We got in late on Tuesday night. Hubby e-mailed and called corporate hotels on their list prior to leaving, all fully booked accordingly. We thought, we'd just try our luck. Got a cab, and she took us to a hotel, at US$40 (B$56) a night. We weren't fussy, just wanted somewhere to sleep for the night. Plus, the cabbie was out to cheat us, so we better just okayed the hotel rather than being driven around town looking for the perfect room. We didn't exactly know where we were, but it was near the central market (Ben Tanh). The hotel was livable, but we felt it was still a rip off. So, we browse around the market for hotels the next day, and found a better one at US$2 cheaper. Most of the corporate hotels are by Saigon River, and if you're looking for something posh, they'd be good for you. I think hubby got a surprise; he always took me to luxury hotels, and never thought that I'm okay with 2 stars ones. 
He doesn't really know me yet. We've only been married for 4 years, and I don't blame him. He didn't know I've stayed in US$10 rooms while in Chonju, Korea once. But I must say, the earlier hotel got better breakfast buffet. I don't take heavy breakfast, so it didn't really matter. But hubby loves bubur with talur masin, and I had to stop him after eating so much of the salted eggs. Cholestrol, I reminded him. Anyway, we were told that we'd be charged 10% tax on top of the rate. When we checked out, they didn't include it. We kept quiet. How unethical can we be, but would you tell them if you were us?
We started the next day going to Ben Tanh Market (see left picture). Got some good deals. All because we were the first customers. They are pretty superstitious. Tip: Go very early in the morning, and bargain like hell. If you're the first they can't let you go without a purchase. Bad luck. Don't worry, you will never go broke. Well, hubby and I didn't really go bonkers at the market, it's nothing compared to Chatuchak (Bangkok). 
Just got things for the house at really low low low prices. We had a taste of the Department Store in the afternoon (Diamond Plaza), and tried a few local cuisine. Nice. If you like vegetarian and seafood (picture on right). Didn't buy anything at the Plaza, except our kids clothes which were as cheap as in Singapore. Sports attires in Saigon is quite dear, dearer than in Brunei. That's not something you'd like to bring home.
The good thing in Saigon, everywhere is close by. All walking distance. Saves you on transportation. But even if you were to take a cab, it'll cost you the most US$2 to get around. But we didn't bother. It's more interesting to walk around. Of course, its polluted, but at least you are not the one who contributes to that. Went sightseeing after the shopping. Well, we didn't really shop, so our backpacks weren't totally filled up, making it easier to go around. First stop the Presidential Palace, a few hundred metres from the Plaza. Then a few blocks away to the left of the palace was the War Remnant Museum. The Palace didn't look much from the outside, but exploring it inside is worthwhile. Go underground, there are bunkers used during the war as operating rooms. I got goosebumps seeing photos of the war. Nice view of central Saigon from second floor of Presidential Palace (see left picture)
The Presidential Palace - worth an exploration, especially its underground. Pictures gave me goosebumps.
We got 30 minutes left before it closes when we arrived at the War Remnant Museum. Showcasing not just arm artilleries left by the Americans, but the SCARS from the war. Also, hundreds of photos of and from the War and its remnants. My heart sank further and further, and we went speechless as we view more and more pictures. Can't totally describe the emotion we felt. Sad, disheartened, fear, sorrow, wretched, dismayed, anger... all not good. When we finished, we sat down by the entrance stairs to console our feelings. We didn't understand why a lot of people sat down quietly when we first got there. Then we knew. It was too much to absorb. Overwhelming.
Next day, we went for a half day trip to Cu Chi Tunnel. A site you should never miss, if in Saigon they say.
Tunnels of the Vietcongs, sprawling for hundreds of metres underground. Amazing structures, and I admire their war skills andstrategies. You wonder less how they won the war, observing their technology , intelligence, and spirit. (Right picture: various booby traps). I was amazed. Somewhat, the experience made you more patriotic.
One entrance to tunnel. So tiny, I didn't attempt to go down. I know I'd get stuck.Highlights of the trip for us: trying the AK47 (see picture), and the finale - going underground. You have to try the tunnel. The one opened to tourists. It's wider than the other tunnels. If you can't cope with it, there are exists at every 30m. 
Hubby and I made it till the end. But it was one of the scariest experience of my life. I have tried a few extreme sports, and contemplated caving (spelunking) once upon a time. But considering I am claustrophobic, I ditched the idea (as it may involved crawling and squeezing in tight tunnels). But being in Cu Chi Tunnel, we didn't want to loose the opportunity. At it's entrance, I was a bit daunted. The smell of musty clay, darkness ahead, and thoughts of suffocation, I was tempted to forgo it. But there were plenty of people behind us, it would have been embarrassing to back out. I made sure we were among the first, I didn't want to get stuck behind a lot of people. Too afraid that I wouldn't be able to breath underground. We were behind 8 people, and infront of over 30 people. As we enter, tunnel was wide enough for us to walk. 
