Day One in Saigon

Day One in Saigon saw us up early and off to the usual tourist traps around the city. A quick western breakfast at the Hotel before we wandered down to Ben Thanh Markets to see what was new and to allow Phillip a look at the madness called Ben Thanh.

Phillip outside Ben Thanh Markets in Saigon

The Food Hall at the market 

 One of the Ben Thanh ladies prepares lunch

From the market, we headed to the local supermarket to get a few essential supplies for the stay and then to the local market on Pham Ngu Lau St to allow Phillip to experience the sound and smells of a local market. Row upon row of fresh fruit, fresh fish and meat and small eating stalls offering everything one could think of for a light snack or full meal. Passing the live frogs after they have been completely skinned, Phil predictably muttered "That's f**ked up!' so one assumes that frogs aren't on his list of things to eat in Vietnam.

Phil manages the street crossing with ease

A quick lunch of Pho and Banh Xeo and we were off on foot again. Phil wanted to purchase some luggage and a few Ralph Lauren polo shirts. so we wandered back down toward Ben Thanh during the afternoon and after buying a bag from on of the outlets near the market, Phil was "fed to the wolves' inside the markets to buy some shirts. With the yell's of "darling!", "you handsome!", Phil was quickly put to the test bartering 2 shirts down from $US25 each to $US20 for two shirts! A quick beer and juice at our friend Nhungs stall before heading back to the Hotel to beat the heat. When browsing some of the shops on the way back, a guy was spotted photographing Phil's 'Elements' t-shirt from the front and back on the sly. No doubt that style will be on the streets in the near future!

The Beautiful Saigon II Hotel

We ate at the Hotel for dinner enjoying Shaking Beef, Fish in Claypot and Chicken in Tamarind Sauce before heading upstairs for an early night.