There are 9 million people in Saigon. Between them they own and operate 4 million motor cycles, that's a motor cycle for every man, woman and child in Melbourne. The roads are like rivers of motor bikes that never stop, with the occasional log (car or bus) thrown in. Crossing the streets here is more daunting than even Hanoi, at first, because the streets are wider (further to cross) and carry more traffic.
On arriving in Saigon we took a cyclo tour. Cyclos are the local name for bicycle powered rickshaws, at least that's my description. Being out in front while these guys pedal their way through, and across, traffic is really something.
Our first stop was the War Museum. Whilst this is a "must see" of Saigon there is nothing pleasant about it. It is sombre, grim, and very thought provoking. The museum itself is not that well done, the presentations are not very professional but they are very powerful. I am only attaching a couple of the more "stock standard" pictures. To say this was a brutal conflict is a massive understatement.
I personally have not found Saigon as interesting as Hanoi. It is a relatively modern city and well planned. It has a massive market and some respectable and even beautiful buildings, such as the Post Office. The picture is of the Post Office's interior. There are also a number of modern office blocks etc which really could be in any other city.
For dinner we went to this restaurant that had very ordinary decor. Its claim to fame was that President Clinton had dinner there on a visit to Vietnam (2002 I think?)
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