Ho Chi Minh City is the commercial capital of Vietnam. Earlier known as Saigon, it changed its name from Saigon in 1976 after the war got over in 1975. It is named after Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnamese revolutionary leader who was the prime minister and also the president of North Vietnam. He was later a part of Viet Cong and led the Viet Minh independence movement.
We decided a short break and travel to HMC by Mekong Express. I had never made an international travel by road in this region and visiting Ho Chi Minh provided a very good opportunity for me. It is around 5-7 hours journey, depending on the traffic.
Road travel is tiring for me but I think this is also the perfect way to see the countryside. The bus company arranged for a pick up from our place of stay. We waited for pick-up at 8 am and a mini bus came and dropped us at the Orussey market. The attendants did their paper work checking visa and putting a check mark against our names. The bags were tagged and a shoved inside the luggage cabinet. Having cleared everything, it was time to board the bus. The tickets already had seat numbers so there was nothing as first come first and grabbing the best seat!
All ready and we are off for the 6 hour drive to HMC
If you are a visitor to Cambodia , do not miss taking pictures of the monks going to seek alms from people.
The announcer told us that before we reach the country border, the bus would pass through Kandal province, then cross Mekong, Pre Vang and Svay Reng. At the border after immigration we proceed to HMC.
After about three hours, Mekong, the biggest river in this region had to be crossed.
We decided a short break and travel to HMC by Mekong Express. I had never made an international travel by road in this region and visiting Ho Chi Minh provided a very good opportunity for me. It is around 5-7 hours journey, depending on the traffic.
Road travel is tiring for me but I think this is also the perfect way to see the countryside. The bus company arranged for a pick up from our place of stay. We waited for pick-up at 8 am and a mini bus came and dropped us at the Orussey market. The attendants did their paper work checking visa and putting a check mark against our names. The bags were tagged and a shoved inside the luggage cabinet. Having cleared everything, it was time to board the bus. The tickets already had seat numbers so there was nothing as first come first and grabbing the best seat!
All ready and we are off for the 6 hour drive to HMC
If you are a visitor to Cambodia , do not miss taking pictures of the monks going to seek alms from people.
After about three hours, Mekong, the biggest river in this region had to be crossed.
being ferried across Mekong, see the bridge under construction
A bridge was under construction so till that time, ferries were used to cross. I heard from a friend of mine that the bridge has been constructed and now you don't have to wait for being ferried.
You should take a visa before the journey as Vietnam does not have visa on arrival unlike Cambodia and other few countries.
this is when we came back from HMC
waiting for the ferry to come
last village in Cambodia
The bus stops a little distance before the passport control at a small eatery. After that is the passport control, immigration and another hour of journey to HMC.
passport control
confirming the stamp on passport
our bus
casino
You see plenty of casinos at the border towards the Cambodia side. Gambling is not permitted in Vietnam so people come over to this side to play.
another casino
Wat on the way
The planned city of Ho Chi Minh welcomes you. And all this journey for just $13!!
Just 13 to travel , Wow ! let the travel channel know about it
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