Taken for a ride in Ho Chi Minh

Quick story...

We arrived in Ho Chi Minh after a 6 hour bus hour journey from Phnom Penh on the afternoon of Dec 7. After serious enquires in Phnom Penh, after more than a few harrowing* bus journeys throughout southern and northern Cambodia, we had finally identified the premier bus service (ironically enough, on our departure from Cambodia). The bus journey itself was delightful.


Upon arrival, we were inundated with the typical hordes of taxi drivers, tour operators and vendors, jostling for trade. We tend to disagree on an approach for securing a taxi upon disembarking: Kathryn believes in locating a taxi early; Gordon prefers to step away from the mayhem, and stroll. Each has their merits**. To compromise, we alternate the approaches. We were to apply Kathryn’s technique at our arrival in Ho Chi Minh.


Kathryn quickly secured a taxi driver; a wizened old man with a pleasant smile. We retrieved the map, pointing to the location of our hotel, to ensure we were on the same page, literally. Our taxi driver acknowledged the hotel, and Kathryn promptly commenced negotiations; however, none were required, as this taxi was metered; a promising start.


Our backpacks were piled into the back of the taxi, and we clamoured in. Off we went through the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh, toward our hotel. After driving for approximately 10 minutes, the meter reading 60,000 dong ($3 Cdn), we pull up to our hotel. We thanked our driver, provided a small tip, and entered our hotel.


Our plan was to drop off our backpacks, and immediately go for lunch, and a stiff gin and tonic – a fast becoming ritual. We step outside of our hotel, and began to amble with no specific direction. After 2 minutes on foot, we arrive at a T-junction, look left, and then right. We both then look at each other, awaiting the first trace of emotion. We broke into symphonic laughter.



There, on that street corner, was the very same bus we had left 20 minutes ago. We were taken for a ride in Ho Chi Minh, literally and figuratively. A lesson learned in Ho Chi Minh: Kathryn’s approach needs modification.


*Perching on the end of your seat, anxiously peering above the others, to capture a glimpse of the road ahead, as you are deafened by the blaring of the horn; feel the compression from the brakes, the acceleration from the engine, or swerve from the suspension; or hear the gasps from other fellow passengers.

**Kathryn: One does not need to carry backpacks unnecessarily; competition thrives at the bus stops – no better place to get competitive rates; one does not need to unnecessarily delay the arrival at the hotel.
Gordon: Provides one with time to get bearings; gets one away from the haranguing and stress.