In Cambodia we sighted a type of vehicle we never saw before. The so-called “tuc-tuc” consists of a one axle trailer attached through a makeshift linkage to a motorcycle. Comes in two versions: the 6 seats passenger version and the 1 ton cargo version. Neither of them has a braking system but both are very popular in Cambodia.
Another unique sighting is this motorcycle equipped to deliver a perfusion to a passenger while in motion.
Fom Saigon we took a 15USD/person day tour to the Mekong river delta. The boat first took us to the floating market (where merchant’s boats are joined together allowing shoppers to come aboard). Then we visited a manufacturing area (various rice and coconut based sweets). After some canoe trip through the narrow canals we got lunch at a local family, followed by a short program of Vietnamese music. Then we were provided with bicycles to visit the village. Very interesting experience altogether!
As opposed to the Vinh Moc tunnels (built to host families) these were build to support the guerillas harassing the US garrison near Saigon. Therefore: meeting rooms, storage rooms, traps and observation posts and no more family rooms.
As opposed to other war museums (which focus on the fighting itself), this one focuses more on two different aspects: the international support received (including the protests within the US) and the aftermath of the war: unexploded bombs (still causing deaths every year as of 2011) and health problems resulting from the use of chemicals by the US during the conflict.
Officially named Ho Chi Minh City, but still called under the old/short name by most people, this is the economic center of Vietnam. A mixture of French, communist and modern styles dominate the architecture. Very crowded. Overpopulated. Not as crooked as Hanoi. Tries to have a modern look, with straight and wide avenues, large plazas and parks. But all streets are packed with traffic. Air is unbreathable, if not toxic. And just like the rest of Vietnam, it’s worth coming once but not worth coming back.
