CRUISE AROUND THE WORLD: 15Mar Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Phu My is the gateway to Ho Chi Minh city as we sailed into the port early in the morning.
All we could see from the cabin balcony was industrial factories and container facilities.
It usually takes about 2 hour drive from Phu My to Ho Chi Minh.
We have taken Ho Chi Minh Highlight tour 2 years ago, so, we booked a shuttle transfer only to Ho Chi Minh this time.
Only problem was it would give us only 4 hours in the city as the return transfer to Phu My is scheduled for 2.45pm.
It is quite odd time to return to the ship given the time for sail away is at 11pm.
Delightful Renee joined me and Greg and agreed on doing only 2 things while we are in town.
Good local lunch and shopping in the market.
Ben Thanhn market is the biggest in Vietnam if not whole in South East Asia.
We were dropped off at Rex Hotel in the middle of city center.
The market was only 5 minute walk from the hotel.
We all bargained with market venders and had lots of fun.
Some are cheap and some are not for negotiation at all.

We were told to try ‘Pho 2000’ for the best Vietnamese beef noodle soup where was found right next to the market, conveniently.
It was rather small but nicely air conditioned.
The walls were decorated with photos of Bill Clinton the former president of USA.
They were taken in 2000.
It must be famous and more expensive place for locals as most of customers are foreign tourists.
But, the dish we ordered was excellent and authentic enough.
As a matter of fact, they were so delicious, we added few more dishes.

We were going to check out local department store, but we were running out of time for the shuttle transfer back to Phu My.