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Travel Logs March 2017

Compulsive Traveler

Great Things to Do in Saigon

By Sandra Scott

The immense network of underground tunnels was constructed as hiding spots for Viet Cong soldiers. They also served as communication and supply centers with hospitals, kitchens and living areas. It is a testament to the determination and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people. Some people were born and raised in the tunnels.

Is it Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City? Ho Chi Minh City has been the official name since the fall of Saigon in 1975, but both are in use. Over the years Vietnam has been occupied by several countries but with the defeat of the French in the 1950s, Ho Chi Minh became the president of the new North Vietnam and later the entire country of Vietnam. Though he died in 1969 he is still a hero to the people and referred to with fondness as “Uncle Ho.” There are many unique attractions in and around HCM City.

  1. War Remnants Museum: Some of the presentations can be unnerving so go there first and get it over with. It covers both the Indochina War with the French and what Americans call the Vietnam War and the Vietnamese call the American War.

  2. Cu Chi tunnels: The immense network of underground tunnels was constructed as hiding spots for Viet Cong soldiers. They also served as communication and supply centers with hospitals, kitchens and living areas. It is a testament to the determination and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people. Some people were born and raised in the tunnels.

  3. Cao Dai Temple: Just outside the city is the “Holy See” center of the Cao Dai religion. The religion began in 1926 and incorporated aspects of several religions. Try to be there for one of their services. Not only is the temple extremely colorful so are the services which visitors can watch from the balcony.

  4. Other religions: There are several other places of worship worth a visit. The 1880s Notre Dame Cathedral is located in the city center. The Jade Emperor Pagoda was built in 1909 by the Chinese Taoist to serve the community. The colorful Mariamman Hindu Temple is believed to bring luck and wealth to its visitors.

  5. Mekong: The Mekong Delta is the rice bowl of Vietnam and in sharp contrast to the bustling city of Saigon. There are boats, houses and markets in and along the many canals and tributaries of the mighty Mekong. There are also a variety of temples and the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House.

  6. Cooking classes: Several hotels offer cooking demonstrations but for a full-fledged cooking experience, the Saigon Cooking Class offers half-day and whole day hands-on classes with a trip to the market to buy ingredients. They also offer a walking food tour.

  7. Binh Thanh Market: The large market place located in the center of the city is one of the oldest buildings in Saigon. It is the place to purchase local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs along with local cuisine. To shop with the locals go to Binh Tay Market in the heart of Chinatown. It was built by the French in the 1880s.

  8. Reunification Palace: Some may remember pictures from 1975 when the North Vietnamese army tank smashed through the gates of the center of allied command and where the North Vietnamese claimed victory in the “American” War. It seems to be frozen in time.

  9. Paris Square: The square is a hub with food carts and other vendors but the main reason to visit is to see the Post Office, built by the French is 1891, the well preserved post office is a wonderful example of French colonial architecture.

  10. River tours: For a relaxing time away from the hubbub of the city, take a tour on the Saigon River. There are several options – visit the mangroves, a floating temple, a quiet village, and there is even a high-speed boat trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

 

Sandra Scott travels the globe recording the top attractions at every destination.

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