We made our first stop in Vietnam was to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). This is a historic city that was a major focus during the French occupation and the Vietnam War. After the fall of Saigon, the city was renamed after the North Vietnamese leader – Ho Chi Minh. Although that is its official name locals still call it Saigon.
We were picked up at the port by our 25 year old guide, Will. During our hour trip from the port to the city, Will showed us the Vietnamese language, taught us how different letters in their alphabet are pronounced and how the inflections can mean different things while spelled the same. Will also showed us pictures from Vietnamese history and when I could name the photographers of the Vietnam War era photos, he was surprised. I mentioned I knew Nick Ut, the photographer who took the photo of Kim Phuc running from the napalm attack on her village, and he was shocked. We then discussed where Trang Bang (where the photo was shot) was in location to Saigon. He told me that I would be disappointed if I went to the location because it is now a street with stores lining it, not the open field of 1972.
Our first stop was at the Emperor Jade Pagoda. We walked through the outer court and then inside to see the worshippers offering food, incense, and prayers. Will explained some of the differences between the various sects of Buddhism.
Our next stop was the War Remnants Museum. The museum looks at the Viet Nam war from the viewpoint primarily of the North Vietnamese. The museum contains relics of the US military, tiger cages and prisons. It has a section dedicated to the results of the use of Agent Orange and war coverage. I was especially stopped when I saw the wall with the photos of the photojournalists killed covering the conflict. There were photos of some of the best war photographers – Robert Capa, Larry Burrows, Charles Eggleston and Dana Stone. The museum really only tells one side of the story.
Our next stop was the Post Office across the street from Notre Dame Saigon which is a replica of the Paris cathedral. The Post Office was crowded with people purchasing post cards and mailing them home. Sharon purchased a couple of them and then sat at writing tables inn the back before mailing them back to the US. They may not get there until after we’re home….
Next stop was the Rex Hotel, home for journalists during the war. I really wanted to have a photo on the corner, but that interaction is being remodeled so I settled for the side door. We walked across the street to the statue of Ho Chi Minh in front of the old city hall. From there we visited the old presidential palace.
We stopped for Vietnamese coffee in a quaint coffee shop. We finished it up with a lunch of Pho and pancakes. Incredibly good.
We made our way back to the port and said goodbye to Will and our driver. What a day exploring a small bit of Saigon.
