Futuristic metropolises, temples, coffee with eggs, beer with ice, a hallucinatory traffic of scooters, dream beaches, war memories, and a kind and hospitable people.
Day 1 – Ho Chi Minh City
Seeing the world is beautiful, but sometimes you have to face a truly exhausting journey, sleeping on the plane, badly, and facing the time difference.
So on the first day we were definitely exhausted. Six hours flight to Doha, 3 at the airport, and another 7 to Ho Chi Minh City, the ancient Saigon, in the south of the country, from where we will start our journey.
Landed at 7 am, we hoped that there would be a bar or something similar in the airport, but instead nothing, so we settled for a stall just outside. Fortunately, the hotel did not make us wait long for the room, and after a shower we went out to see the center, or the Dong Khoi area.
Ho Chi Minh is a metropolis full of contrasts. Typically Asian neighborhoods of stalls and varied humanity, French colonial buildings and futuristic skyscrapers stand side by side.
So we came across the "street of books", Van Binh, only 100 meters away but with about twenty bookstores and stationery shops that are the joy of bibliophiles and photographers, craft stalls, a few cafes, and a good number of tourists.
Seeing the world is beautiful, but sometimes you have to face a truly exhausting journey, sleeping on the plane, badly, and facing the time difference.
So on the first day we were definitely exhausted. Six hours flight to Doha, 3 at the airport, and another 7 to Ho Chi Minh City, the ancient Saigon, in the south of the country, from where we will start our journey.
Landed at 7 am, we hoped that there would be a bar or something similar in the airport, but instead nothing, so we settled for a stall just outside. Fortunately, the hotel did not make us wait long for the room, and after a shower we went out to see the center, or the Dong Khoi area.
Ho Chi Minh is a metropolis full of contrasts. Typically Asian neighborhoods of stalls and varied humanity, French colonial buildings and futuristic skyscrapers stand side by side.
So we came across the "street of books", Van Binh, only 100 meters away but with about twenty bookstores and stationery shops that are the joy of bibliophiles and photographers, craft stalls, a few cafes, and a good number of tourists.
In the afternoon we visited the most modern part of HCMC, with designer shops, communist flags and futuristic skyscrapers.
The most emblematic is undoubtedly the "Bitexco financial tower": 262 meters, 68 floors, inaugurated in 2010, designed by Carlos Zapata, it is inspired by a lotus bud, symbol of Vietnam. From the "Skydeck" on the 49th floor you have a breathtaking view of the neighborhood, an ultra-modern skyline that looks like something out of a movie.
Eastern cities do not place major constraints on builders, who are generally free to destroy existing buildings and have no limits on square footage. The result is decidedly futuristic areas, difficult to find in Europe, where respect for the ancient and harmony prevails.
The most emblematic is undoubtedly the "Bitexco financial tower": 262 meters, 68 floors, inaugurated in 2010, designed by Carlos Zapata, it is inspired by a lotus bud, symbol of Vietnam. From the "Skydeck" on the 49th floor you have a breathtaking view of the neighborhood, an ultra-modern skyline that looks like something out of a movie.
Eastern cities do not place major constraints on builders, who are generally free to destroy existing buildings and have no limits on square footage. The result is decidedly futuristic areas, difficult to find in Europe, where respect for the ancient and harmony prevails.
Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City
In Ho Chi Minh, in the War Remnants Museum, I was drawn to this badge from 1968. "Kill for Peace" immediately reminded me of the present day, the slogan "If you want peace, prepare for war", so dear to Von Der Leyen. 50 years have passed, but we have learned nothing.
The descriptive text of the badge says this:
"This badge was issued in 1968 in protest of President Lyndon B. Johnson's sending of U.S. troops to the Vietnamese battlefield.
The very name of the badge is a paradox, highlighting the contradiction in the idea that killing can lead to peace and denouncing the injustice of the Vietnam War.
The badge was inspired by a song of the same name by the group The Fugs.
Formed in the United States in 1964, the group was known for its satirical approach to
political and social issues through music.
Along with the song, the badge became a symbol of the peace movement in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s."
