Reginald Mundain ... With Reservations: Goooooood Morning Vietnam!

Saigon, as it is still referred to by its citizens, is a bustling, hectic, cramped, vibrant city bursting with energy... and 5 million motorcycles...all of which seem to be on the road at the same time!

Accommodations in this energetic city, are surprisingly inexpensive, given that we stayed in District 1 where land prices are said to rival Tokyo's.

The Vietnamese are tough, resilient, resourceful, enterprising survivors and it is no surprise that their country is quickly emerging as a place to do business.

As a tourist destination...if you have an interest in SE Asia...come and visit BEFORE prices inevitably rise.

Mundain at the old Post Office, a remnant of French colonialism

...Saigon's Notre Dame cathedral

stroll the streets and feed the pigeons...

one MUST take in the traditional Water Puppet Show
whether here or in Hanoi

...street markets with unusual local delicacies

...or something more familiar?

...shop 'til you drop at the Ben Thanh Market...bargain with a vendor

...enjoy an evening outdoor meal under the stars

...with your favorite date

I mean the one in the background....

...savour spring rolls piping hot from the fryer

...try new local dishes

...with unique flavours

...fresh to your personal tabletop grill

...to self-cook the bounty of land

...and sea

...at a reasonable price

There are many dining options in Saigon, where we sought out Anthony Bourdain's favorite pho stall, but with the thousands upon thousands of street vendors it was like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack...we didn't bother

Each day our agenda began with a hearty breakfast, followed by our tour activity du jour, then taking a siesta in the air conditioned comfort of our hotel to escape the brutal mid-day heat and humidity, and finally seeking out our next foodie experience.

The Ngon Restaurant was recommended by a local...so with great anticipation we searched high and low and, after taking Mundain's shortcuts, walking several kilometers, eventually found that the restaurant was only steps away from our hotel...

...an inviting ambience as soon as one steps inside

...chugging down a cool, local brew because at $1.25 Cdn,
it was the cheapest beverage...costing less than fruit juices and tea or coffee

...spring rolls on rice vernicelli

pho condiments: bean sprouts, Vietnamese basil, fresh lime

Vietnam's famous beef noodle soup...pho

Ever on the hunt for a new gastronomical experience, we were pointed by a Canadian ex-pat to Green Rice, an establishment locally famous for its Northern Vietnamese cuisine...