It’s not a very picturesque city, but I suspect that has been true since the time of the Vietnam War. It doesn’t have the same long history as Hanoi (3,000 years!) so didn’t have the time to develop interesting old districts like Hanoi’s old city. This is who Saigon is and it’s generally unapologetic about it.
In Saigon’s oldest district, called District 1, there are still vestiges of French colonialism going back 75-100 years, but for the most part Saigon has moved on and is ready to embrace the 21st century. So you have old shops next to bright new shops next to shopping centers. But there is still some of old Saigon left to see if you keep your eyes open.
A street sweeper’s main tool.
Getting a much needed haircut from your barber.
A classic photo of someone who has seen it all in Saigon.
And then around the next corner you see modern Saigon. A happy bride getting her wedding photos taken outside the Opera House.
And just like in Hanoi the cyclos were everywhere. This one only seats four.
We have a strong affinity for Asia and Vietnam in particular. It was just nice to be here and experience the culture, the food, and especially the people. We’d always come back here.
Tomorrow we get to the heart of our trip as we leave for mysterious Sri Lanka!
