Ho Chi Minh City reminded me of Johannesburg, with its focus on business and capitalism. On the other hand, its sister city Hanoi, surrounded by ageless beauty, reminds one more of Cape Town, with the emphasis on a laid-back lifestyle.

In HCMC we stayed at the five-star Caravelle Hotel, whose outstanding feature is the Saigon Saigon Bar, situated on the tenth floor. This drinking establishment dates back to 1959 and seems to have maintained much of its original charm.

Fine dining