Saigon vs Ho Chi Minh City - Traditional Cultures and Modern City

Although this may be starting to sound redundant, the morning dawned even more beautiful than the last with the sky lit up the deepest coral I have seen yet.  Fortunately, last night's rain was short lived.

After a quick breakfast we bid farewell to this lovely resort and headed back to Danang airport for the one hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon as the locals --and yours truly -- still prefer.  Relatively young in Vietnamese history (about 300 years) , the city still contains aspects of French, Vietnamese., Chinese, Soviet and US influences  Immediately, I noticed  the more cosmopolitan atmosphere of this city over Hanoi.

Before checking into our hotel, we stopped at the War Remnants Museum.  Initially opened in 1975 as the Museum of American War Crimes, its controversial name was changed in 1997 as part of conditions dictated by the US government in trade negotiations.  I was surprised at what an excellent exhibition was featured in the very poignant Requiem Hall,  The exhibit here contained a  large collection of photos taken by 134 photojournalists from 11 nations who were killed in the conflict.  These photos provided a truly a sobering reminder of the horrors of war for both sides, and the room was eerily quiet as each person became absorbed in his own thoughts and emotions.

From here we stopped briefly at the Saigon Central Post Office, a classic colonial building designed in 1891 and still containing such items as old-fashioned pots of glue for stamps.




 Another stop for photos was at the Notre Dame Cathedral built in 1880 making it the oldest church in Vietnam. The French were responsible for building the Cathedral as well as the spread of Catholicism to Vietnam giving it the 2nd largest Catholic population in Southeast Asia after the Philippines.

By now our rooms were ready at The Caravelle Hotel which is one of the most historic hotels in the city.  This name became a household word during the Vietnam War as it was home to the AP, NBC, CBS, New York Times and the Washington Post.  Located  in Lam Son Square, its central location allowed me to make a quick expedition to nearby shops.

Dinner tonight at The Temple Club proved to be one of our favorite meals.  Not only was the food delicious but the decor was charming. 

Tomorrow is a big day as we are off to see the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels.  Early start so will call it a day.
Linda

.