Friday, March 29, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in Southeast Asia.

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
FORMERLY KNOWN AS SAIGON – THE ECONOMIC HEART OF VIETNAM

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, has a rich and complex history that dates back centuries. The city has been
influenced by many different cultures and empires, including the Khmer, the Champa, the Chinese, and the
French, among others.

During the 19th century, Ho Chi Minh City became an important center for commerce and industry under French
colonial rule. The city underwent a period of rapid modernization and expansion, with new infrastructure and
buildings, including the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, built in the late 1800s.
During the 20th century, Ho Chi Minh City played a crucial role in the Vietnam War. In 1954, following the defeat of the
French at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, the city became the capital of the Republic of Vietnam, supported by
the United States. The city was heavily bombed during the war, and many of its buildings were destroyed.

After the end of the war in 1975, Ho Chi Minh City became the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The City
has since undergone a period of rapid development and growth, with new infrastructure, businesses, and tourist
attractions being built.

Today, Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling and cosmopolitan city home to over 8 million people. It is a hub of commerce, culture, and tourism, with a rich history and a bright future.

CU CHI TUNNELS
This vast 250-kilometer-plus network of tunnels served as the base for the Viet Cong’s military operations during the Vietnam War. Soldiers used the excruciatingly cramped tunnels as hiding places, hospitals, communication bases, supply routes, and even living quarters.

SIGHTS

• War Remnants Museum
• Jade Emperor Pagoda
• Mekong Delta
• Saigon Opera House
• Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

Today, we traveled from Bangkok, Thailand, to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

TONIGHT’S LOCAL SHOW – VAN ANH FUSION BAND

Van Anh Fusion is a Vietnamese folk fusion band formed in Ho Chi Minh City in 1996 under the name “Huong Sen” by artists Van Anh and Dru Nam while they were touring around the world.

Huong Sen changed its name to the “Van Anh Fusion” band in 2016, with 100 new members and over 20 years of growth.

VAF combines Vietnamese folk and modern music (rock, jazz, blues, country, etc.).

VAF manager is Ms. Van Anh – a director of Van Anh Event and a famous “Dan bau” (monochord) Artist from the South of Vietnam. The band leader is Mr. Dru Nam – an energetic drummer with many different playing styles and techniques
from folk to modern.

View a video of Mr. Dru Nam playing a bamboo percussion instrument.

View a video of Mr. Dru Nam playing a stone xylophone

View a video of a Vietnamese Hat Dance.

Dinner was in The Restaurant

Check out today’s Chronicle.