Precious Memories: January 2019

12-Day Southeast Asia Cruise on Diamond Princess December 7~19, 2018

Day 11 - Phu My, Vietnam December 17, 2019 (7:00 AM~6:00 PM)

Today, we shall go from the port of Phu My to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. I have started a group on our roll-call with ten people going together on this private tour by Dung Pham Tours. Our ship ended up with a couple more vans after our group was filled. Dung Pham wanted us to go out to the port gate as soon as the ship was docked so we met up at the casino again at 7:00 to get off as a group to meet our driver.

Phu My port with the port gate at the upper left corner of this picture.

We were able to walk out to the port gate in 2016 but we were not allowed to do so on this trip.

They did provide free shuttle buses to take passengers from ship side to the port gate.

The problem was they were not starting the service until 8:00. While we were in line a few passengers got upset and argued with the people in charge and almost got in trouble. They finally let us on board the first shuttle out at 7:30.

Zooming at the port gate.

Finally inside the clean and spacious van after we waited for our guide and driver outside the port gate.

On our way to HCMC. We went through some parts of the old route...

...and then on the newly constructed highway all the way to HCMC.

Motorcycle country

As a retired teacher, I am always curious of the schools in other countries.

Independence Palace

First stop was the Independence Palace where we just took some photos outside without getting in. I have been inside this palace when we were here about 12 years ago so it was not a big lost for me.

Checking out what's all there on the outside.

Independence Palace, it used to be the Presidential Palace.

Tanks are still on display.

Many of us remember this scene on TV as the North Vietnamese tanks rammed into the palace and took over the country.

Central Post Office and Norte Dame Cathedral

Then we drove over to the Central Post Office which is one of the main tourist sights in Saigon.

Inside the post office.

Portrait of Ho Chi Minh in the center of attention.

Looking out across the post office is the Norte Dame Square.

There were students getting their graduation photos taken on the day we visited.

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

We did not get to go inside because it's under renovation.

We have asked our guide, Linh, if it was OK that we skipped the lacquer ware shop because none of us was interested in buying lacquer ware. She said it would be OK and she would take us to a shop where we can try some local coffee instead. So we set off and walked down the main street (Dong Koi) from the Cathedral. This is the most 'western-feel' part of town.

And who did we see walking toward us? What a coincident!

Continued our walk to the beautifully ornate Opera House.

Looking back about a block away the very familiar square roof top (on the right of this photo). In the last days in 1975 before the fall of Saigon where helicopters were picking up people fleeing the country. Many people thought that it was the roof top of the US Embassy but we were told that it was the office of the CIA.

Then we stopped here at the Hotel Grand for a restroom break.

Nice!

Across the street from Hotel Grand is the store named Butterfly where they sell souvenirs and COFFEE! It's a shopping stop but with no pressure to purchase. I did get a pack of peanut candies, yum!

Memorial Park is a long walkway between the City Hall and the river bank.

This huge and spacious pedestrian-friendly area provide an excellent space where it is traffic-free in this busy city.

The Bitexco Financial Tower, a 68th floor skyscraper with observation deck and shopping mall.

Rooftop Garden, Rex Hotel

Right next to the Memorial Park and close to City Hall is the Rex Hotel where we had the 'official' coffee break.

The Rooftop Garden

Apparently this is a famous historic site.

Where daily briefings to journalists were done during war time.

This was like an oasis in the center of town.

Our choice of drinks were included in the tour. This was a wonderful stop on this trip.

Linh, our guide standing at the end of the table.

We were able to relax and enjoy the views around us in the center of this city.

The white building across the hotel on the other side of the park is the Union Square where many high-end shops are located. The two tall buildings are the Vincom Mall.

There, the 'US Embassy rooftop' right in front of us.

Delicious iced-coffee

ET's coke. I thought the glass was quite funny looking.

Heavenly Lady Pagoda and Trishaw Ride in Chinatown

After our coffee break at Rex, we came to the Heavenly Lady Pagoda in Chinatown.

Going through the assembly hall of the benevolent association.

Then to the temple site.

I am always fascinated by these figurines.

Names of donors posted on the wall.

As we stepped outside of the temple, Linh took a group picture and then put us on the trishaws that were waiting outside. She gave us the US dollars (I think it was $2 each) so we could pay the 'driver' at the end of the ride. My driver made sure that my bag was tucked on the side instead of exposing right on my lap. Very thoughtful of him.

Then we were gone for the 20-minute ride around Chinatown.

It was definitely exciting and scary at times but it was fun!

Passing by many fruit stands. Too bad we couldn't stop and get some.

Back at our meeting point. I think we all had a great time on the trishaws. It was quite a unique experience.

Pho 2000

Lunch time!

A very busy restaurant where Bill Clinton had his bowl of Pho when he was in the city.

Not sure if this is the exact one though because there are actually many Pho 2000 in town.

Our lunch included a bowl of beef or chicken pho...

...and some spring rolls. The spring rolls were pipping hot, crispy and delicious but I think we can get better pho in southern California. For those who are vegetarians or have special diet needs, Linh was able to order something that suit their dietary requirements. All included in the tour charge.

After lunch we walked across the street to the Ben Thanh Market for a little shopping.

You've got to remember where you are because it's like a maze in there.

War Remnants Museum

By now, I was a little tired and for someone who are not interested in museums or war equipment I planned on just sitting around and wait for the rest of the group to complete their visits. As I was looking around for a space to sit, who did I see sitting at the bench, dozing off? A small world (or small city) indeed!

MC, my SIL, waiting for her family.

Hello, DD!

Well, I just have to get out and take some pictures even if I am not going inside the museum.

Whoa!

Family picture before we went on our separate ways.

After the museum visit, we took the drive back to port and as previously agreed on, we were back at port before 4:30. Linh was a good guide who gave us a lot of background history and information of the sites we visited. She was able to answer all the questions asked with her honest answers. The driver did a good job taking us all safely back. I think this tour was excellent and value for the money. It was not a rushing through type of tour and was very well-planned.

Back at the port gate, we hopped on the shuttle bus after biding farewell to Linh. We had a good day and now ready for a nice dinner on board the ship.