Local wanderings

So the reality of leaving this rapidly developing area is now sinking in and I am determined to make the most of every moment.

Just prior to our 11 day break for the lunar new year, I enjoyed a couple of walks around District 1. Firstly, the laneways of the Japanese area with Amber and then to some of the prime shopping malls, to see their decorations (just like the Myer windows), plus a Tet fair and the streets of Cholon, the Chinese area. Fascinating just looking and watching as always.
Around town at Tet



Then for the holiday I took off immediately for a road trip from Saigon to Bangkok with stops in Phnom Penh and Battambang along the way.

I took the easy option of travelling in a car with the Masterton
family to PP and there I enjoyed a couple of nights visiting my usual haunts; walking along the river, hanging outside the Grand Palace and the hipster laneways. I also visited the Olympic stadium and market - a coupe more architectural beauties.

A 6 hour minibus ride took me to the northwestern city of Battambang where my pre-booked accommodation had been changed and on arrival I found out why. Angelina Jolie was in town for the filming of her movie, 'First They Killed My Father'. Can you believe she stole my bed.
 

I enjoyed the sleepy nature of this riverside town, except I didn't realise it's strong Chinese heritage as well as the French, so plenty of sounds of new year celebrations were heard. The history of the buildings was interesting, the cafes and galleries well used and I also thoroughly enjoyed 3 trips to the surrounding countryside - twice on a bicycle and once in a tuk-tuk for a day of sightseeing the local wats and having a ride on the old Bamboo Train. Another highlight was the Phare Circus - so clever and entertaining.

An 11 hour transit then took me through to Bangkok, but 2 of those hours were in the queue at immigration. What a difference a days drive makes - to the very big smoke and traffic jams.
It is 23 years since I was last in BKK but it felt like the first time as I did not hit any of the tourist sites, apart from Jim Thompson's house. Instead, I enjoyed walking around the area I was staying in, eating the street food, generally getting a feel for the place and sitting by the pool.
 
Overall, a very good break which met my goals - to explore more of the local area and relax.

Saigon to Bangkok