Saigon – Encounter the unexpected
Travelling to Vietnam, head to the south of this S-shaped country and you’ll reach Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon; Saigon was the name bestowed on the city by the French, making it the capital of Cochin Chine and later of the republic of South Vietnam.
In the 17th century, Nguyen Huu Canh, a Vietnamese noble, was sent by the Nguyen dynasty from Hue to establish Vietnamese administrative structures in the area, making him ever after accredited with the expansion of Saigon into a significant settlement.
Colonised by French in 19th century, the city was much influenced by them during their occupation through a number of classical European-style buildings and French villas in the city.
Ho Chi Minh City today is considered as Vietnam’s economic motor, a hub for sciences, technology and business. Alongside the high rise modern buildings, cosmopolitan shopping malls and financial towers are the charming old alleys, quaint houses and architecture reminiscent of bygone years.
As an old Parisian’s ritual, Saigonese people start their day with a cup of coffee. Cà-phê Sữa Đá, a white coffee with condensed milk by Vietnamese style, is a much stronger and sweeter version of the latte coffee of the Western countries; a bittersweet combination that you should not miss.
Photo by VSCA
Step into the city’s central district to discover wide elegant boulevards and historic French colonial buildings, the most prominent sites in the city centre are the Reunification Palace, City Hall, Opera House, City Post Office and the renowned Notre-Dame Cathedral. They are relatively close to each other allowing travellers to take a leisurely stroll through Saigon’s chequered but vibrant memoirs.
Besides a heavy European influence on both architecture and lifestyle, a Cantonese/Chinese presence can be felt through various districts of Saigon. Thien Hau Pagoda, Hao Sy Phuong Alley and Cho Lon Market are among the cultural and spiritual venues located in District 5 representing the hospitality of Saigonese people: embracing, open-minded and accepting diversity.
Talking about Saigonese people, it is not everywhere in Vietnam that tourists can sample that many accents in one single city like in Ho Chi Minh City. There is no such thing as “original Saigonese”, if you live in Saigon long enough and you love this city strongly, then you are considered a “Saigonese”. That’s why we have Saigonese people speaking Northern accents, Southern accents, and even Central coast accent. People from all over Vietnam, Vietnamese expats coming back from across the globe abode this city, making it their homes, bringing their regional cuisine and investing their money to foster it. Ho Chi Minh City takes them all in its heart, that’s why the city is like a huge mosaic mural representing various cultures, arts, cuisine, fashion and religions.
As the city’s name unofficially rotates between Saigon and Ho Chi Minh City, the city itself is a unique blend where you can find the modern and forward-looking traits side by side with reserved hidden gems. Unlock Saigon with your own perspective; let the city captivate you through the charms of an extraordinary journey.
