Ho Chi Minh Walking Tour

We were back in Pham Ngu Lao at almost 3pm. We wanted to eat something authentic for lunch so we headed to the nearest restaurant offering pho (noodles). And so we ended up at Pho. =)

Pho 

Pho Dac Biet (Fillet, well-done flank, soft brisket, tendon, tripe, muscle and well-done brisket, beef meatball)

Served with fresh vegetables...

We also ordered spring rolls...

After lunch, we planned our next agenda and decided to hire a a cab  to tour us to Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office. After 2 cabs, one finally agreed with our request and all of us 6 got on the cab. Most of the cabs I saw in Ho Chi Minh are Toyota Innova minivans that can sit 7 passengers comfortably. Good for us as we didn't have to take 2 cabs.

We got caught in traffic on our way to Reunification Palace and when we finally arrived, the driver told us that he would have to leave us there. Ugggghhh. And so we paid him the fare and watched him zoom off. But what's worse was that the palace was already closed and the guard won't even let us inside the gate.

And so just we took shots of the palace from the outside.

From the Reunification Palace, we passed through this park with on our way to the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The Notre Dame Cathedral or officially known as the Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception was built in 1880 by the French colonialists. Its outer walls were made out of red bricks that were sourced from Marseilles. 

side

 It has 2 bell towers situated on each side which were added 15 years after the cathedral was completed. 

front

inside

The Cathedral is beautifully constructed on all sides.

back

And then we proceeded to our next destination — the Central Post Office.

Thanks to my supportive friends for helping us find the Hard Rock Cafe for Dell's shirt collection.

--- part 30 of my 3 Countries, 7 Days - Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam series

Read part 29 here: Cu Chi Tunnel Tour