Ho Chi Minh City: The Face of A Rapidly Changing Nation

by Bama
August 7, 2011
30 comments
Asia, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

For the past few years, Vietnam has put itself as one of the world’s fastest growing economies. After it embraced China-style capitalism-socialism hybrid economy, it has entered the world of globalization and become one of Asia’s new stars. Although Hanoi is the nation’s capital, Saigon (officially known as Ho Chi Minh City, after North Vietnam’s prominent communist figure) is the country’s biggest city and economic hub, which makes it at the forefront of years of rapid economic growth.

Once a French colony, Ho Chi Minh City keeps the best of its old colonial buildings in well-preserved condition. So, imagine a city where authentic Vietnamese culture meets French lifestyle which both blend with the most up-to-date global buzz. That is the face of Ho Chi Minh City, the face of one of Asia’s new tigers: Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City’s Night Skyline with Bitexco Financial Tower at The Background

Most of French colonial buildings are located in District 1, which is reachable on foot from the city’s backpackers’ ghetto in Pham Ngu Lao and surrounding areas. Traveling in Ho Chi Minh City is pretty similar with in other Southeast Asian big cities, except its traffic. I have never in my life witnessed any other city where motorcycles take control of almost all street lanes, literally. This makes crossing every street a little tricky to do, especially for foreigners. Years ago before I even made any plan of traveling to Vietnam, I watched at one of TV’s travel programs which said that never ever feel hesitant when crossing Ho Chi Minh City’s streets. Motorcycles are indeed everywhere and sometimes it feels hard to go through, but just walk carefully and normally people would automatically avoid you, and voilà! You’re at the other side of the street.

Municipal Theatre

Notre-Dame Basilica

Central Post Office

Central Post Office’s Interior

Capitalism by Practice, But Still Socialism by Principles

Speaking about Vietnamese foods, I must say that all of them taste great! However, for me it would be much better if they don’t put Thai basil in every food (I don’t really like the bitter taste of it).

Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

Goi Cuon (Vietnamese Spring Roll)

Ho Chi Minh City is indeed a bizarre yet fascinating city to explore.

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Based in Jakarta, always curious about the world, always fascinated by ancient temples, easily pleased by food.

30 thoughts on “Ho Chi Minh City: The Face of A Rapidly Changing Nation”

  3. Vanny says:

    I haven’t been to HCM, but the way you describe the motorcycles dominating the street lanes sounds like what I experienced in Phnom Penh!

    Like

    • Bama says:

      That’s great that you went there during Tet. I really want to go to a city when it’s celebrating something. Never done that before. Thanks for stopping by!

      Like

  5. razorazor says:

    been there..done that…hahahaha..anyway since you bombardize your fanatic reader with so many posts in a very short of time, let me just summarize my comment on this space..it’s all awesome…lol (lagi males comment atu2)

    Like

    • Bama says:

      I love architectural details. That’s why I always love going to a place which is so rich in details. Thanks for stopping by!

      Like

    • Bama says:

      Well, inside the translucent wrap there are (if I’m not mistaken) white rice noodle, meat, Thai basil (which I don’t like), and spring onions.
      They come with peanut sauce, but if you prefer hot and spicy taste, you can dip them into chili sauce instead.
      Thanks Liesh!

      Like

  10. sarwood00 says:

    I’m so glad I’ve stumbled across your blog! I’m heading out to Thailand just after Christmas and from there will be moving along to Cambodia and eventually Vietnam. I think we’ll be based in Ho Chi Minh. Any tips on “must do/see” things there?
    Sarah 🙂

    Like

    • Bama says:

      Hi Sarah. It’s funny that you mention about Thailand because right now I’m in Bangkok for an overnight transit from Sri Lanka to Myanmar.
      As for Ho Chi Minh City I must say that I didn’t see as much as I would have wanted because I only stayed in the city for a few nights. However if you like to try local food make sure to have pho and spring rolls, and if you like culture it’s a good idea to take a day trip to see the Cao Dai temple. There are a lot of tour companies to choose from.

      Like

    • Bama says:

      You’re welcome, Maria. I guess you would get some interesting photos of bathrooms in both countries. 🙂 Have a great time in Thailand and Vietnam!

      Like

  12. Len Kagami says:

    When you are crossing the street in Saigon (or anywhere in Vietnam), the more hesitate you are the more chance that you might get hit by a motorcycle because they don’t know how to avoid you 🙂 That is what I learned after a few weeks there.

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    • Bama says:

      Exactly! Just cross the street slowly and the traffic flow automatically adjust, just like the flow of water.

      Like

  13. Vy from VYLYST says:

    Come to the North, we never put Thai basil in Pho. 🙂 It is interesting that foreigners are much more sensitive towards colonial buildings than locals. I kind of overlooked the beauty of these heritage buildings until I went abroad for awhile and then come back.

    Liked by 1 person

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