Culture, Cuisine, and Unforgettable Sights
Journey to the City
We began our day traveling along the countryside that follows the Saigon River, riding in the most colourful coach we’ve ever seen—its ceiling alone looked like a tribute to the psychedelic art of the 1970s. The bright patterns set the tone for a lively introduction to Ho Chi Minh City.
National History Museum
Our first stop was the National History Museum, a peaceful retreat filled with centuries of Vietnamese cultural history. The galleries trace the country’s dynasties, traditions, and archaeological treasures, while the courtyard gardens offer a quiet, shaded space framed by tropical greenery—an inviting contrast to the city’s energy outside the gates.
I've included a brief history of Vietnam at the end of this blog post.
Reunification Palace
Next, we explored Reunification Palace also known as Independence Palace, where young women in colourful áo dài posed gracefully for photos on the grounds.
Inside, the building reveals its past through preserved rooms once used for cabinet meetings, state banquets, and official receptions. Walking through these spaces feels like stepping into a living time capsule of Vietnam’s modern history.
City Landmarks Drive
From there, we continued past several of the city’s notable landmarks: the Botanical and Zoological Gardens, the elegant City Hall, Ho Chi Minh Park, and the Rex Hotel—once the site of the U.S. military’s “Friday Night Follies” briefings. Even from the coach, these places offered glimpses into the city’s layered past and vibrant present.
Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office
We paused for photos at Notre Dame Cathedral, currently under construction but still striking with its red‑brick façade. Just across the square stands the Saigon Central Post Office, a beloved French colonial landmark designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1891. Still a functioning post office, it remains a lively gathering place where tourists and locals mingle beneath its soaring arches and vintage maps.
Lunch at Windsor Plaza Hotel
Lunch was a generous buffet at the Windsor Plaza Hotel in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, complete with live music that added a festive note to the midday break. It was a welcome chance to relax and recharge before continuing our afternoon explorations.
Enjoy a sample of their music in this YouTube Clip
Ba Thien Hau Temple
After lunch, we visited the historic Ba Thien Hau Temple in District 5’s Cholon neighbourhood. Built around 1760 by the Cantonese community, the temple honours Thien Hau, the sea goddess. During Lunar New Year, the atmosphere is especially captivating—visitors enter through clouds of incense, and large conical coils hang overhead as worshippers offer prayers and blessings.
Dat Viet Lacquer Factory
A stop at the Dat Viet Lacquer Factory offered a look at the artistry behind Vietnam’s traditional lacquerware. Watching the meticulous process—from carving to inlay to polishing—gave us a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind the pieces often seen in markets and galleries.
Ben Thanh Market
We ended the day at the bustling Ben Thanh Market, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest and most iconic landmarks. Located in District 1, the market dates back to the early 17th century and remains a lively hub of activity. Stalls overflow with local specialties, souvenirs, clothing, and fragrant Vietnamese dishes. Bartering with vendors is part of the fun, adding a lively rhythm to the shopping experience.
About the Author
Geoffrey W. Sutton has a PhD in psychology and writes about psychology, culture, and travel.
Website: https://www.suttong.com/
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Enjoy the funny and entertaining language gap in
on AMAZON
A Brief Summary of Vietnamese History
Vietnam’s history is shaped by resilience, cultural blending, and centuries of struggle for independence. Early Vietnamese societies emerged in the Red River Delta, developing rice‑growing communities and the famous Đông Sơn culture known for its bronze drums. For nearly a thousand years, much of northern Vietnam lived under Chinese rule, a period that deeply influenced Vietnamese language, governance, and traditions—yet also sparked repeated uprisings and a strong sense of national identity. After gaining independence in the 10th century, Vietnam was ruled by a succession of local dynasties, expanded southward, and developed a rich cultural mix of Chinese, Southeast Asian, and later French influences.
In the mid‑19th century, France colonized Vietnam, incorporating it into French Indochina and leaving a lasting architectural and culinary legacy still visible in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. World War II and the collapse of colonial rule set the stage for the First Indochina War, followed by the Vietnam War—a conflict that deeply shaped global politics and remains a major reference point for Western visitors. After reunification in 1975, Vietnam gradually opened its economy, transforming into one of Southeast Asia’s fastest‑growing nations. Today, travelers encounter a country where ancient temples, colonial boulevards, and modern skylines coexist—each reflecting a chapter of Vietnam’s long, layered story.
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