Saigon, Vietnam nine years after (2005 & 2014)

[katie23]

Typical countryside house, similar to that of my cousin's - one story, porch, flat roof


Here's another one. The size differs but still the same basic design

[katie23]

Passed by 3 cemeteries. Here's one of them


Passed by a hospital too



It rained in this area but not in the tunnels, thankfully.

[katie23]

Back in the city... some street shots

[katie23]

The municipal theatre - still looks the same, legacy of French colonial architechture

[katie23]

Also passed by a mosque


It was around 2:25 when we got back to the city


That new tall building, as seen from Le Loi square, is the Saigon Centre

[katie23]

Back to Le Loi square then to the agency in Pham Ngu Lao street for a late lunch. The Saigon Centre, mobifone and other skyscrapers weren't there 9 years ago.


Back to the map


That's all for now. To be continued...

[katie23]

Wow, there are so many pic threads now! It's great! Will continue this next time - PB can't load, slow net.

[katie23]

Seeing crocman's questions made me remember that this thread existed and that I wasn't able to finish it.

I'll add a few pics and let's see if I'll be able to finish it. Depends on time & internet (my net is cranky).

So after the half-day Cu Chi tunnel tour, it was back to Saigon city center. As it was past 2 pm, we went off to find some eats and came across this place. It's along Pham Ngu Lao street and near the tour agency.



The food - we had some Pho

[katie23]

More food - this was the kiddie meal


Fried rice


Fresh spring rolls - yum!

[katie23]

These were our lunchmates - some locals and a couple of backpackers


The view while having lunch

[katie23]

Some pics from 2005

Crocman, if you're seeing this, my memory is correct that there was a NY eve party at Rex Hotel.


Caravelle Hotel

[katie23]

Caravelle Hotel is just beside the Saigon Theatre


This was nearby too. When I visited in April of this year, there was some construction along the road to this City Hall.

[katie23]

We went to Thuan Kieu Plaza (a mall), and we saw a Jollibee store. I had to have a pic.

In 2005, there were only 2 Jollibee stores. Last year, our guide said that there are more than 10 stores. Business must be good.

[katie23]

Some pics from last year

After lunch, we saw this sandwich cart. I told my sis that she had to have a Banh Mi (baguette sandwich), as it's typically Vietnamese. We bought one and had it wrapped for later.





See the gold bracelets on this lady. Business must be good.

[katie23]

After lunch, we went back to Ben Thanh market to do some last-minute shopping.


This is Niece carrying the lacquer painting bought by her mom.

[katie23]

Last year, we weren't able to go to a mall or to a Jollibee, but I saw this along the way.

[crocman]

Amazing thread Katie. Thank you very much for updating on my behalf. My report next year will have to be a good one to match your standard.

I have to spread the love, but a big green owed.

[flyingboxx]

Huge effort of Vietnamese people altered Saigon landscapes in such a fascinating way. Good to see this !

[katie23]

Cheers, crocman & flyingboxx. Glad you found this thread useful. I'll try to upload more pics when I can. Happy safe travels, crocman & welcome to TD, flyingboxx!