Nope, we ran it - of course bending slightly (see picture on the right hs). I ran not trying to show off but it was SCARY. I didn't want to be left behind, it was TOO DARK. I couldn't see infront. I thought I lost people in front of me, and kept yelling to them of where to go. There were smaller tunnels on the sides, I didn't want to get lost. NO WAY. I heard shouts from the front telling where to go, but weren't sure where they were coming from. Especially when there were tunnels on the side, they seem to come from the smaller tunnels. "Straight.. straight.." I heard them, and I followed on. At some points, I wondered why the guys in front of me kept changing. Their faces were different. I didn't bother. I just wanted to move on and get out of the place. There were exits, but I didn't want to give up yet. But as we went further, the tunnel gets smaller. After certain points, you either have to climb up, or go further down. We started from running (bended) to squatting to finally crawling. When we got out, hubby was far behind, there were two tourists in front of me with the guide. That came as a surprise. I asked them, "where are we?" They said, "I think we made it all the way." We smiled. And felt a lot of relieve. Then I heard, "B, where are you? where are you?" In my fear, I left my husband way behind. So much for the "we're in this together" bit. I shouted into the tunnel, "just go straight.. straight...". "Where, where?" I can hear fear in his voice (and perhaps, sadness, that his wife left him). "Straight, straight." I was a little worried, cause there was a smaller tunnel not far off, but was relieved to see his head bopping out of the tunnel. Few minutes later, there were a few other people. Then it stopped. Outside there were others walking towards us. Those who had given up. In fact out of almost 40 of us, only less than 10 of us made it to the end. It was definitely a scary experience: not knowing where you are going, in the darkness, sometimes alone. I salute the Vietcongs for their bravery. I will never forget Cu Chi Tunnel. Not only it left me admiring the Vietcongs, but got me reflecting and soul-searching. I won't leave my husband again even if I am that afraid.
Hubby and I made it till the end. But it was one of the scariest experience of my life. I have tried a few extreme sports, and contemplated caving (spelunking) once upon a time. But considering I am claustrophobic, I ditched the idea (as it may involved crawling and squeezing in tight tunnels). But being in Cu Chi Tunnel, we didn't want to loose the opportunity. At it's entrance, I was a bit daunted. The smell of musty clay, darkness ahead, and thoughts of suffocation, I was tempted to forgo it. But there were plenty of people behind us, it would have been embarrassing to back out. I made sure we were among the first, I didn't want to get stuck behind a lot of people. Too afraid that I wouldn't be able to breath underground. We were behind 8 people, and infront of over 30 people. As we enter, tunnel was wide enough for us to walk. 
Nope, we ran it - of course bending slightly (see picture on the right hs). I ran not trying to show off but it was SCARY. I didn't want to be left behind, it was TOO DARK. I couldn't see infront. I thought I lost people in front of me, and kept yelling to them of where to go. There were smaller tunnels on the sides, I didn't want to get lost. NO WAY. I heard shouts from the front telling where to go, but weren't sure where they were coming from. Especially when there were tunnels on the side, they seem to come from the smaller tunnels. "Straight.. straight.." I heard them, and I followed on. At some points, I wondered why the guys in front of me kept changing. Their faces were different. I didn't bother. I just wanted to move on and get out of the place. There were exits, but I didn't want to give up yet. But as we went further, the tunnel gets smaller. After certain points, you either have to climb up, or go further down. We started from running (bended) to squatting to finally crawling. When we got out, hubby was far behind, there were two tourists in front of me with the guide. That came as a surprise. I asked them, "where are we?" They said, "I think we made it all the way." We smiled. And felt a lot of relieve. Then I heard, "B, where are you? where are you?" In my fear, I left my husband way behind. So much for the "we're in this together" bit. I shouted into the tunnel, "just go straight.. straight...". "Where, where?" I can hear fear in his voice (and perhaps, sadness, that his wife left him). "Straight, straight." I was a little worried, cause there was a smaller tunnel not far off, but was relieved to see his head bopping out of the tunnel. Few minutes later, there were a few other people. Then it stopped. Outside there were others walking towards us. Those who had given up. In fact out of almost 40 of us, only less than 10 of us made it to the end. It was definitely a scary experience: not knowing where you are going, in the darkness, sometimes alone. I salute the Vietcongs for their bravery. I will never forget Cu Chi Tunnel. Not only it left me admiring the Vietcongs, but got me reflecting and soul-searching. I won't leave my husband again even if I am that afraid.
Squatting point. Light in front indicating an exit point. If you can't take it, go out now.
.... (more later)...
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