Vietnam was a beautiful country and Saigon was often referred to as the "Paris of the Orient" before the war. Any struggle for independence or maintaining of the status quo is not really a struggle for "freedom", but a struggle for power. One side wants to stay in control of that power and another side wants to put them out so they can have it. But everything is changing after 35 years liberation. This is the best time to visit when the city both keep the original architecture and development. Ride through villages and local markets on both paved and dirt roads. Stops for cafe and chat to people on the way. A relaxing day to ride around the rural and discover the Vietnamese life. Ride from 20-35km in the half day outside. This will be a perfect way to get close to real life for business people or first time visitors.