November 7, 2023

November 7, 2023: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam - Saigon's Sensational Sights: From Pho to French Legacy

Greetings from Ho Chi Minh City!

As I navigate the pulsating arteries of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, the air buzzes with the symphony of motorbikes and vendors. Each street corner tells a story, each aroma narrates history – a city where the warmth of Vietnam meets the whispers of its French colonial past.

Morning Pho and French Boulevards

My morning begins with a steaming bowl of Pho – Vietnam's soul in a bowl. The rich, clear broth simmers for hours, embracing the tender slices of beef and the soft rice noodles. A squeeze of lime, a handful of basil, and the crunch of bean sprouts complete the ritual. Sitting on a low plastic stool at a street-side stall, I slurp the nourishing soup as the city stirs to life.

Post breakfast, I stroll the French boulevards, where the grandeur of European architecture is etched against the Saigon sky. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the Central Post Office stand as remnants of a bygone era, their presence a stark contrast to the city's modern dynamism.

Lunch: Colonial Flavors in Modern Saigon

Lunch is an affair that blends past and present. I find myself in a refurbished colonial building, now a contemporary eatery serving Banh Xeo, the iconic Vietnamese crispy pancake. Filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, it's a nod to the French crêpe yet so intrinsically Vietnamese with its turmeric-infused batter and fresh herbs.

Afternoon: Coffee Culture and Congenial Spaces

The French legacy is undeniable in Saigon's café culture. The city is dotted with charming coffee houses where the air is thick with the scent of robusta beans. I take a seat in one such café, with tiled floors and antique furniture, sipping on a Ca Phe Sua Da. The rich, dark coffee drips slowly over a layer of sweet condensed milk – a concoction that commands your attention and respect.

Evening: Street Food and Saigon’s Skylines

As dusk embraces Saigon, I meander through the alleyways to join the locals at a Bánh Mì stand. The Vietnamese sandwich, a culinary souvenir from the French, is a burst of flavors and textures. Crusty bread filled with pâté, meats, and pickled vegetables – a perfect handheld testament to the fusion that defines this city.

I cap off my night on a rooftop bar overlooking the city's skyline. The view is breathtaking, the skyscrapers ablaze with lights, standing tall amidst the colonial architecture. Below, the kinetic energy of the streets continues unabated.

Reflections on a Day in Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City is a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, culture, and history. Its food is not just sustenance but stories on a plate – tales of empires, wars, and peace, of locals holding onto their traditions while embracing change.

As I retire to my abode for the night, the flavors of the day linger on my palate, and the images of Saigon's streets etch themselves into my memory. This city is a lesson in contrasts and harmony, a place where every traveler finds a piece of history and a sense of belonging.

Till Next Time, 

Buster V