Saigon Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam ~ 2007

 

 

Arriving Saigon Tan Son Nhat airport

 

Exploring HCM city

 

Best Phở Hòa Pasteur restaurant in HCM

 The Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, which is located in District 1, is arguably Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous landmark. And with its two tall bell towers, it is definitely one of its most visible. The cathedral was originally built between 1863 and 1880 and was constructed on a site where a Vietnamese pagoda once stood. All of the materials for the red brick Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral were imported from France. For many years, it was known as the Saigon Church, but then in 1962, the structure was elevated to a basilica. Its name was also changed to Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica at that time, and it also became the chief cathedral for the country.

The red-brick Notre Dame Cathedral is a distinctive landmark in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Its twin square towers rise almost 60 meters above the city, capped by iron spires. The exterior consists of red bricks from Marseille, and the clock between the two bell towers was built in Switzerland in 1887.

Notable features of the interior include 56 squares of stained glass by Lorin from Chartres, France; the 12 pillars representing the 12 apostles; and one of Vietnam's oldest organs. To see the interior, try visiting in the morning or attending a Sunday mass.

 

 

 

 

The Saigon Central Post Office is not just a stunning building; it is also one of Ho Chi Minh’s oldest structures. Construction on this building, which was designed by Gustave Eiffel, began in 1886. This concourse of this grand building features several painted maps, and there is also a mosaic of the country’s former president, Ho Chi Minh, at the end of the large hall. This building, which features an elegant high vaulted ceiling, a beautiful tiled floor, and old-fashioned phone booths, is an actual working post office and is free to visit. There are also shops in the Saigon Central Post Office where visitors can purchase postcards and other souvenirs.

 

 

 

The War Remnants Museum is one of the most popular museums in Vietnam, with harrowing exhibits related to the horrors of war in this battle-worn nation. The museum primarily focuses on the Vietnam War, however, some exhibits relate to the first Indochina War with French colonialists.

Most of the displays are photographic images, and some of these are confronting - especially the graphic shots of child Agent Orange victims. Artifacts on display include a guillotine and the "tiger cages" used for Viet Cong prisoners.

Many argue that the museum's approach is biased; however, the exhibits poignantly portray the brutality of war. The museum also includes a fascinating display on the work of war photographers, from both sides, who lost their lives during the conflicts.

Period military vehicles and weapons are displayed in the museum's courtyard. After touring the countryside and the Cu Chi Tunnels, you'll find these exhibits even more moving, but note that some of the exhibits are not suitable for small children.