Ho Chi Minh City ,
also known as Saigon, serves as South Vietnam’s commercial centre. The bustling
streets start their day from as early as the break of dawn till way after the day’s
sunset. Packed with peddlers and hawkers the streets of Saigon are congested with bumper
to bumper traffic and perpetual hooting of horns, consisting of mainly motorcycles. The
Vietnamese hope of owning a Honda motorcycle is similar to which of every
Singaporeans’ to own a Jaguar, accounting for the majority in motorcycles compared to
cars. A place rich in culture, ladies throughout Saigon City can still seen wearing their
traditional ao dai because they are required to so as to promote and preserve the
Vietnamese culture . On top of that, traditional and exquisite Vietnamese handicrafts are
commonly sold at shophouses located along the streets.
Towards dusk, the activities slow down
and the streets are less packed. But once night falls, the streets are rejuvenated with
life and activities again. Though safe to walk down the streets of Saigon City at night,
it certainly is not surprising to see some pestered by persistent hawkers. From a young
age of 4 years, kids are seen pushing and pressing tourists to buy souvenirs such as
lighters and rather interesting aluminium-made purses, caps, display ships and many
others, originally derived from can drinks . Also, it is not surprising to find some
homeless people sleeping outside shops and buildings because Saigon City is still very
much affected by poverty and they have to busk and beg as means of livelihood. The
side-streets of Saigon City are rather clean despite some hearsays . Large and
brightly-lit neon lights of the shophouses never fail to attract trains of customers,
especially tourists.
Most Vietnamese
choose the economical way of life, choosing to eat at road-side hawker stalls to savour
spicy Vietnamese delicacies instead of restaurants, and motorcycles as their mean of
transport. For entertainment and leisure, the locals go to near-by discotheques, pubs and
bars , an example would be The Hard Rock Caf� located in downtown Saigon.The pleasures
and excitement of nightlife is mostly patronised by the upper class and tourists. Being a
visitor of the nation as Singaporeans, we are amazed by their simple way of life. They may
be less fortunate compared to us, but they are ever willing to strive hard for a better
tomorrow, with no complains. Here, we offer a toast to all Vietnamese that they will
achieve their goal and find their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow soon!!
Sights of Saigon City:
Notredame
CathedralCentral
Post OfficeSaigon harbour by night
Ho
Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City ,
also known as Saigon, serves as South Vietnam’s commercial centre. The bustling
streets start their day from as early as the break of dawn till way after the day’s
sunset. Packed with peddlers and hawkers the streets of Saigon are congested with bumper
to bumper traffic and perpetual hooting of horns, consisting of mainly motorcycles. The
Vietnamese hope of owning a Honda motorcycle is similar to which of every
Singaporeans’ to own a Jaguar, accounting for the majority in motorcycles compared to
cars. A place rich in culture, ladies throughout Saigon City can still seen wearing their
traditional ao dai because they are required to so as to promote and preserve the
Vietnamese culture . On top of that, traditional and exquisite Vietnamese handicrafts are
commonly sold at shophouses located along the streets. 
Towards dusk, the activities slow down
and the streets are less packed. But once night falls, the streets are rejuvenated with
life and activities again. Though safe to walk down the streets of Saigon City at night,
it certainly is not surprising to see some pestered by persistent hawkers. From a young
age of 4 years, kids are seen pushing and pressing tourists to buy souvenirs such as
lighters and rather interesting aluminium-made purses, caps, display ships and many
others, originally
derived from can drinks . Also, it is not surprising to find some
homeless people sleeping outside shops and buildings because Saigon City is still very
much affected by poverty and they have to busk and beg as means of livelihood. The
side-streets of Saigon City are rather clean despite some hearsays . Large and
brightly-lit neon lights of the shophouses never fail to attract trains of customers,
especially tourists. 
Most Vietnamese
choose the economical way of life, choosing to eat at road-side hawker stalls to savour
spicy Vietnamese delicacies instead of restaurants, and motorcycles as their mean of
transport. For entertainment and leisure, the locals go to near-by discotheques, pubs and
bars , an example would be The Hard Rock Caf� located in downtown Saigon.The pleasures
and excitement of nightlife is mostly patronised by the upper class and tourists. Being a
visitor of the nation as Singaporeans, we are amazed by their simple way of life. They may
be less fortunate compared to us, but they are ever willing to strive hard for a better
tomorrow, with no complains. Here, we offer a toast to all Vietnamese that they will
achieve their goal and find their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow soon!!
