There are about 8 million people in Ho Chi Minh City and about 4 million scooters. That is one scooter for every two people. We've seen a lot of them with more than two people. Until earlier today the most we have seen is four but a little while ago we saw a scooter carrying five!
Speaking of scooters, today we joined the fun by taking a Vespa tour. We all agreed that this was the best thing we've done so far during the trip. We were picked up at 8 am from our hotel by 4 lads on beautiful antique Vespas.
We were a little anxious of riding pillion in HCM's frantic traffic but it didn't take long for us to realize that the traffic is a much more orderly form of chaos on a scooter. We had complete confidence in our drivers and saw some great sights we probably would not have found on our own. I would rate this a must do for anyone of any age visiting HCMC.
The tour included a stop for coffee in a bird park, wholesale flower markets, material markets, produce markets as well as many of the sights of HCMC. We finished up at about lunchtime where we were delivered to the Zoom Cafe grinning from ear to ear and ready for a great lunch and a cold Saigon beer.
This afternoon was a taxi ride to the GPO, followed by a walk down Dong hoi street and its designer shops. After topping up our supply of Dong at the CBA ATM we made our way to the Rex Hotel Rooftop bar for a couple of relaxing beers while watching the sun go down over the lights of HCMC.
We finished the day with a great bowl of Pho at the Pho2000 restaurant and a stroll around the busy night markets before making our way home to our hotel.