Cruising down Saigon River

Day two of our solo adventure begins!

Looking forward to our adventure today. Leafeon would have loved to roll around in this grass.

But first a little snack brought to you by Vinamit, local producer of dried fruits. I bought this packet from Ben Thanh Market for VND120, 000 after much bargaining. I found it later in a Satra minimart for VND77, 000. Evidence that night markets aren’t always cheapest.

Day and night shot of this quaint building lining the main boulevard. It caught my attention with its unique blend of modern against run down, and the cube liked facade. Each is a youthful and artsy bistro serving a mixture of international cuisine. Quality of food is average but the ambience and charm certainly made up for it.

Goodbye Saigon! A 2h ferry ride down the Saigon River costs VND200, 000 – 250,000 one way to Vung Tau, a popular beach getaway for locals. Feel free to leave the air-conditioned cabin to feel the water spray on your face at the back of the ferry where seats are limited. Ferries operated by GreenlinesDP leave from the ferry terminal (located just after crossing the main road at the end of the boulevard) at two hourly intervals on weekdays from 8am. Last ferry is 4pm.

Hello Vung Tau! The greenish brown waters of Saigon River gives way to bluish waters of the South China Sea. Vung Tau looks more developed than I expected and gives off a certain Mediterranean vibe to it. Vaporeon would have loved to join us too!

Didn’t have time to explore more of the city but beeline straight to see this Christ the Redeemer like statue at the tip of the peninsula. I was rather amazed that worship of Christ can be exemplified so openly in Vietnam. Took a cab from the ferry terminal to the park where it is free admission. Then a climb up 811 steps to the top. The route up is dotted with scenes from the Bible (can you identify each of them?). And finally the towering statue of Christ. I have to say that the earlier sculptures of him looked much better. Nonetheless here I am resting at the feet of Jesus.

We climbed the statue of Jesus to the top, some 5-6 storeys high and from his shoulders, it provided a magnificent panoramic view of the city below. Quite hard to believe this is indeed Vietnam.

After a mini pilgrimage to cleanse the soul, I was rewarded by far the most magical river cruise I have ever taken. Caught the last ferry leaving Vung Tau (the ticket counter is actually at the entrance of the carpark and not within the terminal itself) to Saigon. I think the photos speak for themselves on the master strokes of our Creator on the tapestry of the sky. I was awe struck by its beauty and somehow wished that this journey would never end. Goodnight Espeon.
Well in the end, finally with my element. Awwooooo!!

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