanted to go for a walk after dinner, but we had to camp in our room for a little bit as there was this really bad stench going around the ship. It smelt like cuttlefish but it was a hundred times worse.

When we finally departed the port, the smell disappeared as well and so, off we went for a walk.

After spending 6 days on the ship, we stumbled across a see through glass panel.

It wasn't scary in the slightest though. Afterall, what's twelve stories when you've conquered 78 floors ?

Well, 2 more sleeps and then we'll be back home. I've just about had it with the constant rocking.