Despite being four or so floors above ground level we awoke this morning to the sound of beeping motorbikes, noisy roosters, and loud tape message recordings played by men and women cycling up and down our road with fresh bread on offer in their bike basket.
A typical morning in central Ho Chi Minh, I imagine.
As I walked to the local shop mopeds slowed beside me, one by one with each step I took (it seemed) and smiling touts behind the throttle tried to convince me to take a motorbike tour of the city. Some (that I couldn’t shake off quick enough) even pulled out hand written books of testimonials to convince me I’d enjoy the day.
I’m sure it would be good fun, but not on morning one, and before breakfast. A polite smile and Vietnamese ‘no thank you’ saw each one of twenty or so smile back in return and reluctantly let me continue my journey, on foot.
Thailand is marketed as ‘the land of smiles’, but Vietnam is giving it a run for its money.
Vietnamese cities certainly seem to be outdoing Thailand in the motorbike stakes too.
I’ve read there is anywhere between two to five million mopeds and motorbikes on the roads in Ho Chi Minh city on any given day.
Crossing the road here is quite an experience. Especially first thing in the morning when not quite awake.
There’s only one thing for it really……… sit back in a pavement cafe/bar and watch the world go by (although I did have some breakfast first. Honest):
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