{"id":3030,"date":"2020-07-09T10:12:31","date_gmt":"2020-07-09T02:12:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=3030"},"modified":"2022-10-05T22:08:27","modified_gmt":"2022-10-05T14:08:27","slug":"saigon-landmarks-then-and-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/saigon-landmarks-then-and-now\/","title":{"rendered":"21 Photos Of Saigon Landmarks & Key Sites Then & Now That Show How Much The City Has Changed"},"content":{"rendered":"

Photos of Saigon landmarks then and now<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n

First established as a major city in 1698<\/strong>, Saigon has been through 322 years <\/strong>of monumental events and significant transformations. From the bombing of Norodom Palace to the Fall of Saigon in 1975, rapid postwar economic development and population growth, many Saigon landmarks that have witnessed these happenings continue to be icons of our city.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at how the city has changed over those years through these photos<\/strong> of Saigon landmarks and key sites<\/strong>.<\/p>\n


\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

1. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon<\/h3>\n
\n

\"saigon
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>anhxua.net<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>mytour.vn<\/a><\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

You know you\u2019re in Saigon when you spot the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon<\/strong>, as this Catholic church has been the most recognized icon of the city ever since its establishment in 1865<\/strong>. The church has 2 bell towers and is 58M high.<\/p>\n

Accessible via Hai B\u00e0 Tr\u01b0ng Street, C\u00f4ng X\u00e3 Paris, and L\u00ea Du\u1ea9n Street,<\/strong> the church is also adjacent to the Grand Post Office and the Book Street. All of the original building materials were imported from France, including the tiles carved with words and sparkling stained glass windows.<\/p>\n

\"SaigonImage adapted from: <\/em>Saigon Viewers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The church is currently fenced off for renovation and has not been open to visitors since 2015. Catholics are still welcome to attend masses on Saturday and Sunday.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nInside Saigon\u2019s 155-year-old Notre-Dame Cathedral
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> <\/span>1 C\u00f4ng X\u00e3 Paris, B\u1ebfn Ngh\u00e9 Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City<\/p>\n

\n

2. T\u00e2n \u0110\u1ecbnh Church<\/h3>\n
\n

\"saigon
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>Gi\u00e1o X\u1ee9 T\u00e2n \u0110\u1ecbnh<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>kyluc.vn<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

No pink enthusiasts should skip a visit to T\u00e2n \u0110\u1ecbnh Church<\/strong> when in Saigon, as this famous church soaked in pink<\/strong> has also recently been named one of the world\u2019s most beautiful pink places by Cond\u00e9 Nast Traveler<\/em>. It\u2019s also one of the most Instagrammable spots around the city.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nT\u00e2n \u0110\u1ecbnh Church in the old days<\/em>
\nImage credit: Gi\u1edd Th\u00e1nh L\u1ec5<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Built in 1876 and painted pink in 1957,<\/strong> this is the 2nd biggest church in Saigon and fabled for its thoroughly pink color and a combination of sophisticated Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural elements.<\/p>\n

The church is coated in 3 different shades of pink<\/strong> – salmon pink on the exterior, and strawberry and pastel pink on the inside.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nInside T\u00e2n \u0110\u1ecbnh Church
\nImage credit: <\/em>Gi\u1edd Th\u00e1nh L\u1ec5<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Under Father Donatien Eveillard<\/strong> (1835-1883), the church housed an orphanage, a boarding school called Ecole de Tan-Dinh, and a Catholic publishing house where he and the nuns taught disadvantaged children publishing skills<\/strong> so they could make a living in future.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Father Eveillard had made considerable contributions to the church and was a highly admired figure among the local community. When he died in 1883, he was buried beneath the nave of the church.<\/p>\n

\"SaigonImage credit: <\/em>Gi\u1edd Th\u00e1nh L\u1ec5<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> <\/span>289 Hai B\u00e0 Tr\u01b0ng, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City<\/p>\n

\n

3. The Grand Post Office<\/h3>\n
\n

\"SaigonImage adapted from: <\/em>ngochieppham blog<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>bizlive<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Built from 1886 <\/strong>and 1891, Saigon\u2019s Grand Post Office (B\u01b0u \u0111i\u1ec7n th\u00e0nh ph\u1ed1<\/em>)<\/strong>\u00a0is a time-honored landmark that exudes immense splendor and dynamism at the same time.<\/p>\n

