Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon Landmarks, Vietnam

Today off we go to the far east! More precisely to Vietnam's Capital, the beautiful Ho Chi Minh. I must leave here a big thanks to Jane from Coach Jane Lee - I'm almost on the other side of the world so who knows when I'll be able to go there - But I loved the tour :) Thanks again and words to you Jane!

Ho Chi Minh City (Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh) formerly known as Saigon is Vietnam’s largest city. Everywhere you looked, one sees the modern skyline alongside the colonial buildings, traditional temples and pagodas. Notice the French influence with all the structural architectural design of the buildings as well as with the cuisine. It’s a thriving city with all the hustle and bustle.

The Vietnamese use motorbike, motor scooters, and bicycles as a means of transportation and crossing the street was quite an experience itself. There are crossing guards dressed in green uniforms with white gloves that will assist you with crossing the street. Bottom-line just walk slow so the bikes and motorcycles see you and they will either go around you or in front of you.

Amazing walking down the streets in District 1, there are tons of shops and people outside peddling their wares. From tangerines, lychees to tee shirts; people with flyers on street corners trying to sell manicures and pedicures. Who could ask for anything more? It’s a shopper’s paradise.

Above, and not to be missed, the Reunification Palace. Formerly known as the Independence Palace - this 1960’s style palace was stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 - “The Fall of Saigon”. Bellow and also a must see, the Post Office, a three story building that is French architecturally designed. Right across is the Saigon-Norte Dame Basilica.

To end, a list of the top 10 things you to do while visiting Ho Chi Minh City include:

• Enjoy a cup of Vietnamese Coffee


• Try the Vietnamese cuisine and Taste a Bowl of Pho- It’s a soup with rice - Can be ordered with Beef (Pho Bo) or Chicken (Pho Ga)


• Tailor made shirts and suits


• Shopping for Vietnamese Silk


• Shop for Lacquer ware


• Visit the market


• Visit the night market opens 5PM


• Take a scenic cruise along the Saigon River


• See the Water Puppet Show


• Day trip to the Mekong Delta- Life on the river

One final thanks to Jane for this Vietnam's insights and beautiful pictures and I'm guessing that I'll try to convince you to write another one :)