Day 1 in Pho Land

Was missing and here once again. I am getting better at this disappearance act. 

My first view of the city before touchdown 

First day in Ho Chi Minh city. Thanks to the first trip to Phnom Penh in May, I had prepared myself for the traffic culture in Vietnam. One thing for sure, the people here are really good in maneuvering their vehicles under such congested conditions. Hats off to them! 

Amazed to see the Grab Bikes

Checked in to our humble abode for the next three nights. 

Miniature figurines wearing ao dais at the reception of the hotel. 

The most wonderful thing about the room?

It's not this but...

This!

Can you see how many channels were available on TV? Not that I enjoy staying in the room watching TV all day but the variety of channels just blew my mind.

First stop: Ben Thanh Market

It was drizzling slightly so umbrella came to the rescue. Sadly, I lost the heroic umbrella later in the evening due to my clumsiness. :(

Bought something for someone's special day at the market. I stopped myself from looking at more goods as there would be more opportunities to get better bargains at the night market nearby, maybe tomorrow or the day after. 
 

Colourful sticky rice spotted outside the market. Cheerful colours. 
 

Yet to get a taste of pho yet but my tastebuds were pampered with other wonderful dishes native to Vietnam at the start of my first evening here. 

Dining on this fish-shaped ship. Never did I know it would also swim away halfway through our dinner. 

A couple of highlights from the chow time. 

The first dish was so good that my camera did not have the opportunity to feast on it. I was famished, probably. 

Some chicken and coconut cakes with fried rice wrapped in egg

This bowl of bitter gourd soup and noodles reminded me of the koay teow soup from Cambodia. I added lime to bring back the familiar taste. So appetising. 

A performance that keeps me holding my breath, fearing a single breath would jeopardise her balancing of glasses on the sword. 

Just enjoy looking at the lights

Another floating restaurant on a ship called Tau Sai Gon. Wish I could be there too. 

A while later, we took a stroll at Walking Street. I was a bit tired so there were not many photos taken. 

The City Hall

Mr. Ho Chi Minh

Tried to take a selfie with him but I looked invisible. Bad skill, so I gave up. 

Interesting coffee shops seemingly stacked up like Jenga

There were some street performances. Even spotted Kungfu Panda in a rush. Probably he was late for his training with Master Wuguai. Hmm... 

Beautiful lights in Saigon Garden. I guess it is a popular hangout spot for young people with some modern tea places for catch up sessions among friends. Cool place. 

Brain tired to think more. Will update more when I have the willpower to do so.