Designed by French architect Alfred Fouhoux, <\/strong>it features typical neo-Baroque elements<\/strong> through a dramatic grand foyer<\/strong> that draws one\u2019s eyes upwards to the high and decorative ceiling, as well as plenty of arched windows and wooden shutters.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nThe Post Office in 1969
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>baotreonline.com<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Located adjacent to the Notre Dame Cathedral, <\/strong>the two historic architectural sites can be visited back to back<\/strong>, so you have a full picture of what it used to be like being in the city center during the Indochinese era.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nInside the Post Office today
\nImage credit: <\/em>vietfuntravel.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The post office is still in full operation<\/strong>, so you can access a full range of postal services here as well as buy souvenirs.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong><\/span> 2 C\u00f4ng X\u00e3 Paris, B\u1ebfn Ngh\u00e9 Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City<\/p>\n

\n

4. The Independence Palace<\/h3>\n
\n

\"saigonOn the left is the Norodom Palace in the 1890s<\/em>
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>VNTrip<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>V\u01b0\u1eddn \u01af\u01a1m Tri Th\u1ee9c<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The Independence Palace<\/strong>, also known as the Reunification Palace<\/strong>, was formerly known as Norodom Palace, and is a key landmark in Saigon.<\/p>\n

After the French occupation of southern Vietnam, its governor held a ceremony to build the complex in 1868, which was then completed in 1873 and named Norodom Palace<\/strong>. The palace was designed by architect Achille-Antoine Hermitte<\/strong>, who also designed the Hong Kong City Hall, <\/strong>and it was used as the residence and office of all of French Indochina\u2019s governors.<\/p>\n

\"saigon
\nNoromdom Palace before being bombed
\n<\/em>Image adapted from: <\/em>Saigon Viewers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

During the Di\u1ec7m administration, the palace was called the Independence Palace (Dinh \u0110\u1ed9c L\u1eadp). <\/strong>On 27 February 1962, the palace was bombed in an assassination attempt, leaving the entire left wing destroyed. The palace was commissioned to be demolished, and a new one built in its place. Its designer was Ng\u00f4 Vi\u1ebft Th\u1ee5<\/strong> – a Vietnamese architect who won the Grand Prix de Rome in 1955. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"saigon
\nThe cabinet room of the South Vietnam administration cordoned off
\nImage credit: <\/em>Vietnam net<\/em><\/a>
\n<\/em>
\nCompleted in 1966, the new structure has remained unchanged<\/strong> to this day, both outside and inside, even after it went through multiple transitions of ownership between administrations. After 1975, it was renamed the Reunification Palace (Dinh Th\u1ed1ng Nh\u1ea5t<\/em>)<\/strong>, but the names \u201cIndependence Palace\u201d and \u201cReunification Palace\u201d are still used interchangeably.<\/p>\n

Visiting the Independence Palace today, you can tour the chambers and workplaces of its former owners<\/strong> which have been cordoned off for preservation. You can also see the Vietnamese T-54 tank<\/strong> in the gardens at the entrance of the palace, a vehicle which was used by Vietnamese communists to knock down the palace gate on 30th April 1975 – the moment that ushered in the Fall of Saigon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Address: <\/strong><\/span>135 Nam K\u1ef3 Kh\u1edfi Ngh\u0129a, B\u1ebfn Th\u00e0nh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City<\/p>\n

\n

5. Ho Chi Minh City Museum<\/h3>\n
\n

\"Saigon
\nGia Long Palace (left) in 1960s
\n<\/em>Image adapted from: <\/em>Nam K\u1ef3 L\u1ee5c T\u1ec9nh<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>LKTC<\/a><\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Ho Chi Minh City Museum<\/strong>, formerly known as Gia Long Palace (Dinh Gia Long)<\/strong>, is a historical site situated at the intersection of L\u00fd T\u1ef1 Tr\u1ecdng and Nam K\u1ef3 Kh\u1edfi Ngh\u0129a streets. It\u2019s about a 10-minute walk from the Independence Palace.<\/p>\n

Designed by French architect Alfred Foulhoux<\/strong>, Gia Long Palace was constructed in 1885 and completed in 1890<\/strong>. The ownership of the building was changed multiple times during the World War II era, transitioning from the French colonists to the Japanese occupants.<\/p>\n

