Reimagine the War-torn Vietnam

During the first Indochina War, the French were defeated by the Vietnamese nationalist force, led by the communist Ho Chi Minh. As the US worried the victory would be the first step in communist expansion in Southeast Asia, the Geneva Conference failed to end the war.

When the US government started to establish a new anti-communist government, which was Ngo Dinh Diem in South Vietnam, the Vietnam War began. This 20-year Vietnam War was against Ho Chi Minh from North Vietnam, who was backed by China and the Soviet Union.

The bloodshed ended in 1975. Ho Chi Minh established the current regime. Saigon was the capital of South Vietnam until the end of the Vietnam War. In honor of the victory brought by the communist leader Ho Chi Minh, the city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1976.

If the War Remnants Museum is not interactive enough, Củ Chi tunnels would impress you how Vietnamese fought against the American. The 250km tunnel underground network served as the base of operation. American soldiers found it difficult to destroy due to its complexity.

Q: Why Áo Dài is popular in Vietnam?

A: The Communist Vietnamese initiated the economic reform “Toi Moi” during the sixth National Congress in 1986. The government decided to open up the market. Tradition that defined the national identity was once brought to the table, including this national garment.

Today, tourism has become one major sector. It contributes around 10% to Vietnam GDP in 2019. As a previous French colony, it is not difficult to spot 19th century architecture, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, and the Saigon Central Post Office.

La Villa French Restaurant is recommended. The white tone matched the red velour curtain and the wooden tables inside. The impressive dish was the sea bass, imitating sushi. Chewy and funny. Check out with around 25 USD. A reasonable price for a decent French cuisine.

Nothing is better than having a giant bowl of Phở on a hot day. The one with medium beef is ranked the highest. For a proper manner, add enough herbs and sprouts. Stir the broth with lime juice. Still with appetite? Try the rice paper roll, or sugar cane shrimp with miso.

From Ho Chi Minh City to Mỹ Tho is 70 km, so a day trip is suitable. A boat trip in Mekong, the river of life and culture. A walk in Vinh Trang Pagoda, a mix of French-and-Chinese buddhist architecture. And of course a visit to the coconut candy factory for souvenirs.

Vũng Tàu also attracted tourists from Ho Chi Minh City. A 1.5 hours distance away. Owning 4 beaches makes it the perfect seaside resort. Christ the King stands in the south. After the 133-step spiral staircase, you can enjoy the sea view at 30m height, embracing the breeze.

Q: Which city in Vietnam is well-known for beautiful ladies?

A: People from Bac Ninh, Hue, Nghệ An and Ho Chi Minh would fight for the championship. The ethnic diversity contributes to their beauty. Even though the 53 national ethnicities consist of 1% of the population, the minority covers Thai, Barma, Malay, and the Western already.

So which city is more favorable for tourism? It is in the eyes of the beholders.