We fly to Ho Chi Minh City in a thunderstorm, had some Pho at the Airport and hailed a ride out to Mui Ne Beach for 4 nights. A friend recommended we come here, and we thought we'd try something different this time.
What we find here is nothing short of astonishing. First, the fishing village... where do I start. Eagerly, as we're heading to the beach, we put on our togs and go. Didn't realise it was a rubbish dump, of stinky dead fish and crap. With cows chewing through bags. I was shocked.
The boats are cute tho, like little round pudding bowls sitting there to await their catch. Interesting to see all the same, we wander through them to get to the sea. Hold your nose.
Next stop is the market in Phan Thiet, we make a trip down on the scooter, dodging rain drops and enjoying coffee at the Hilltop Cafe.
Back to this for a second... and we easily get lost around little alleyways and streets so badly maintained it makes you wonder how these people can sit here and do nothing all day. I don't think I'd be able to stand it myself... but that's what makes travel so enlightening. What we do, and get used to, is not necessarily what others do, no matter what country you're in. Ps... where's the rubbish bin?
Back to the market, and we arrive as the downpour starts, pulling into a side bit under an awning. Its not just a shop, but a home, and the old man inside is making his lunch. We ask him if we can park here. Yes, he nods, and we give him some money for the convenience. He looks a little confused, but smiles wide, nods his head and runs upstairs. Great, he's happy we say as we wait for the sky to clear.
Next thing, he gives us 2 plastic ponchos... wow, that restores your faith in humanity. Such a kind gesture, allowing us to walk around and explore. I think we've found the real Vietnam right here... and I know it's the reason we came here.
Mui Ne... it ain't flash, or touristy at all. But it sure is meaty... in every way. From tanks of fish and stingray for dinner, to wriggling crayfish and conch shells for lunch, it's eye popping. We find a nice restaurant called Swiss House and enjoy a cheeseboard and snapper.
Ooh... and the highlight really... seeing this on the road. Going from zero to "THERES A FKN SNAKE ON THE ROAD" in 0.001 seconds. We drive around it. It Slithers off. What a rush.