\"saigon
\nGia Long Palace in 1953
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>manhhai<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

From 1954 to 1963<\/strong>, Gia Long Palace became the residence of South Vietnam\u2019s President Ng\u00f4 \u0110\u00ecnh Di\u1ec7m and his brother Ng\u00f4 \u0110\u00ecnh Nhu\u2019s family. From then on until 1975<\/strong>, it housed the Supreme Court of the Republic of Vietnam.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today, the building is known as the Ho Chi Minh City Museum<\/strong>, exhibiting a range of artworks and artifacts.<\/p>\n

Spanning 1,700 sq m, the 2-storey building features classical Baroque architecture.<\/strong> Its interior designs are European-styled<\/strong>, while its roof features grotesque carvings at the front face and several embossed motifs depicting Greek mythological symbols. The interiors of the building remain unchanged, while the paints on the exterior have gone from white to light grey.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> <\/span>65 L\u00fd T\u1ef1 Tr\u1ecdng, B\u1ebfn Ngh\u00e9 Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City<\/p>\n

\n

6. Saigon Opera House<\/h3>\n
\n

\"SaigonImage adapted from: <\/em>Hinh anh Viet Nam<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>Dan<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Saigon Opera House<\/strong>, or the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, was built in 1897<\/strong> by French architect Eugene Ferret<\/strong>. It was initially built to serve as the Lower House Assembly for the South Vietnam administration after 1965. After the reunification of Vietnam in 1975, the building was used as a theatre and went through a revamp in 1995.<\/p>\n

Located <\/strong>on the city\u2019s central axis<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong> the theatre is connected to the existing metro station<\/a> and the surrounding streets leading to B\u1ebfn Th\u00e0nh Market.<\/p>\n

\"saigonSaigon\u2019s Opera House during the French colonial rule
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>kienthuc.net<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

It can host 1,800 people at any time, and is constructed with 2 layers of doors to stall traffic noise. Resembling the Petit Palais<\/strong> in France, it incorporates the flamboyant style<\/strong> of the French Third Republic<\/strong>. Its central archway at the main entrance, flanked by two wings, is roofed by a dome and accessed via a broad set of steps.<\/p>\n

\"saigon
\nImage credit: <\/em>gody.vn<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The theatre is now used to host high-profile events and entertainment activities<\/a> in the city. As you can see, not much of the facade has changed over the centuries.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> <\/span>7 C\u00f4ng Tr\u01b0\u1eddng Lam S\u01a1n, B\u1ebfn Ngh\u00e9 Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City<\/p>\n

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7. T\u00f4n \u0110\u1ee9c Th\u1eafng – \u0110\u1ed3ng Kh\u1edfi intersection<\/h3>\n
\n

\"saigonImage adapted from: <\/em>nhacxua.vn<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The intersection of \u0110\u1ed3ng Kh\u1edfi and T\u00f4n \u0110\u1ee9c Th\u1eafng streets<\/a>, where the road leads straight to the Notre Dame Cathedral, is a historic one. Formerly known as Rue Catinat<\/strong>, \u0110\u1ed3ng Kh\u1edfi Street is home to the most prestigious and expensive venues in Saigon, <\/strong>such as the Hotel Majestic <\/strong>on the left.<\/p>\n

\"saigon
\nAnother view of the intersection seen from street level in the past
\nImage credit: <\/em>VnTrip<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

The 105-year-old Hotel Majestic is an unmissable landmark on District 1\u2019s skyline, and once received many movers and shakers of the world, including King Leopold of Belgium, French President Francois Mitterand, <\/strong>and actress Catherine Deneuve. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"saigonHotel Majestic today
\nImage credit: <\/em>Saigon Viewers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The building across from the Hotel Majestic used to be the Grand Hotel de la Rotonde<\/strong> in the 1900s, and is now used to house restaurant Runam Bistro<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"saigonImage credit: <\/em>S\u00e0i G\u00f2n X\u01b0a<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Nothing much has changed<\/strong> when viewing the street from the same angle, except that the roof of the former Grand Hotel de la Rotonde has been flattened and the building given a new coat of paint. There are also more high-rise buildings lining the streets nearby, such as the Saigon Times Square.<\/p>\n