In Ho Chi Minh, in the War Remnants Museum, I was drawn to this badge from 1968. "Kill for Peace" immediately reminded me of the present day, the slogan "If you want peace, prepare for war", so dear to Von Der Leyen. 50 years have passed, but we have learned nothing.
The descriptive text of the badge says this:
"This badge was issued in 1968 in protest of President Lyndon B. Johnson's sending of U.S. troops to the Vietnamese battlefield.
The very name of the badge is a paradox, highlighting the contradiction in the idea that killing can lead to peace and denouncing the injustice of the Vietnam War.
The badge was inspired by a song of the same name by the group The Fugs.
Formed in the United States in 1964, the group was known for its satirical approach to
political and social issues through music.
Along with the song, the badge became a symbol of the peace movement in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s."
We visited the "Reunification Palace", seat of the South Vietnamese Government until the unification of the country in 1975, 60s architecture, a bit kitsch, a bit James Bond movie, interesting above all for what it represents.
Very touching, however, is the "Museum of war remnants", dedicated to the war between the North and South of the country. Nothing that is not already known, but the photos have an impact. Also beautiful is the selection of photographs by war reporters, many already seen in documentaries and television reports.
Thus we pass with ease from soldiers cheerfully intent on torturing a prisoner to others who display the shreds of a corpse like a trophy, between fleeing children burned by napalm (including the famous naked girl who runs burned) and testimonies of the effects of the "orange agent", even after several generations. Images that undoubtedly have an impact and which, moreover, call to mind other massacres of our days.
"Kill for peace" was the slogan of the interventionists, both then and now; to make peace he prepares for war...
Very touching, however, is the "Museum of war remnants", dedicated to the war between the North and South of the country. Nothing that is not already known, but the photos have an impact. Also beautiful is the selection of photographs by war reporters, many already seen in documentaries and television reports.
Thus we pass with ease from soldiers cheerfully intent on torturing a prisoner to others who display the shreds of a corpse like a trophy, between fleeing children burned by napalm (including the famous naked girl who runs burned) and testimonies of the effects of the "orange agent", even after several generations. Images that undoubtedly have an impact and which, moreover, call to mind other massacres of our days.
"Kill for peace" was the slogan of the interventionists, both then and now; to make peace he prepares for war...
The rest of the afternoon we wandered among pagodas and Buddhist temples, always very fascinating, full of colors and statues, and then slipped into the Ben Thanh market, inaugurated by the French in 1914.
It is the largest market in the city, with heaps of all kinds of goods offered by 1,500 stalls, on an area of 13,000 m2. Over the years it has become very touristy, but despite this the quality remains high.
Life is very cheap: in the last two evenings we had dinner in Michelin restaurants spending 25-30 € for two!
It is the largest market in the city, with heaps of all kinds of goods offered by 1,500 stalls, on an area of 13,000 m2. Over the years it has become very touristy, but despite this the quality remains high.
Life is very cheap: in the last two evenings we had dinner in Michelin restaurants spending 25-30 € for two!
Day 3 – Ho Chi Minh City
The impression of Ho Chi Minh is of a complicated city: sultry heat, a lot of traffic always and everywhere, pollution.
In the morning we visited the Chinese quarter, Cholon.
We took a tour in the company of a French photographer who has lived in Vietnam for thirty years; very interesting because it focuses on street photography. It was equally interesting to observe the people busy in the markets, in the shops, in the temples.... Stopping you have the opportunity to see life go by: a bride intent on being photographed in the temple, the elderly who tell each other outside the door, sellers intent on preparing their goods ...
The impression of Ho Chi Minh is of a complicated city: sultry heat, a lot of traffic always and everywhere, pollution.
In the morning we visited the Chinese quarter, Cholon.
We took a tour in the company of a French photographer who has lived in Vietnam for thirty years; very interesting because it focuses on street photography. It was equally interesting to observe the people busy in the markets, in the shops, in the temples.... Stopping you have the opportunity to see life go by: a bride intent on being photographed in the temple, the elderly who tell each other outside the door, sellers intent on preparing their goods ...
