Blog: Get there as soon as you can

At the end of her Intrepid 10-day explorer tour, Sara Mason-Parker, business development manager at Corporate Traveller, encourages other to visit sooner rather than later.

Miss Saigon – that was my nickname for the final part of our tour which took place in Ho Chi Mingh city.

Though slightly more populated than Hanoi (by a mere 3 million extra people!) HCMC didn’t feel too crowded as the roads and pathways are much wider so you’re not side stepping motorbikes quite as much…though crossing the road is a challenge. The trick is to commit once you go, look straight ahead, walk slowly and never turn back, that way the drivers can weave around you.

The city makes Hanoi feel very small in comparison and is much more Westernised  with department stores but there is still a wonderful selection of restaurants serving local and regional cuisine. Prices vary from as little as £1 for chicken noodle soup and a cold beer in a local cafe to several courses and wine in a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views for £10.

There’s plenty to visit in the city such as the Catholic church built by the French and shipped brick by brick all the way from Marseille, the Old Post Office with its detailed and colonial architecture and the War Museum where a display of war journalists’ graphic pictures taken during the tragic event brought me to tears. 

A two hour drive from HCMC (and the highlight of my trip along with Halong Bay) was our visit to the Mekong Delta. The journey takes you past factories galore where you can see just how Vietnam’s export industry is booming. The construction of roads and bridges and then beautiful countryside; from bulldozers to buffalo, literally!!

A visit to the Mekong Delta is a must. Sailing down the river, we were walked by a local guide through his village on one of the islands, rowed through mangroves by a tiny but incredibly strong local lady, then driven at high speed in a tuk tuk to a coconut sweet factory and treated to local tea and fruits.

And now the tour is at its end.

Vietnam was charming however, one can see how rapidly it is developing. The Government is trying hard to encourage its people to maintain their culture with this growth. This is still apparent with older generations who are very proud of their history but younger generations are moving with Western times. Wearing heels whilst texting on mobiles on their scooters and choosing to live on their own in the city you can see tradition is disappearing. 

Hotels and resorts are going up fast as well and they’re not attractive buildings; more Benidorm than Shangri La. Motorways are being built at a fast rate as vehicles are taking over. I kind of expected to be roughing it more on this trip so was surprised to find all public toilets were western style and with loo roll! (is that a good or a bad thing? Not sure). 

Having said all that, Vietnam is still a beautiful country, with a wealth if history and very friendly people. There is lots to do excursion-wise along with stunning beaches, all I would encourage is to come sooner rather than later.

Finally I must say Intrepid were superb. Our guide, Hue, was knowledgeable and proud of his country. He took us to the local restaurants when we asked, gave us safety tips and made sure we knew he was always available. Everything ran so smoothly and we were never waiting for transfers or at check in. This was definitely a destination for a tour and I made some great friends along the way. Cam On!