Miss Saigon?

All through the two week trip in Vietnam the anticipation of something has mostly proved to be better than the actual experience. Highlights included the Cuc Phuong National Park in the north, the oldest tomb of the Emperor in Hue and the Memento Country Resort. The downsides have included the 'get as much money out of tourists as you can' approach encountered in many parts of the country. Most of the people are generally pleasant but there are more than a few that are out to tout.

Saigon proved to be much like the rest of the country. I was anticipating somewhere that was cosmopolitan and full of energy. It certainly was more cosmopolitan than Hanoi and there was a bit more energy but it felt more subdued than I was expecting. Perhaps the fact it was Re-unification Day holiday when I was there that led to the subdued atmosphere (the receptionist at the hotel was a little bemused when I asked if there were any parades for the holiday or the May Day holiday the next day). Perhaps the fact it rained quite a bit in the 2 days I was there put a dampener on things. Perhaps it was the fact I got my first tummy bug there that made me have a subdued feeling towards Saigon. Everything about the place was just OK - not great, not bad - just OK.

In hindsight, a week in Vietnam would have been long enough. I appreciate the country has a very turbulent recent history and it is probably little wonder that the people might have seemed a bit remote at times. I wish them well but it will probably be some long time before I go and visit again.