Wednesday – February 5, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Ho Chi Mink City, Vietnam

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Saigon, Vietnam.

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
A cultural melting pot with a rich history
Ho Chi Minh City is a cultural melting pot with a rich history dating back to the Khmer Kingdom. The city has been affected by various cultures, including Chinese, Indian, French, and American, which have left their mark on its architecture, cuisine, and way of life.

Exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s many historic buildings and museums is one of the most excellent ways to experience its cultural diversity. The Reunification Palace, for example, is a spectacular example of mid-century modern architecture that functioned as the South Vietnamese government’s seat of power throughout the war. Another must-see is the Museum of Vietnamese History, which depicts the country’s cultural progress from ancient times.

Food is another way to immerse yourself in the culture of Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, robust flavors, and healthy herb and spice balance. Street food vendors can be found all around town, with everything from pho and banh mi sandwiches to exotic fruits and grilled meats.

Ho Chi Minh City is also known for its thriving arts scene, which includes many galleries, theaters, and performance spaces that showcase the work of local artists and performers. For example, the Sydney Opera House is a spectacular French colonial-era structure that hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including opera, ballet, and traditional Vietnamese music and dance performances.

SIGHTS
• Dam Sen Cultural Park
• Bitexco Financial Tower
• Ben Thanh Market
• Hotel Majestic
• Le Van Tam Park
• Jade Emperor Pagoda

SHOPPING
Considered a traditional fine art of Vietnam, lacquerware is beautiful, long-lasting, and—best of all for those with luggage weight restrictions—light. Most tourist shops and markets hawk the same kind of budget lacquerware. Higher quality items come at a price and are usually found in specialty shops. Some of the newer high-rise shopping complexes in downtown Ho Chi Minh City are home to high-end international brands.

Today’s Excursion – Saigon Discovery
This excursion provided an introduction to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly named Saigon, a vibrant and exciting city.

Thien Hau Temple
This beautiful temple was built in 1825 and dedicated to the cult of Thien Hau, Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors.

History Museum
This outstanding museum considered the best place to get acquainted with Vietnam’s history, is housed in a building from the early 1900s. The museum displays artifacts from the Bronze Age to the early communist presence in Vietnam. Other exhibits feature Cham art, ceramics, and traditional costumes.

Leaving the museum, the bus will took us to the Notre Dame Cathedral, distinguished by its imposing twin spires. We stopped for photos at the splendid Reunification Palace and the elegant Saigon City Hall.

Lacquer Factory
The last visit was to one of Saigon’s best-known establishments for an introduction to the making of the city’s renowned lacquer
ware. We browsed through the showrooms, where a fascinating array of items tempts even the most jaded shopper.

Tonight’s dinner was an Indian-themed dinner at the Alantide Restaurant.

9:30 Chocolate Extravaganza
A delicious array of Chocolate Desserts prepared by our talented Pastry Chef and party night with Silversea Singer Beatrice.