\"saigon
\nThe former Grand Hotel de la Rotonde building, now housing the Runam Bistro
\nImage adapted from <\/em>Google Maps<\/em><\/a>
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

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8. Ho Chi Minh City People\u2019s Committee Hall<\/h3>\n
\n

\"saigon<\/em>Image adapted from: <\/em>S\u00e0i G\u00f2n M\u1ebfn Y\u00eau<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>Dan<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Saigon residents in the 1900s would have been familiar with the H\u00f4tel de Ville,<\/strong> now the Ho Chi Minh City People\u2019s Committee.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Till today, this is still a spectacular architectural work with its ostentatious facade and flamboyant interiors remaining unchanged. The only transformation is in its coat of paint, transitioning from thorough white<\/strong> to yellow<\/strong> on the walls and red<\/strong> on the roofs – also the most widely used colors in colonial properties across the city.<\/p>\n

\"saigon
\nBird\u2019s eye view over the People\u2019s Committee and Nguy\u1ec5n Hu\u1ec7 Pedestrian Street
\n<\/em>Image adapted from: <\/em>Saigon Viewers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Boasting a 66M wide facade<\/strong> incorporating Baroque, Rococo, <\/strong>and Art Nouveau<\/strong> architectural styles, it is ornamented with a bare-breasted sculpture portraying Marianne,<\/strong> the French Revolution\u2019s symbol,<\/strong> and fluted pilasters<\/strong> with intricately decorated capitals. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"saigon<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>VnExpress<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Its interiors are packed with grandiose decor<\/strong>, including a luxurious central staircase leading up to a grand hall graced with extravagant ceiling murals and rare paintings.<\/p>\n

\"saigon
\nImage credit: <\/em>VnExpress<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The building was constructed in 1902, completed in 1908<\/strong>, and inaugurated in 1909, marking the 50th anniversary of the French presence in Saigon. Unfortunately, the building is not open to the public – so we can just marvel at its exterior for now.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong><\/span> 86 L\u00ea Th\u00e1nh T\u00f4n, B\u1ebfn Ngh\u00e9 Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City<\/p>\n

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9. The Grand Hotel<\/h3>\n
\n

\"SaigonImage adapted from: <\/em>nhacxua.vn<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Situated on No. 8 \u0110\u1ed3ng Kh\u1edfi Street in District 1, formerly the Rue Catinat<\/strong>, the Grand-H\u00f4tel Saigon<\/strong> was built in 1929<\/strong> during the Indochinese era, boasting 68 rooms. 2 years later, it was sold to Frenchman Patrice Luciani<\/strong>, and renamed Saigon Palace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"saigonInside the Grand Hotel
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>Booking.com<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Hosting regular entertainment events<\/strong> for the upper class, Saigon Palace soon became one of Saigon\u2019s most successful hotels and was frequented by Indochina\u2019s most high-profile people in the 1930s<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Built in the Neoclassical style <\/strong>with both wings widened on two frontages, the building exudes a princely vibe with a striking dome roof<\/strong> easily spotted from anywhere nearby, plenty of shuttered windows with corbels, and arched doors. It was rumored that Graham Greene<\/strong>, the author of The Quiet American<\/em>, drew inspiration from one of the rooms in this hotel when depicting Thomas Fowler\u2019s rented apartment on Catinat Street.<\/p>\n

\"saigonA room inside the Grand Hotel
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>Booking.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

After 1975, the hotel was again renamed the Grand Hotel <\/strong>and more rooms and facilities were added. By 2011, the Grand Hotel became a 5-star hotel with 233 rooms offering contemporary and modern accommodation. It remains one of Saigon\u2019s oldest and most luxurious hotels.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> <\/span>8 \u0110\u1ed3ng Kh\u1edfi, B\u1ebfn Ngh\u00e9 Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City<\/p>\n

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10. B\u00ecnh T\u00e2y Market<\/h3>\n
\n

\"SaigonImage adapted from: <\/em>hoaxuongrong.org<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>Wikipedia<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Constructed in the 1880s<\/strong>, B\u00ecnh T\u00e2y Market, also known as Ch\u1ee3 L\u1edbn (the Big Market), is the largest wholesale market in Saigon <\/strong>and situated in District 6. Over the years, the fusion of Chinese and French elements<\/strong> is still visible in its unique architecture.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nB\u00ecnh T\u00e2y Market from a bird\u2019s eye view
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>@ngocngachsaigon<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