The Vietnamese allow themselves to be photographed without problems: they are almost long in it, and they remain very natural, continuing in their activities as if nothing had happened, whether in the street, as in the temples, or even sitting in front of the door.
The places of worship offer the most interesting ideas: the atmosphere is more intimate, and people absorbed in their prayers or in the various collateral activities, such as the preparation of incense sticks that are burned by the dozens in front of the altars, impregnating the air with mysticism.
The places of worship offer the most interesting ideas: the atmosphere is more intimate, and people absorbed in their prayers or in the various collateral activities, such as the preparation of incense sticks that are burned by the dozens in front of the altars, impregnating the air with mysticism.
On the streets, everything is sold: the sidewalks are mainly occupied by parked mopeds, they are used by shopkeepers as a space to display their goods, or they are occupied by stalls ranging from clothing to catering.
There are carts full of all kinds of goods, scooters carrying impressive loads, people enjoying a coffee or tasting the juice of a coconut, and even the sale of live animals. There is a whole world on the streets of Vietnam.
In the afternoon we walked around on our own, even if here everything closes at 17:30 and people have dinner very early.
There are carts full of all kinds of goods, scooters carrying impressive loads, people enjoying a coffee or tasting the juice of a coconut, and even the sale of live animals. There is a whole world on the streets of Vietnam.
In the afternoon we walked around on our own, even if here everything closes at 17:30 and people have dinner very early.
Day 4 – Ho Chi Minh City
We stayed at the History museum. Opened in 1929, it illustrates the evolution of Vietnamese cultures over the centuries through a series of artifacts.
There are artifacts from Angkor Wat in Cambodia and various Buddhist statues, up to sculptures of the Champa culture, a kingdom of Indian origin that reigned in the south of the country.
Also interesting are the influences of French culture during the colonial period, with the arrival of Rococo and European ceramics while, in the same period, we were crazy about the oriental one.
We stayed at the History museum. Opened in 1929, it illustrates the evolution of Vietnamese cultures over the centuries through a series of artifacts.
There are artifacts from Angkor Wat in Cambodia and various Buddhist statues, up to sculptures of the Champa culture, a kingdom of Indian origin that reigned in the south of the country.
Also interesting are the influences of French culture during the colonial period, with the arrival of Rococo and European ceramics while, in the same period, we were crazy about the oriental one.
In the afternoon, we toured a series of Buddhist and Taoist temples, beautiful in their bright colors, in the numerous statues of gods and fantastic beings, the strong scent of incense, and the people who pass from one God to another bringing each one a prayer, incense and sometimes even fruit. A lot of religiosity, even on the part of young people.
The Jade Emperor Pagoda, built in 1909, is a Taoist temple that fascinated us tremendously.
In the evening, flight to Da Nang and from there taxi to Hoi An. A very simple B&B, but hospitable and quiet: we needed a bit of silence after the continuous noise of Ho Chi Minh City.
The Jade Emperor Pagoda, built in 1909, is a Taoist temple that fascinated us tremendously.
In the evening, flight to Da Nang and from there taxi to Hoi An. A very simple B&B, but hospitable and quiet: we needed a bit of silence after the continuous noise of Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 5 – Hoi An
Hoi An is a city whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, having preserved itself intact compared to a few centuries ago, when it was one of the most important ports in the China Sea.
Despite the strong tourist presence, it remains fascinating with its streets illuminated by lanterns, and the canals with their reflections.
The Japanese covered bridge, built in the 50s of the 900s to connect the Japanese and Chinese districts, is remarkable.
The city is also famous for its tailors, so we went to have two shirts made.
In the afternoon we went to the beach, to relax a bit.
Hoi An is a city whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, having preserved itself intact compared to a few centuries ago, when it was one of the most important ports in the China Sea.
Despite the strong tourist presence, it remains fascinating with its streets illuminated by lanterns, and the canals with their reflections.
The Japanese covered bridge, built in the 50s of the 900s to connect the Japanese and Chinese districts, is remarkable.
The city is also famous for its tailors, so we went to have two shirts made.
In the afternoon we went to the beach, to relax a bit.
