Flew VietnamAirlines from Hong Kong to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).
VietnamAirlines has a very good safety record. First time I’ve used them. Was on an A321. Seemed a bit worn. During the 2.5 hour flight they served what looked like a pretty good lunch. I passed as I’d eaten in the lounge.
Landing was a bit, well, not so great. There was a cross wind and when we flared and had wheels down it turned into a slalom ride. Tossed to the right, tossed to the left, tossed to the right. It was hard to tell, but judging by the grass near the runway it sure didn’t seem like much of a crosswind. But, who knows?
Spent a hour getting my visa and going through immigration. Walked out of customs and hit an ATM for 6 million Dong. Got a SIM card. Found the correct taxi stand and got one of the two recommended taxi companies. Nice driver. Fare was 128,000; I gave him 200,000.
Checked into my “boutique” hotel. Very nice room. Five nights for 6,600,000.
Walked across the street. Had a variety platter, 128,000. Stopped at the nearby Cirlcle K and bought some snacks.
Oh! Killed my first mosquito in the restaurant. They have mosquitos similar to what I saw in Cambodia. Tiny little silent guys. Supposedly there’s no malaria in town. Supposedly.