It might take you more than 1 hour to actually tour the stalls selling all manner of products <\/strong>inside this gigantic work of architecture. Among over 2,300 stalls here, <\/strong>you\u2019ll find a plethora of textile, clothing, homeware, packaged coffee and tea, as well as dry food and medicines.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: <\/em>@electrique_d.kimm<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The market also has a food court serving hot meals and desserts to help exhausted shoppers recharge before resuming their shopping sprees.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: <\/em>@signsofsaigon<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> <\/span>57A Th\u00e1p M\u01b0\u1eddi, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City<\/p>\n

\n

11. B\u1ebfn Th\u00e0nh Market<\/h3>\n
\n

\"SaigonImage adapted from: <\/em>cozrum<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

B\u1ebfn Th\u00e0nh Market <\/strong>is perhaps the most famous market in Saigon due to its prime location with 4 entrances facing the biggest streets in District 1. You can access the market from\u00a0L\u00ea L\u1ee3i Street, L\u00ea Th\u00e1nh T\u00f4n Street, Phan B\u1ed9i Ch\u00e2u Street, and Phan Ch\u00e2u Trinh Street.<\/p>\n

Home to over 1,500 stalls, this is where you can buy a wide range of commodities<\/strong>\u00a0from handicrafts to branded goods to dry food at this market. You can also dine in its hawker-style food court<\/strong>, which serves plenty of options for hot meals and desserts.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nInside B\u1ebfn Th\u00e0nh Market in 1996
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>Amazing Vietnam<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The market closes at around 4.30PM, but its perimeters are open to night market activities until midnight.<\/strong> You can check out this outdoor night market for a lot of local food, such as snails and wok-fried noodles<\/a>, or buy clothes if you\u2019re comfortable with bargaining (see #20 of our Vietnamese phrases list<\/a> for tips).<\/p>\n

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12. B\u00f9i Vi\u1ec7n Area<\/h3>\n
\n

\"SaigonImage adapted from: <\/em>nhacxua.vn<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>VnExpress<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Known as the backpacker area in Saigon and home to the city\u2019s largest numbers of nightclubs, <\/strong>B\u00f9i Vi\u1ec7n radiates raw energy with seemingly endless music and street performances.<\/p>\n

The international flair of B\u00f9i Vi\u1ec7n actually dates back to the Vietnam War era in the 60s and 70s, as it was a favorite playground for GI officers<\/strong> with a myriad of pubs, night clubs, and Western restaurants.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nB\u00f9i Vi\u1ec7n Street
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>anhxua.net<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Till today, this is a must-visit night street for tourists, who can rave the night away<\/strong><\/a> in themed bars <\/a><\/strong>that open from dusk till dawn, munch on a wide selection of street food<\/strong>, or shoot the breeze with your friends over a bottle of beer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"SaigonB\u00f9i Vi\u1ec7n Pedestrian Street in the evening
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>@geodomou<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Address: <\/strong><\/span>B\u00f9i Vi\u1ec7n, Ph\u1ea1m Ng\u0169 L\u00e3o Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City<\/p>\n

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13. Thi\u00ean H\u1eadu Pagoda<\/h3>\n
\n

\"SaigonImage adapted from: <\/em>Tomy Japan 79<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>VnExpress<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Thi\u00ean H\u1eadu Pagoda, formerly known as Tu\u1ec7 Th\u00e0nh Communal House,<\/strong> is a Chinese-style<\/a> temple<\/a> built in 1760 to honor Mazu, a Chinese sea goddess.<\/p>\n

\"SaigonImage credit: <\/em>@mangosalata<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The pagoda has 3 halls<\/strong> accessible via one courtyard, including a front hall<\/strong> featuring an offering burner, a middle hall<\/strong> that houses ceremonial items and a fire extinguisher dating from 1898, and the main hall<\/strong>, where there are shrines honoring the Sea Goddess, the Empress Golden Flower Goddess, and the Dragon Mother.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nInside the pagoda
\nImage credit: <\/em>battrangvn.vn<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Throughout centuries, the architecture of the pagoda and much of its interior elements are still well-maintained. Not only is the pagoda the go-to place for the residents of Cho Lon on special occasions or Chinese festivals<\/a> to offer prayers<\/strong>, but it is also very popular among photographers looking for Insta-worthy snapshots. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nImage credit: <\/em>@hannah.v27<\/a><\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Address: <\/strong><\/span>710 Nguy\u1ec5n Tr\u00e3i, Ward 11, District 5<\/p>\n

