Ho Chi Minh

Emily beside the illuminated Saigon sign at dusk

Emily writes · Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta and Củ Chi, Vietnam · 6–19 December 2025

Our final stop in Vietnam was Ho Chi Minh City. We rented an apartment in District One with a balcony over the Saigon River. It was ideal for Skyrim, Egyptian Rat Slap, and doodling.

Our apartment was beside the Miss Charm competition. At first that felt fun. It stopped feeling fun when the stage lights began flashing straight into our room at 4.00am. For the record, I later looked it up and the Philippines won.

We ate around the city, took a sunset boat down the Saigon River, wandered through malls, and went to the top of Landmark 81.

One evening Bryson took me to see the Christmas lights and then to dinner at a very fancy hotel. I was delighted by all of it.

We also left the city for the Mekong Delta. We took a boat, visited a bee farm and a coconut candy workshop, and heard a private flute concert. The bee farm gave Bryson many ideas about producing honey in our future back garden. I was happiest on the bikes between villages.

The Củ Chi Tunnels were interesting and uncomfortable, both emotionally and for my back. The heat and tight spaces got to us quickly. We tried part of the tunnel route, then agreed the longer version was not for us. I was secretly relieved when Bryson suggested leaving. I was so sweaty.

Then our month in Vietnam was over and we packed again.

Open the camera roll (17 photographs)

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