MOTORBIKES, COCONUTS AND CABLE CARS – Part 1
In the previous chapters, we travelled through the UK and Europe during 2024, but due to a wedding, we did not travel in 2025.
As Chinese New Year approached, as it does for many in China, we planned our next holiday destination: Vietnam.
Of course, when I was growing up, all I ever heard about Vietnam related to the war. But we had also heard that it was a very beautiful country, so we decided to go. Helen needed a visa, but Keith did not.
So we set off one Wednesday night, ready to catch our flight to Shanghai and then on to Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City. We arrived in the early hours, and Helen exchanged 100 RMB into 350,000 Vietnamese Dong. A very good exchange rate — I wish I could get as much when I change pounds!
We finally found a taxi and headed to our first hotel. We collapsed onto our beds and tried to get a few hours of sleep.
Ho Chi Minh City – First Impressions
The next morning, we transferred to a hotel in the city centre. The first thing you notice in Ho Chi Minh City is the sheer number of motorbikes. At one major junction, we were surrounded by a moving wall of them, weaving and flowing like a river. Crossing roads becomes a zigzag adventure through constant traffic.
Our hotel was down a side street lined with flowers on both sides. Our room was on the first floor, and the reception offered delicious snacks, which we both enjoyed.
We went out into the city and found a Pho restaurant. It was very crowded, but we managed to find a table. We both had noodles — Helen had beef noodles, and in fact, that is all she ate for most of the trip.
As we were finishing our meal, I felt something wet running down my back. One of the waitresses had accidentally spilled leftover soup on me. It wasn’t hot, just uncomfortable. They were very apologetic, and in the end, our meal was free.
Churches and Street Life
Helen had located an evangelical church, so we went to see if it was open. We knocked, and the caretaker welcomed us in. We were able to see the sanctuary. It was encouraging and special to see an active church in a communist country.
Later, we had supper at a small café near the hotel and ended up sharing a table with an American and some Australians. People from all over the world are drawn to Vietnam.
We sat again on the street outside our hotel drinking mango smoothies. We also met a man from Italy. Our interesting conversation was interrupted several times by extremely loud firecrackers. Cars and motorbikes continued flowing through the streets, completely undisturbed.
Money, Markets, and Mistakes
The next day was Friday. After breakfast and another smoothie, we went to exchange more money at a tourist shop across the street. When they offered a poor rate of 340,000 Dong, we declined. The man was not pleased and rather abruptly showed us the door with a few choice words.
Journey to Vung Tau
Vung Tau is a seaside destination about three hours away, so we took a mini bus from the station. The journey was slow, travelling along one of the longest main roads I have ever seen, filled with endless traffic lights.
Helen is usually budget-conscious, but she really outdid herself this time. We were only staying one night — and thankfully it was only one night — in a shared six-bed dorm in a surfers’ hostel.
If you have ever stayed in a youth hostel (or, as some might joke, “visited one unexpectedly”), you’ll know they vary greatly. This one took “budget accommodation” to another level entirely.
Cheap and cheerful would be the best description. However, the people running it were amazing — a mix of Russians, Ukrainians, and Germans. There is a lesson in unity there somewhere.
Vung Tau – Crowds, Motorbikes, and a Giant Statue
Vung Tau has a large statue of Jesus high above the city. We did not have time to climb the 800 steps to reach it, as the city was absolutely packed. Crossing the road took careful timing, patience, and a lot of prayer.
We rented a motorbike for an hour and explored the area. You may think there are many motorbikes in China, but Vietnam takes it to another level entirely.
The beach was incredible, especially at night. Vung Tau is beautiful, but it is best avoided during peak holiday periods.
We settled in for the night, though it was not particularly comfortable. People were constantly coming and going, making for a disturbed sleep. At around 3 a.m., two girls began giggling loudly. Helen’s voice eventually cut through the noise: “Please be quiet.”
Early Morning Encounters
The next morning, I found Helen in the lobby sharing the gospel as usual. She was speaking with a Chinese man and a German man named Stephen, who recommended a good place for breakfast.
To get there, Keith had to ride pillion on a motorbike. It was only a short ride, but speeding through backstreets and main roads was unforgettable — and the breakfast was excellent too.
Back to Ho Chi Minh City
We soon boarded our mini bus back to Ho Chi Minh City, as we planned to fly to Nha Trang on Saturday night. After more noodles, baguettes, and smoothies, we arrived at the airport around 7 p.m.
We landed in Nha Trang at midnight. Everything was dark, but thankfully our hotel was decent — although, to be honest, almost anything would have been an improvement after the hostel.
But more on Nha Trang in the next exciting instalment.
Devotional Thought
Travelling through Vietnam opens your eyes. You may read or hear news about a country, but seeing life on the ground is completely different. It becomes a real, lived experience.
During our visit, it was a national holiday and Vung Tau was filled with thousands of people.
High above the city stands a statue of Jesus with His arms outstretched. Below Him, the city is busy — a place of activity, entertainment, and distraction. Very few take the time to climb the 800 steps to reach Him.
Jesus is often treated the same way today. He is acknowledged in the background, but for many, He is considered irrelevant — yet He is the Saviour of the world.
He calls people to come to Him, but it requires a decision, time, and willingness to respond.
He is Lord over all creation. He made all things, yet many of His creation do not acknowledge Him.
Like the statue overlooking Vung Tau, He stands with His arms outstretched — waiting to receive all who will come to Him.
His invitation remains:
Matthew 11:28–30
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”