We headed off to the airport early this morning to get our flight to HCMC. The weather was cool in Hoi An and would be completely opposite to our destination!

We arrived early afternoon and headed to our hotel. It was really warm and a little humid at 35deg. Our hotel is okay, simple and clean. Our view is of the park across the street and of the hotels neon sign which will be lit up later....

We head off straight to lunch with a 10min walk through the stifling heat to Pho 2000 (pronounced 'fur'). I would have thought it was too hot for a soup, but I was wrong. I got the beef pho, delish!

Then headed off on a cyclo tpur of the city. Normally you shouldn't take a cyclo as they are known tone dodgy and overcharge. But this has been organised with our local guide, so it's all good. I have an older fellow and wonder how he will be able to cycle with a big white lady in the front. Although we are one of the last cyclos to leave, turns out that he is a gun rider and we arrive at our first stop almost first! Kudos to my cyclo man!

First stop is the War Remnants Museum, which I really want see to learn more about the Vietnam-American war. There was many stories, excellent pictures from those photographers caught up in the confluct and items incl artillery, planes, tanks, uniforms etc. The way it was put together was very good and easy to understand. The atrocities that were committed during this war was shocking, especially the brutality of the My Lai massacre where many innocent villagers were killed by American troops, including women and children. Also the effects Agent Orange had and still has on the people of Vietnam. By the end of it I was pretty drained and feeling quite sad for the people of Vietnam.

Back on the cyclo with my speedy driver and we went to see the presidential palace. It was a mix of old and new architecture and we stayed just for a photo op. then we headed for the Notre Dame Cathedral, built by the French with all building material imported from France during their rule and i think its one of the only catholic churches in the city.

We then headed for our last stop, the Opera House. From there some of us departed our cyclo and headed to the 23rd floor of the Sheraton to a swanky bar for a happy hour drink and a view of the city and the sunset. The hotel was beautiful and we stuck out like a sore thumb in our dirty shorts and t-shirts! But who cares, just get me to the 2-for-1 cocktails! It was a great place and if you're ever in HCMC then make sure you go!

After downing my drinks and too many complimentary snacks we went back to freshen up and have dinner. I got to enjoy the neon sign outside our room in its full glory, magnificent!