January 22, 2026
Vancouver to Ho Chi Minh City
My trip here started a little dicey with an email from Air Canada saying that they were expecting fog delays. When I got the message it was sunshine but we had fog all week so that made sense. It was too late to change flights so I just had to hope that everything would work out and it turned out to not be an issue.
The first flight was the longest of my life at 16 hours overnight. I managed to sleep enough to feel like I could function once off the plane. I had a 3 hour layover in Singapore and then a nice short flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Once in the airport things felt hectic and very different from home. I thought we would gather our bags before immigration but I quickly encountered a massive line for immigration. Fortunately it moved fairly quickly and I was through in 30 minutes.
I found my bike box right by the baggage carousel which is always a huge relief.
From there I bought an eSIM (I went with the carrier recommended for the best coverage outside of cities called Viettel) and then asked someone at tourist information about cabs. Next thing I know I’m negotiating the rate and then I’m being whisked through masses of people to a waiting SUV. It was great service!
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4 days ago
The traffic was chaos with bumper to bumper traffic and scooters weaving in and out. I was grateful not to be riding. It was definitely a bit of culture shock.
The hotel was down an alley and tricky to find but I made it! I quickly dropped my bike box and belongings in the room and headed out on foot for some groceries, cash and an early dinner.
It’s awkward walking on the sidewalks in places because scooters are often parked right across the sidewalk. The curbs angle off onto the road and you have to look to dodge the scooters. I’m glad I went for a walk because it gave me time to observe the stop light etiquette and generally build up confidence to ride through the chaos tomorrow.
Back at my room I got my bike back together quickly and packed it for the ride. I don’t have much stuff so I’m excited that it will be light and the roads mostly flat to start. I haven’t been riding at all so I feel like I’ll have to work myself back into shape for long rides.
Early to bed to swing myself over to this time zone and catch up from the long travel day.
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