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14. Ch\u1ee3 R\u1eaby Hospital<\/h3>\n
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\"SaigonImage adapted from: <\/em>namrom64.blogspot<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>henkham.vn<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Ch\u1ee3 R\u1eaby Hospital<\/a> was founded in the 1900s during French colonial rule and is one of the oldest and largest general hospitals in Vietnam.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Over the years, it\u2019s expanded and transformed completely <\/strong>from a 3-storey building into a multi-storey complex to serve more patients, which amount up to 500,000 people per year.<\/p>\n

Due to the thorough renovation, hardly any traces of French architectural elements can be found in the hospital.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nCh\u1ee3 R\u1eaby Hospital was once known as H\u00f4pital Indigene de Cochinchine
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>dansaigon.com<\/a><\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> <\/span>201B Nguy\u1ec5n Ch\u00ed Thanh, Ward 12, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City<\/p>\n

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15. L\u00ea H\u1ed3ng Phong High School For The Gifted<\/h3>\n
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\"SaigonImage adapted from: <\/em>tuoitre.vn<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>B\u00e1o \u1ea2nh VI\u1ec7t Nam<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

L\u00ea H\u1ed3ng Phong High School For The Gifted<\/strong>, formerly known as Petrus K\u00fd<\/em> High School<\/strong>, is one of Vietnam\u2019s most highly ranked high schools. Established in 1927 <\/strong>under French colonial rule, the school is one of Vietnam\u2019s oldest schools still in operation today.<\/p>\n

The school was originally founded as a branch of Coll\u00e8ge Chasseloup-Laubat (now Nguy\u1ec5n Th\u1ecb Minh Khai High School), named Coll\u00e8ge de Cochinchine<\/strong> and used to educate local Vietnamese students<\/a>. In 1928, the school was renamed Lyc\u00e9e Petrus <\/strong>Tr\u01b0\u01a1ng V\u0129nh K\u00fd <\/strong>after Petrus K\u00fd, Vietnam\u2019s most illustrious scholar of all time. By 1953, it was Vietnam\u2019s first public all-boys\u2019 school<\/strong>, teaching Vietnamese history and culture.<\/p>\n

\"SaigonThe school used to be called Lycee Petrus Tr\u01b0\u01a1ng V\u0129nh K\u00fd
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>S\u00e0i G\u00f2n Vi Vu<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In 1976, the school was renamed L\u00ea H\u1ed3ng Phong High School For The Gifted, after a former Vietnamese communist general secretary. However, the name Petrus K\u00fd has remained popular among its alumni and Saigon\u2019s local residents today.<\/p>\n

\"SaigonThe faculty and students of the school
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>S\u00e0i G\u00f2n Vi Vu<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

The school\u2019s strikingly Indochinese architecture<\/strong> has stood well against the test of time, featuring the harmonious fusion of French architectural style and vernacular elements.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Address: <\/strong><\/span>235 Nguy\u1ec5n V\u0103n C\u1eeb, Ward 4, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City<\/p>\n

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16. Nguy\u1ec5n Th\u1ecb Minh Khai High School<\/h3>\n
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\"SaigonImage adapted from: <\/em>ngantucuocdoi <\/em><\/a>and<\/em> UBND Qu\u1eadn 3<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Nguyen Thi Minh Khai High School <\/strong>used to be a prestigious all-girls\u2019 school during the French colonial rule. Constructed in 1913 and originally named Coll\u00e8ge de Jeunes Filles Indig\u00e8nes<\/strong>, or school for local female students, the school started taking in girls from different age ranges in 1922.<\/p>\n

