Great Asian Railway Journeys

S01E07 Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet

With his trusty 1913 Bradshaw’s Guide in hand, Michael Portillo embarks on a remarkable journey aboard the Unification Railway, traveling a thousand miles from the bustling Ho Chi Minh City in the south to the vibrant capital of Hanoi in the north, concluding his adventure amidst the stunning emerald waters of Halong Bay. Using his guide, Michael delves into the tumultuous 20th-century history of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which was once a French colony. During this segment, he navigates the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City on a motorbike, joining the daily throng of 8.5 million riders. He also tries his hand at the national sport, da cau, and enjoys the delicious fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine with a banh mi.