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The Khmers originally settled this region,
the Vietnamese taking over from the 17th century onwards.
The French who conquered Saigon in 1859,
making it the capital of Cochin China in 1862, extended and
embellished the city with broad boulevards and elegant architecture.
At the peak of the War in 1969 the city held
4.5 million inhabitants but was all evacuated when if fell
to the North in 1975.
The current population is thought to be as
many as 6-7 million. The inhabitants were so reluctant to
adopt the new name that the authorities compromised, allowing
the central area to be called 'Saigon' whilst the official
name of the city is Ho Chi Minh.
Giac Lam Pagoda
Thought to be the oldest in the city, dating from 1744, the
temple reflects interesting elements of Taoism and Confucianism
as well as Buddhism.
Jade Emoeror Pagoda
Built in 1909, this impressively colorful and incense-filled
Chinese temple contains a plethora of remarkable statues and
figures.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Deprived of its original stained glass windows as a result
of WW2 fighting, the two 40 metre high towers of ths Neo Romanesque
building dominate the skyline. It was completed in 1883.
XaLoi Pagoda
Built in 1956, and housing a sacred relic of the Buddha,
several monks used this location for self-immolation in protest
against the American involvement in Vietnam.
Mariamman Hindu Temple
Built towards the end of the 19th century and dedicated to
the Hindi Goddess Mariamman, this interesting temple is also
revered by many non-Hindus, and said to have miraculous powers.
Reunification Palace
Recorded for posterity on television news-reels, this was
where the first Communist tanks broke through on April 30,
1975, followed by a soldier unfurling a North Vietnamese flag
from an upper floor balcony. His historic place provides some
fascinating sights, not least the basement tunnels and communications
centre.
War Remnants Museum
A well visited but chilling reminder of the Vietnam War,
with an assortment of American military pieces and armaments,
plus various other exhibits and photographs all attesting
to the hideous suffering caused by any kind of war.
Revolutionary Museum
Many interesting exhibits depicting the communist struggle
for independence on display inside this beautiful white neo-classical
building.
History Museum
A good collection of displays and illustrations depicting
the cultural evolution of the country from early times, plus
valuable exhibits originally from Angkor Wat.
The Art Museum
A broad spectrum of exhibits, including contemporary paintings,
some of which are for sale. The museum also houses older and
interesting works, including some valuable Cham, Indian and
Khmer pieces.
Cong Vien Van Hoa Park - Formerly a recreational enclave for
the French, this elegant tree-shaded sports club has numerous
tennis courts and a swimming pool which are open to the public
for a reasonable fee. There are also a gym, and table tennis
facilities.
Artex Saigon Orchid Farm
One of several in the outskirts of the city, this farm has
a vast collection of blooms, including several rare varieties.
Orchid lovers will enjoy a visit here.
Bink Quoi Tourist Village
As the name suggests, this is tailor made for package holiday
makers, but nonetheless offers a pleasant choice of activities
including water puppet shows, boat rides, and river cruises.
Thre is an evening dinner cruise complete with cultural show.
Near Ho Chi Minh City
Cu Chi Tunnels
About a one-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, this mazeof
underground tunnels is built on several levels, and measures
a total of almost 250 km. The soil above is between 3 to 4
metres thick, and can support a 50-ton tank. The network provided
accommodation, meeting rooms, mess halls, hospitals, an operating
theatre, and even a miniature cinema. It housed an underground
army whose insistent guerilla strately defeated their superior
firepower. It gives the visitor a glimpse of the extraordinary
fighting spirit of the Vietnamese people - the same spirit
that vanquished the French at Dien Bien Phu in 1954. The connecting
tunnels are a claustrophobic 0.5 to 1 metres wide, just enough
space for a person to crawl in. Some of them have been modified
to accommodate visitors.
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