In 1950, the school\u2019s name was changed to Gia Long<\/strong> Girls\u2019 High School<\/strong> after Emperor Gia Long, and started requiring all of its students to wear purple ao dai <\/em><\/strong>as school uniforms. Since then on, Gia Long Girls\u2019 High School has been given a nickname that has been popular until today – the school of girls in purple <\/strong>(tr\u01b0\u1eddng n\u1eef sinh \u00e1o t\u00edm).<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nA student of Gia Long Girls’ High School
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>nhacxua.vn<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In those days, Vietnamese students were required to communicate in French at all times, and whoever was caught chatting in the Vietnamese language<\/a> would have to pay fines.<\/p>\n

In 1940, students of both Gia Long Girls\u2019 High School<\/strong> and Petrus K\u00fd Schools<\/strong> joined the 1940 Cochinchina Uprising (Nam K\u1ef3 Kh\u1edfi Ngh\u0129a<\/em>)<\/strong>, a series of patriotic demonstrations by Vietnamese southerners against the French colonial rule and Japanese occupation. This act was considered rebellious, which resulted in Gia Long Girls\u2019 High School being shut down<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

However, girls continued to protest for the school to reopen and include the Vietnamese language in the syllabus<\/strong>, until the school management finally gave in to their requests.<\/p>\n

\"SaigonGia Long Girl School in 1966, photo taken by Douglas Ross
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>manhhai<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

After 1952, a Vietnamese curriculum <\/strong>was gradually introduced into the school system, and the first Vietnamese principal <\/strong>led the school. <\/strong>Renamed Nguy\u1ec5n Th\u1ecb Minh Khai<\/strong><\/em> after reunification, it then became a co-ed high school.<\/p>\n

The appearance of the school hasn\u2019t changed at all <\/strong>for the past centuries, except that the yellow paint on the exteriors has now taken on a slightly orange hue.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/span> <\/strong>275 \u0110i\u1ec7n Bi\u00ean Ph\u1ee7, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City<\/p>\n

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17. T\u00e2n S\u01a1n Nh\u1ea5t Airport<\/h3>\n
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\"Saigon
\nImage adapted from: Nam R\u00f2m<\/a> and vietnam-evisa<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

T\u00e2n S\u01a1n Nh\u1ea5t <\/em>International <\/strong>Airport<\/strong><\/a> (TSN) <\/strong>opened in 1926 <\/strong>in a bid to cater to the increasing demand for air travel to Indochina. In 1932, weekly commercial flights between France and Saigon were scheduled and operated by Air Orient, a France-based airline company which was merged with Air France in 1933.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nVietnamese ground service staff talking to a passenger inside T\u00e2n S\u01a1n Nh\u1ea5t Airport in the 1960s
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>WINDY Phan<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

It was not until 1951<\/strong> that TSN saw the emergence of the first Vietnamese airline company – Air Vietnam<\/strong>, the national carrier of the Republic of Vietnam (then called South Vietnam).<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nInside an Air Vietnam plane
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>@Henry BK<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In 1966<\/strong>, TSN became one of the busiest air bases in the world <\/strong>when the US Air Force based its headquarters there, and conducted most of its airborne operations in Indochina from the airport.<\/p>\n

TSN was attacked many times<\/strong> during the Vietnam War, especially during the 1968 Tet Offensive and a few weeks before the Fall of Saigon in 1975. Enduring rounds and rounds of damage and subsequent renovations, it was impossible for TSN to retain its original appearance.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nVietnamese passengers travelling with Air Vietnam in its earlier days
\nImage credit: <\/em>Henry BK<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

TSN was reopened for service in 1976. Now, it serves 130,000 transit passengers per day on average, with the total number of flights amounting up to 1,000 flights per day.<\/p>\n

In 2019, TSN\u2019s Vietnam Airport Ground Service Company<\/a> was awarded with a 2nd prize for The Best Quality Award by All Nippon Airways<\/strong>, Japan\u2019s largest airline company.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> <\/span>T\u00e2n S\u01a1n Nh\u1ea5t International Airport, Tr\u01b0\u1eddng S\u01a1n Ward, Ward 2, T\u00e2n B\u00ecnh District, Ho Chi Minh City<\/p>\n

