The Rex and the Mekong Delta

We arrived early in HCMC and was picked up by our guide who would spend the next three days with us. Hoang and our driver took us directly for breakfast, at our request, to the Caravelle, a beautiful hotel which let us enjoy the buffet breakfast earlier than normally allowed. We invited Hoang to join us and afterwards, we drove directly to the Cu Chi Tunnels. We were the first to arrive to visit these amazing tunnels near HCMC. When we left the place, the parking lot was completely full of tour buses. It was so nice to be early and enjoy them alone.

We checked into the Rex after being absolutely "freaked out" by the accomodation I booked on-line through Hostelworld. It really is hit or miss as some places are fine but this mini hotel was down two alley ways and not appropriate. Hoang took us to the Rex and we never looked back.

The following day, we drove to the Mekong Delta and enjoyed an overnight trip visiting floating markets and taking a small boat to a little village to try tropical fruits. It was really nice. The boat was called Bassac and it was a different experience compared to the Bhaya cruise of Halong Bay. Not better, just different.

We arrived back at the Rex and got upgraded again into deluxe suites where we enjoyed beautiful rooms and eventually cocktails and flamenco music in the famous bar on the 5th floor. We managed to get in some cd shopping and enjoyed the Christmas, window decorations at a nearby mall. With all the motorbikes whizzing by, we really found a refuge at the Rex even though HCMC is a fascinating city. Grandpa especially loved the French influence. On the 22nd, we head to the airport after a visit to the nearby market. We were ready to return to Papa in Singapore after having an incredible trip in Vietnam. Arriving home safely and healthy...who could ask for anything more?! Ah yes, big hugs from Papa!