What an incredible day we have had! We started early by having breakfast in the buffet fueling up for our long day of adventures. From there we met our cyclo driver and hopped onto the bikes to set off to explore the massive city.
Our first stop was the very colourful and vibrant Chinatown markets, where we navigated through small isles filled with colourful food and small gadgets. Unfortunately you could only buy items in bulk so many of us didn’t purchase anything.
Next we cycled to the Thein Hau temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess. The temples amazing architecture and atmosphere was a peaceful contrast to the busy streets outside.
After that we worked up an appetite and were treated to a beef pho for lunch, which was the perfect fuel for the rest of the day.
After having very full and content stomachs for hopped on the cyclo to head back to the hotel where we tipped and said goodbye to our driver. After a small rest we set off on foot during the intense midday heat, but all was worth it when we reached the weapons bunker which is a historical site used during the Vietnam war. The bunker was filled with replicas of the guns and ammunition used in the war, this is where some of us got the hold the (unloaded) guns!
After experiencing how heavy the guns actually were we all decided then when we get back to Perth we need to go to the gym aha. Once we left the bunker we had a short walk to the Thich Quan Duc monument, this monument is dedicated to the monk Thich Quan Duc who self immolated in front of other monks and citizens to protest the south Vietnamese governments persecution of Buddhist’s.
After walking through a pivotal moment in the Vietnamese history we decided to walk back to the hotel to enjoy some free time. Some people decided to stay in their hotel and relax while others decided to explore the local markets or swim in the refreshing pool. Once we had our free time it was time to get ready for dinner. Everyone got into their nicest outfits and set off for our last dinner in Vietnam.
Once again our stomachs were full and we were ready for bed but we had one last thing to do…. At the start of the tour we were given a challenge that we had to complete by the end of the tour, it was to buy an item that was 100,000 dong or under that represented a memory/experience, our group or the culture of Vietnam. Tonight was the night that each group had to stand up and explain to everyone else why they were worthy of winning the challenge.
It was time to vote……. AND THE WINNERS WERRRREEEEE MS FREEMAN AND MR MERRIFEILD!!!! With their “delicious” chicken feet for Mr Andrew’s to enjoy 🤢🤢🤢.
Overall today has been a very enjoyable last day with lots of adventures and new historical information learnt, we all wish you guys could join us on this experience and can’t wait to see you all at Perth airport tomorrow night!!
Goodnight everyone – love Paige and Akayla 🤍