Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Saigon : City on the Move

Colonial Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a metropolis on the move and I am not just talking about the City's plentiful motorbikes. Historically known as Saigon, it is Vietnam's most dizzying, high-octane city of commerce and culture that has driven the whole forward with its limitless energy and booming economy.

Statue of Ho Chi Minh in front of City Hall

Notre Dame Cathedral

Wander through alleys to ancient pagodas or teeming markets, past ramshackle wooden shops selling silk and spices, before fast-forwarding into the future beneath sky scrapers and mammoth malls. The ghosts of the past live on in the churches, temples, former GI hotels and government buildings that one generation ago witnessed a city in turmoil.

Inside the Cathedral

Old Saigon Post Office Interior

Among the interesting landmarks to visit in colonial Ho Chi Minh City are the War Museum and the former Presidential Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall.

Continental Hotel

Facade of the Old Saigon Post Office

Whether you want to relive the colonial experience in sumptuous French-era hotels or seek out the cheapest guesthouse, classiest restaurants or street food, designer boutique or the serum of the markets, Saigon has it all. Put simply, there is nowhere else quite like it.

Central Park in front of The Opera House

Flowery Night Scape

All in all, this Saigon experience is brief but nonetheless memorable for even for just a couple of days I have learned to mingle with the locals, taste their savory noodles and banh-mi, and crossed its busy street without being run-over by its thousand motorcycles plying in its streets.

Opera House at Night

34 comments:

  1. It is a beautiful city and has grown/recovered from the war in Vietnam years ago. My husband served there and I have many memories and photos of those times. Wonderful tour/captures for the day as always, Oman!! Hope your week is going well!

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    1. Thanks Sylvia, the week has been normal but the weekend will be great 'coz i will spend it down south in a beach :)

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  2. What I like about the city of Saigon is that you feel safe roaming around and feel easily blend with the locals. The vibe of the city is energetic with a fusion of French and Asian vibe. 'Glad you enjoy HCMC.

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    1. I agree Ian, I used to think Saigon is chaotic because that is how I see it in movies but I am totally wrong. Saigon is clean and safe despite of the thousands of motorcycles plying the streets.

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  3. I would like to visit this city and the country someday.

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    1. You shouls Photo Cache and you will enjoy the place immensely.

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  4. So near yet so elusive, Saigon I will come to you soon.

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    1. You can do it Allan, sooner than later dapat.

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  5. Oman: Such wonderful captures in your view of the city.

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  6. Wonderful captures from your city.
    Thank you for showing us.

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    1. Thanks you Karen. Saigon has vibrant colors everywhere.

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    1. Kaya dapat pumunta ka na sa Saigon Vanessa.

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  9. sama naman ako next time! i want to take a vacation too. meron ka bang alam na cruise or tour to southeast asian countries?

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    1. hi reena, yeah marami cruise sa asian countries ako nakikita pero di ko pa na-try mag cruise eh. cge will check some out if you are interested.

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  10. Your images are fabulous Oman..Everyone I know who has been there enjoyed it so much, I can see why!

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    1. Thanks PerthDailyPhoto, it is easy to fall in love with Saigon :)

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  11. Hi There, Thanks for coming back to my blog... I have missed you. Please come back often...

    Saigon is such a gorgeous city...All I knew about Saigon was what I saw during the war...It seems as if the city has recovered really well. So beautiful. I especially like that cathedral. WOW!

    Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. Hi Betsy, you are very much welcome. I do love the Notre Dame Cathedral specially in the morning when the sun shone brightly in its entirety. :)

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  12. I've not been to Saigon but I've heard it has changed dramatically since my friends fought a war there. This is certainly a beautiful photo. Thanks for stopping by The Villages blog.

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    1. Yup, a place known for war has resurrected into something awesome.

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  13. nice...i like the architecture...and the statues around you city...
    rather like that etching in the stone as well...

    curious, to what sentiment do you disagree?

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  14. Your photos of the city is so beautiful. I only remember the last time I went HCM was so rushing with the package tour company. Maybe one day I will try DIY tour at HCM.

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    1. Yup. So many places to explore that ordinary tour packages don't cover.

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  15. with your photos and post, just makes me wanna go to Saigon. galing!

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  16. The building in the photo is stunning!

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    1. Some colonial structures with French influence :)

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  17. Beautiful photos!!! Thank you so much for sharing this tour.

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