They said the best bus to Vietnam from Phnom Penh is Giant Ibis so I took it for $18. We left around 8AM and I arrived in Ho Chi Minh around 2PM. It took us 6 hours and the whole trip went smoothly from the time we departed, going through immigration and my arrival in Saigon City.

I booked Eco Backpacker Hostel for $6 per night. It’s right in the middle of backpacker area and it’s a minute walk from where the bus dropped me off.

I contacted the Vietnamese family I met in SG prior to coming here. On my first night, they picked me up from the hostel. They took me to Saigon River where the view was amazing. The motorbike ride was crazy but fun. I was screaming all the way. LOL!

We went to a food place and ate all kinds of sea shells for dinner with matching good beer! The total bill was only $12 for the four of us.

While waiting for our food a boy came to us selling lottery ticket. I bought one for US$0.50 and a guy behind our table bought one as well and gave it to me but I didn’t win. =[

I find people in Vietnam friendly. The city is beautiful which reminds me of Makati City where I live in the Philippines but this is a little laid back. I had a blast on my first night and it makes me want to live here. =]