Central Ho Chi Minh City (formerly
known as Saigon) is a small, lively city with French colonial
buildings lining motorcycle filled boulevards.
A crazy mix of sound and visuals with gossiping teenagers at sidewalk
coffee shops
And old men playing chess to a soundtrack of blaring pop music and
insistent, honking horns.
A vibrant city where one cardinal rule in crossing the street is to walk
really slow so drivers may see you and have time to drive around you.
Things have changed so much since the more turbulent times which
probably still haunts many. Now, Ho Chi Minh, or Saigon, or by whatever
name people know it to be, is testing the waters and is eager to show
just how different and beautiful things are in their lively city.
Sights Not to Miss:
Pagodas, Temples and Churches
 1.
Giac Lam Pagoda (118 D Lac Long Quan; 6am-9pm)
Believed to be the oldest pagoda in the city. This beautiful pagoda’s
architecture has not been changed or altered since the 1900’s. Visitors
can sit and meditate in the quiet atmosphere of the pagoda grounds.
2. Giac Vien Pagoda ( 247 D Lac Long Quan; 7am-7pm)
Visitors are advised to visit before dark just in case of power failure
at night. Here, they may see some interesting sculptural adornments and
decorations.
 3.
Jade Emperor Pagoda (73 D Mai Thi Luu; 7:30am-6pm)
One of the most spectacular pagodas in the city, this Chinese temple is
filled with papier-mache statues of divinities and heroes from both
Buddhist and Taoist traditions.
4. Quan Am Pagoda ( 12 D Lao Tu; 8:30am-4:30pm)
The pagoda’s roof id decorated with awesome scenes from traditional
plays and stories rendered in ceramic. These figures include ships,
people, and lots of ferocious looking dragons. The front doors are
decorated with antique gold and lacquer panels.
 5.
Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda (184 D Hung Vuong; 7am-5:30-pm)
One of the most beautifully ornamented in the city, this pagoda features
many small porcelain figurines, elaborate brass ritual objects and fine
examples of wood carving on the altars, walls, and hanging lanterns.
6. Thien Hau Pagoda (Nguyen Trai; 6am-5:30pm)
Dedicated to Thjein Hau I Chinese goddess of the sea and protector of
fisherfolk and other seafarers
>>continued on page 2
Visit beautiful Vietnam today!
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