Saigon – luxury pearl of Vietnam
Nowadays it is the economic and in part also the cultural heart of Vietnam, whereas Hanoi has retained its political status.
Saigon is one of the largest cities in Vietnam, offering entertainment and shopping opportunities on a luxurious scale. Setting out for this ever-growing city requires a full wallet and long holiday. This is to say that you just won’t manage to fit in the luxurious gems, the history or the spontaneous nature of this city in only a few days.
Historical transformation of the city
Vietnamese tradition is combined in a harmonious whole here, represented by historical buildings with temples and pagodas. On the other hand, you will also find here modern architecture with quite a cosmopolitan character. The beginning of the modern history of the city dates by back to 1859 and is associated with French conquest. The French made Saigon the centre of the Cochinchina colony in the southern part of what is nowadays Vietnam. Although they later decided on Hanoi as the capital city in 1902, Saigon maintained its fame as a trading city. Time went by and Saigon became wealthier, it developed and its population density grew (there are currently 6 million inhabitants). Then came 1975, a milestone in the history of Vietnam (individual parts were joined) and city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City.
The Chinese district known as “Chinatown”
The official name is Cholon, which means Large Market and refers to the colonial times of the past. Chinese immigrants settled in Vietnam starting from the middle of the 18th century and with their unfailing industriousness, made up a significant part of the Vietnamese economy, even though many of them left the country after 1975.
Tourist attractions
The most important district bears the simple name Saigon and represents the original city with the main street Pham Ngu Lao which is home to several cheap hotels and restaurants. For the more discerning and wealthier clientele, luxury hotels have been built in the city centre on Dong Khoi Street. The war museum is one of the most popular tourist locations and you will also find here a history museum, Norodom Palace, the Giac Lam Pagoda, the Phuoc Hoi Quan pagoda and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Urban development
Saigon is tirelessly continuing in its task of rebuilding and renewing itself. The city is developing dynamically in terms of breadth and height. Transformation of public transport has begun, the so-called Saigon Metro with a budget of 2.5 million dollars. Landmark 81, an 81-floor luxury building near Saigon Bridge will also have a post-modern look. This luxury “tower” will be the tallest skyscraper in the city and construction will begin in 2018.
