This morning we caught a cab from our hotel to the Da Nang airport because we’re off to Ho Chi Minh City aka Saigon! When we arrived in Da Nang, we were told not to take a taxi, as there is a relatively new airport shuttle in place that brings you to right next to the Ben Thanh Market, which is where we’re staying, for 20,000 dong per person…that’s less than $1 USD!
We arrived to our hotel around 10am and our room wouldn’t be ready until noon, so we dropped off our backpacks at the hotel and started our adventure. We began with a quick bite to eat at none other than McDonalds in the beautiful multi-level Saigon Centre Mall. No judgment, everyone needs a little mickey d’s once in awhile, especially after weeks of noodles.
After breakfast, we walked to Ho Chi Minh City Hall, Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, and Independence Hall. All of these structures have very distinct designs elements that are heavily drawn from the French influence that was here in the early 20th century and still remains to this day in the architecture (and cuisine).
After a little walking tour it was after noon, so we walked back to hotel to check in and have a little nap because we were exhausted. After a much needed rest, we woke up and walked to get some of the best banh mi sandwiches in all of Saigon! There’s some debate about this statement, but we truly believe that Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai (named after the street/address where this little red food cart sets up shop) cannot be beaten.
There isn’t much seating in the little alleyway where she’s located, so we got them to go and planned on eating them back at our hotel a few blocks away. On our way back, we had to make a stop at a cute little French bakery called Une Journee a Paris to get some traditional French desserts. The owner was very friendly and spoke to us about each item, informing us that after 5pm much of the baked goods are 50% off, so we had to try a little of everything! We bought a rose macaroon, an orange/lemon zested brioche bun, and a vanilla and caramel éclair with caramelize popcorn…it was all so delicious!
After enjoying our banh mi sandwiches and French desserts, we Netflixed and chilled for the night, which was much needed after a very fast paced and busy last few days. For those of you that haven’t seen Okja, please do and let us know what you think. Personally, being part of a consumer-driven culture and after traveling for the last month or so (and immersing ourselves completely in foreign cultures…food and all), it was extremely hard to watch. It touches on so many realities of food trade and ethical treatment of animals that many of us, ourselves included, are not aware of or just choose to stay ignorant to.
Sorry for the depth (and brevity) on such a serious topic, but on a lighter note, tomorrow we plan on going to the famous Ben Thanh Market and check out the emerging local craft brewery scene here in Saigon, so stay posted!