Vietnam is the 18th biggest country in Asia in terms of area and is ranked 67th worldwide. Ho Chi Minh Sarani is named after a Vietnamese revolutionary leader and is currently the largest city in the country by population. Saigon is its other name, and the city has gorgeous architecture, a wealth of culture, and excellent driving roads. Not only is it a beautiful and inexpensive place to spend a holiday, but also a great city to drive around. After Taiwan, Vietnam has the second largest motorcycle ownership in the world, and just like we do in India, remember to look at both sides before crossing the road. Surprisingly you will hardly see cops on roads and very few traffic cameras. Still, people need to honk more and maintain speed limits. The office hours start at 8 am, and the hustle continues till 5 pm. As the sun peeked over the horizon, the engine of the Jeep Wrangler roared to life, signalling the start of an extraordinary adventure. Extraordinary because the Jeep Wrangler that I had got had massive tyres, LT 305 / 55 R20, beautiful rims and a colour which I had never imagined would look so sexy on a Jeep - Blue. Our intrepid group embarked on a road trip from Ho Chi Minh Sarani, ready to uncover the treasures that lay in wait.
Traffic crawls at 8 am, but once you are out of it, roads are laid out to perfection just like you have in America, and you have an American Muscle with a head-turning gesture from most onlookers. Jeep Wrangler is very expensive to own in Vietnam and costs more than two 1 BHK suburban apartments costing around INR 1.6 Crores. Leaving the vibrant chaos of Ho Chi Minh City behind, we ventured towards the historic Chu Chi Tunnels. The Wrangler effortlessly manoeuvred through traffic, carrying us deeper into the countryside, and had to be careful not to speed up because of the large tyres. As we explored the intricate network of tunnels, once utilised by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, we gained a profound appreciation for the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. Crawling through the narrow passages, our hearts filled with awe and gratitude for those who had endured such hardships. A big salute to the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese to fight such a length of wars smiling from these hidden tunnels and forcing the Americans to return back.
Leaving the past behind, we continued our journey to Independence Palace, an iconic symbol of Vietnam’s struggle for freedom. The Jeep gracefully glided along the bustling streets of Saigon, bringing us to this grand architectural masterpiece. Walking through the hallowed halls and rooms that witnessed pivotal moments in history, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence for the past. The Wrangler stood proudly outside, patiently awaiting our return, a symbol of resilience against the backdrop of an evolving nation. Next on our list was a yearning for relaxation; we set our course towards the captivating coastal beauty of Mui Ne Beach. The Jeep Wrangler traversed the winding roads, showcasing its off-road prowess. As we arrived, our eyes were greeted by the sight of golden sand dunes merging with the azure sea. The Wrangler effortlessly glided along the shoreline, allowing us to relish in the stunning panoramas that stretched as far as our eyes could see. We embraced the tranquillity of the beach, indulging in the warmth of the sun and the gentle caress of the sea breeze. The road to Mui Ne was 185 km one way, but more than 125 km was a straight line drawn on a map with greenery all around. Though it’s not a five-lane highway, there was absolutely no traffic, and one-way driving was relaxing.
Mui Ne is a beach destination, with an ATV adventure spot which we could not go to and red sand dunes where I could use the sand mode, but the good-looking tyres had to be deflated to do unlimited sand bashing. With the sun also at its peak, it also restricted us from going full swing. But it was a great combination of a relaxing beach and adventure-seeking red sand dunes.
Vietnam is a cash economy because cash plays a significant role despite its cosmopolitan nature. If you want to have a comfortable journey here, it’s best to carry plenty of change. On landing, it’s a good idea to convert all your currency to the Vietnamese Dong, a currency that isn’t readily available outside the country. You’ll find some instances when you can use your card, but from short rides to quick snacks and impromptu plans, transactions will be cash-based here and get used to million-dollar payments since 285 dongs is equivalent to just One INR. I used to pay 70,000 Dong for a night parking the Wrangler! One hearty meal of 6 pax and the cheque amount was 19 lakh Dongs!
From the historical depths of Chu Chi Tunnels to the grandeur of Independence Palace and the serene beauty of Mui Ne Beach, Vietnam has shared its tales with us in the most captivating ways. The Jeep Wrangler had been our steadfast companion throughout, navigating us through Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and ensuring we reached each destination with comfort and style. With a mixture of sadness and gratitude, we bid farewell to Vietnam, knowing that our adventure along Ho Chi Minh Sarani would forever hold a special place in our hearts. The Jeep Wrangler, now an inseparable part of our journey, carried us back to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, reminding us of the extraordinary stories we had lived and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
