Sun 2nd Oct 2022 - Hồ Chí Minh City

Sun 2 Oct Day 11 - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Sunrise 5:41am Sunset 5:43pm

Today we head out of the city and travel by boat to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels. Never discovered by the U.S. forces during the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Viet Cong base during the war. Stretching over 200 kilometres, this incredible underground network was dug out by hand and consists of connected command posts, hospitals, shelters and weapons factories. Accompanied by a Vietnam Veteran guide, we will be able to walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the Viet Cong, while seeing the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps. We can even venture inside the tunnels (warning: not for the claustrophobic). 
Take in the city skyline as we relax with a sundowner atop a rooftop bar. Tonight we bid farewell to Vietnam as we enjoy our group dinner.

Hotel: Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon

Included Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

We departed the hotel around 6:45 am and we are at the boat station shortly after 7 am.

We boarded the boat at 7:15 am and we’re soon on our way heading towards the Cu Chi tunnels. There was already one guy on the boat and we stopped at the Villa Song hotel, to pick up 2 others couples. We then headed back the way we had already come but then took a right turn and continue up the Saigon River.

We arrived shortly before 9am and went to one of the theatres and were told about the tunnels by an ex Vietcong veteran. He was 17 when then the war started and lived in the tunnels for over 20 years.  It was like a mini underground city.

We saw quite a few of the various traps.

From the tunnels, we then visited a lacquer outlet, where the workers were handicapped 

, as a result of agent orange.  There was an assortment of pieces there and a few people bought  some items.

Somewhere in there we had lunch.  Back to the hotel to freshen up for our farewell dinner.

First up was a drink on the rooftop bar at a hotel at Parkson??? Or it could be Ben Nghe.

From there we then had dinner at a restaurant called Laang and a very delicious meal it was.

A group photo but one of the ladies was missing but we managed to include our travel guide.

From dinner, it was back to the hotel. 

5 of us are continuing on to Cambodia tomorrow.  The other 4 people are staying on for various extra days.

Hopefully I’ll be able to update this tomorrow evening when we are in Siem Reap.

Night all.