Rocking Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

We sailed from Indonesia towards the equator and Vietnam. I had not been to this region of the world and had no preconceived expectations. The increasing heat and humidity were expected but I was a little concerned that we were spending three and a half days in such a small Asian country.

I booked a pedal cab excursion the first day and was pleasantly surprised to discover a vibrant Saigon. It did not disappoint with it’s fabulous nighttime life and abundant dining venues.  It also appeared to be significantly more advanced than Bali, Indonesia.

Like Bali, my most significant first impression was the plethora of scooters everywhere. Saigon’s population is about 19 million and there are at least 12 million scooters, mostly driven by young people. In the year 2000, most people still rode bicycles in Vietnam, now its predominantly scooters, called Hondas regardless of make or model, except for Vespas. If you are employed and successful, you buy a Honda. If you are not, you buy a “fake Honda” which looks identical but has an engine built in China. You can get those for as little as $200.

Unfortunately fatal accidents are frequent but not enough to reduce the dependence on their beloved “Hondas”. They even have an Uber equivalent called Grab. Grab drivers and their lime green uniforms and scooters are everywhere. Last night I witnessed an interesting but unusual sight (for me). A well-dressed young lady gracefully getting off a Grab scooter at a nightclub.

Politically, Vietnam is governed by the communist leaning Hanoi government, but more comfortable with western cultures. Major crime is rare but minor crimes like scooter theft and pickpocketing cell phones and wallets is not unusual. Unfortunately, like everywhere, drugs are an increasing problem, especially affecting young adult males. Drinking and driving is prohibited by zero tolerance alcohol laws similar to those of the Scandinavian countries. Their low wages and exorbitant housing costs cause many to live with their parents and grandparents well into adult-hood. Overall, the population seems well adjusted with their lot in life.

The featured image above is curtesy of my fellow passenger, Bruno Dammizio