Description
Saigon (a.k.a Ho Chi Minh city nowadays), once “The Pearl of the Far East” is the second largest city in Vietnam, only topped by Hanoi - Vietnam's capital city.
Saigon attracted people from all over the country coming here to reclaim the land and settle. Later during the mid and late 19th century it became the principal city of Cochin China under the French rule. Then Saigon served as the capital city of South Vietnam from 1956 to 1975 till the unification of the country. Today, the city has emerged as the center of commerce, economy, education, science and technology, health care and tourism of Vietnam. Resultantly, it becomes one of the most overcrowded city in Vietnam. It's vibrating with energy, innovation and traffic – lots of traffic actually. Saigon's dynamic cityscape draws together old and new Vietnam in the most compact of spaces, representing the city’s past as well as its future. The young generations are really caring and embracing the past culture (especially the 1975s era), as the love for classic Vespas, Honda 67, radios, cassettes, clothing styles,... has been rising stronger and stronger.
Here are some of the best thing to do when you visit Saigon (from my point of view)
1. Crossing the street
I know it sounds stupid, but trust me, it feels like a hazardous but thrilling experience even for local citizens. This matter has been discussed by tourists visiting Saigon or Hanoi all over the internet. The overcrowded population results in a chaotic and heavy traffic, so crossing the road ain't no easy task. Here's a tip for you: be confident and predictable, raise your hand up as a sign. Cars and motorbikes will move around to avoid you, and you'll feel like you're a god of traffic or something while crossing the road.
2. Exploring the street on a motorcycle
Feel the speed, suffer the chaos, sense the energetic, vigorous pulse of the city. Evening is the best time to do this. The city's lights perform a romantic, vividly lightshow, and the street feels less like a chore to move.
3. Enjoying the street food
Visiting Vietnam without trying treet food is the 8th sins of human. Such rich culture comes with variaty of cuisines. Some of the best food to try while you're visiting Saigon: Pho (of phoking course), Bánh Mì, southern-style savoury pancakes (Bánh Kèo) and broken rice (Cơm Tấm).
4. Let's explore the land!
Once your stomach's satisfied, it's time to go on an adventure! Walk down Đồng Khởi street to acquaint yourself with the Notre Dame Cathedral, the city's Central Post Office, and the Saigon Opera House. On a more local level, Bến Thành Market and the Jade Emperor Pagoda are worth a visit. Around District 1, a host of old apartments and former office buildings have been repurposed as shopping centres. Decades-old buildings such as 22 Lý Tự Trọng and 42 Nguyễn Huệ are brimming with all kinds of fascinating stores. The Chinese neighbourhood known as Chợ Lớn is great for exploring on foot. Head for Bình Tây Market, a colossal wholesale trading centre, and Thiên Hậu Pagoda, an atmospheric temple that pays homage to the goddess of the sea.
Artwork by Puiback using Blender.
1920x1080px || 24 fps
Song by Isehgal
https://www.fiverr.com/isehgal