What a busy night that had been and that was reflected in my waking up at 11.30am. There was nothing for it but Shower and late breakfast. The hotel, Saigon Boutique Hotel is nestled off a main road and 8 weeks ago was a quiet little place, cheap and clean. It was still cheap, but just those few weeks had seen the whole area come to life as the holiday season kicked in. I was here for two nights so I best get the next stage of my trip planned.
The first shock was that flights had trebled in cost as it was bussier and the busses no longer run to Bangkok, according to the agent at the travel shop. She (Han) was incredibly helpful, even finding a cheaper flight but with an 8hr stop over in Da Nang. So Thai Airways it was, a direct flight for US$327.00. Leaving on the 21st. I paid with a chunk of money from Lillys sale. I’d need another night in the hotel. Next I booked a hotel for 3 nights in Bangkok and organised a hire bike. All done on my phone, over a coffee with cheese and ham croissant. I then found a cash exchange to convert my millions of dong into Thai Baht. I had to guess how much to hold back for the next few days. The cash exchange looked like a jewellery shop and was surrounded by back packers all discussing the best exchange rate. It seems this is the best place in town with regard to rates and fees. Lucky find on my part.
The next thing to know is that my Sketchers have worn out, in fairness weeks ago. Several times, in Vietnam, I lost footing because the sole is so worn flat it aquaplanes on water. I was getting more and more concerned that my footwear was the most likely thing to cause me serious injury. The hunt was on. Saigon Centre is a big shopping centre just opposite the market, both were searched but nothing fitted the textile walking boot I was after. Next an outdoor adventure shop. They had one pair of military boots in my size. I then checked on the location of any Decathlon stores, well, what do you know, there’s one just the other side of the river. TAXI!
Look at all those boots, trainers and shoes. Not one pair in my size. On asking, I was told they only stock up to size 45 in every range, I’m a 46. I tried but, no. TAXI!
That evening, I was off to walking street, which also has loads of traffic that blocks the flow and kind of ruins the walking element.
The Station Bar had been my regular haunt and nothing changed that. Live music every night and great food.
Vietnam and Cambodia had delivered everything I had wanted. Now I was a bit apprehensive about Thailand, what if its not as good?
On the morning of the 21st at 6am I stood at the end of the road where my hotel had been and booked a ‘Grab’ taxi. My bags loaded in the boot and it was fairwell, again, Vietnam.
Earth, Wind and Tyres 