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18. Ho\u00e0ng Di\u1ec7u Street in District 4<\/h3>\n
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\"SaigonImage adapted from: <\/em>@paulblizardinvietnam<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Ho\u00e0ng Di\u1ec7u Street<\/strong> is a major street in District 4 and only a 5 minute\u2019s drive from the center of District 1, where you can find plenty of office buildings, coffee houses, and retail shops<\/strong>. The left photo depicts Ho\u00e0ng Di\u1ec7u Street in 1966,<\/strong> in which military police and national police were seen investigating an incident.<\/p>\n

The right photo features the same spot as it is today in 2020. The traffic pole is still there, a few steps away from a TPBank transaction office and many retail shops.<\/p>\n

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19. The Turtle Lake<\/h3>\n
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\"SaigonImage adapted from: <\/em>artcorner.vn<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>saigonxua1965<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Breezy and spacious, the Turtle Lake (H\u1ed3 Con R\u00f9a)<\/strong>\u00a0is very popular among young locals needing a place to hang out and watch people under the trees. It has also been a very popular spot for dating couples since the 60s<\/strong> till today, because it\u2019s located in a pretty central part of town.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nA group of students and an office worker sitting at the lake
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>anhxua.net<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The Turtle Lake hasn\u2019t changed at all for the past decades. It becomes more breezy and also crowded after 5<\/strong>, packed with young people coming back from school and sitting down by many makeshift stalls dotting the bank around the lake.<\/p>\n

Address<\/span>:<\/strong> V\u00f5 V\u0103n T\u1ea7n – Ph\u1ea1m Ng\u1ecdc Th\u1ea1ch – Tr\u1ea7n Cao V\u00e2n intersection, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City<\/p>\n

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20. Tr\u1ea7n H\u01b0ng \u0110\u1ea1o Street in District 5<\/h3>\n
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\"SaigonImage adapted from: <\/em>@paulblizardinvietnam<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

The left photo features a part of Tr\u1ea7n H\u01b0ng \u0110\u1ea1o B<\/strong> Street<\/strong> being ruined in the T\u1ebft Offensive in 1968<\/strong>, a surprise attack on civilians<\/strong> by Vietnamese communists in many cities including Saigon and Hu\u1ebf that killed thousands of civilians. Over 900KM away, much of Hu\u1ebf\u2019s Forbidden City was damaged during this attack.<\/p>\n

The right photo features the same spot taken in 2020 – it\u2019s now a busy street lined<\/strong> with retail shops and townhouses numbered from 584 to 616 on Tr\u1ea7n H\u01b0ng \u0110\u1ea1o B Street in District 5.<\/p>\n

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21. Saigon River and T\u00f4n \u0110\u1ee9c Th\u1eafng Street<\/h3>\n
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\"SaigonImage adapted from: <\/em>Saigon Viewers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Saigon River<\/strong> is Saigon\u2019s largest river and a key site that no new visitors to Saigon should miss. T\u00f4n \u0110\u1ee9c Th\u1eafng Street<\/strong>, a busy route lining the river, is lined with numerous sleek skyscrapers that light up Saigon\u2019s skyline in the evening. The street plays host to a wide array of financial establishments.<\/p>\n

In the past, the street seemed less claustrophobic with more low-rise properties and plenty of trees. Even though it\u2019s much busier now, one thing that hasn\u2019t changed is that the B\u1ea1ch \u0110\u1eb1ng Wharf <\/strong>is still here. The name B\u1ea1ch \u0110\u1eb1ng was given to the wharf in 1955 in commemoration of the B\u1ea1ch \u0110\u1eb1ng Battle (938 A.D), in which Vietnamese troops triumphed against Chinese invaders.<\/p>\n

Today, Vietnamese can board a water bus from B\u1ea1ch \u0110\u1eb1ng<\/em> Wharf<\/a> to go to District 2, District 9, and Thu Duc District.<\/p>\n

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Saigon landmarks that have lasted over the past 3 centuries<\/span><\/h3>\n
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For a city that has only roughly 300 years of history, Saigon has ridden through many tides of wars and transformations<\/strong>. Throughout the reign of the Nguyen Lords, the French colonization, Japanese occupation, and the Vietnam War, Saigon’s landmarks have survived many adversities as the city has expanded into one of Southeast Asia\u2019s busiest metropolises<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The charm, dynamism, <\/strong>and intoxicating power <\/strong>of this city will continue to draw new immigrants and building on its rich heritage.<\/p>\n

Also check out:<\/p>\n