Arrived in Bali for two nights. Stayed at Amaris Legian. A great, cheap, little hotel - newish and clean. Good breakfast with egg station. Walked to the beach and saw mounds of rubbish which still needed to be collected. Surprised to see people actually on beach lounges in a hefty breeze. What the hell, I joined them and chatted to the locals whom I know. One of our friends died in a motorcycle accident in Java while visiting his family. I remember him as a very friendly young man with a fine voice who sang traditional songs. We toasted his life.
Up early to catch the plane (AA) to Singapore - 2.5h (hrs) - h is now official abbreviation for hours in Australia I believe. Great airport, but I had to go through immigration because Jet* flights don't ... whatever. Had a five hour stopover. That was ok. I checked out the airport. Perth could learn something about quality, comfort and cafes. Near the arrivals (immigration) is a great little cafe. I tried a couple of coffees but the cappuccino seemed the best. I also had a vegetarian toasted roll which was very nice. The money changer is close by as well as internet (free 15m). If you go upstairs (nearby) there is a lounge - green forest or something. They have no time out internet (free), showers, eats etc and comfy seats. They will also printout reservations as I needed to do.
Arrived in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)- three hours later. I received my visa via internet for USD$18. Check you have all the forms. I think I missed one. But apparently you can go to Vietnamese Consulate and get it all organised so you have a quicker exit. You need two passport photos to go with it and USD$45 per person. It took about an hour to eventually get through.
There are two money changers at the bottom of the stairs after customs. They had differing rates. To the left is the taxi booth where you can buy a ticket to your hotel. I went outside and was accosted by taxi drivers who wanted USD$20 to take me to my hotel. I went back inside the terminal and purchased a ticket for half the price. approx VND100,000 = USD$ 5.
It took about 25min to arrive at my hotel, Tan Hoang Long. A narrow, five story hotel about AUD$40 per night with yummy omelette. This hotel is situated in the old quarter - where the action is (IMHO). Very clean and helpful staff. Great spot for shopping and small bars - very international, friendly and clean. The REX has a rooftop bar which is great to have a Saigon Express cocktail and Prawns in salt n pepper. Watch the world go by. Beautiful!
I purchased a Nokia battery which I had priced at $30 back here and bought it for AUD$5 in a small tech shop, of which there are lots. The old quarter is where the fashion shops are and some of the real grand hotels. Check out the Bier Garten, The original German Bar and the best of all - Lemongrass Restaurant. Try the chicken curry with fillet instead of ... whatever. Order one for each person. I took two fellow lost travellers there and they agreed this was a top curry! The best coffee I had was a little stall across from the hotel. Lots to do and see. Four days should cover it though.
Caught the train to Phan Thiet, on the coast looking for surf. A four to five h train ride which was very nice. I purchased a, Golden Train ticket,(first class which means soft seat) USD$10. I caught a taxi the day before to buy my ticket. Golden Train tickets are not purchased in the actual train station. Walk out of the station and there is a small booth which sells the tickets.
Anyway, I stayed at the Allez Boo Resort at AUD$90 per night. Nice place. Surf was just left of the resort. Very windy by lunchtime but still pleasant enough around the pool. The streets really come alive in the evening with some great restaurants to visit.
All in all a wonderful adventure which I would do again. But next time a visit further north. Wonderful people, food and places to see. Just like Bali! Surf is better in Bali though!
Ended up having five days back in Bali. Went to Ubud. Had the best time. Café Havanna and Siam Sally have very good bands.
Queens of India - wow, how good are they?