Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City?

Vietnam - History plays of course a permanent part of your sightseeing when you visit Vietnam or especially Saigon. Our night flight from Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City (including long queues and waiting time at Delhi airport) arrived at 6,45am. Smooth immigration process and taxi ride led us to the famous Majestic Hotel at the River Saigon. To bridge the time till we finally got our rooms we had a nice breakfast at Annam Gourmet and a first walk in downtown Saigon (District 1). Was good to settle in. Next highlight of the day was the guided food tour in the late afternoon on the scooter. So we experienced local food and had also the chance to explore other parts of Saigon. Excellent experience!
Vietnam is also known for their love for beer which is manifested in many craft breweries. I tried the Jasmin IPA from the Pasteur Brewery.
Second day was reserved for the visit of the War Remnants Museum. Loads of American militaria in front of the building and explanations about the war against France (till the final victory of Vietnam in Dien Bien Phu in 1954) and of course against the USA (or how it was mentioned on many explanations: The war of America against the Vietnamese people) . Very interesting set up but of course with many horrible sad stories and pictures. I was especially interested in the section about Journalists who were engaged due to their job in the Vietnam war. So many interesting photos and in many cases also the story about their death or disappearance during the war. Not easy to take but sad reality was the Agent Orange section.
After that a very good lunch at the Propaganda Bistro and then quick passing of the Notre Dame Cathedral (under renovation, built between 1877 and 1883) and visit of the Central Post Office, a city landmark from the French era, built between 1886 and 1891.
30 degree at 5.45 pm and high humidity at the moment when I write this post in the roof terrace of the Majestic Hotel: Therefore a nap in the afternoon is part of our program.
Tonight we will explore another interesting restaurant (Secret Garden) which is on the top 20 list in Ho Ho Chi Minh City. Stay tuned!Read more