Bến Thành Market
Ben Thanh Market (from Vietnamese Ben meaning "wharf", and Quy Thanh
meaning "turtle citadel") is a big marketplace in the downtown area of
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in District 1. The market is one of the
earliest surviving structures in Saigon and today is considered one of
symbols of Ho Chi Minh City, popular with tourists seeking local
handicrafts, textiles, áo dài, and souvenirs, as well as local cuisine.
History
The market developed from informal markets created by early 17th century street vendors
gathering together near the Saigon River. The market was formally established by the French
colonial powers after taking over the Gia Dinh citadel in 1859 (see Citadel of Saigon). This
market was destroyed by fire in 1870 and rebuilt to become Saigon's largest market. In 1912 the
market was moved to a new building and called the New Ben Thanh Market to distinguish over
its predecessor. The building was renovated in 1985.
Reunification Palace or Independence Palace
(Dinh Thong Nhat)
Reunification Palace (Vietnamese: Dinh Thống Nhất) formerly known as
Independence Palace (Dinh Độc Lập), built on the site of the former
Norodom Palace, is a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It was
designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu and was the home and workplace of
the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It was the
site of the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon on April 30,
1975, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates.
Features
Palace was built on an area of 4500 m², area of 20,000 m², comprising three
main floors, a terrace, two mezzanine floor in the background, two
basements and a terrace for helicopter landing. More than 100 rooms of the
palace is decorated in different styles depending on use purposes including
the reception room, conference room cabinet council, office of the President
and the Vice President, the mandate Room letter, agency oats, etc. .. not to
mention other parts such as a shower two semicircular entrance into the hall,
balconies, corridors ...
Nutrition is 26m high, located within the 12 hectares large shady. Outside
the fence in front and behind the Palace is the second park. Mid-1960s, this
is the largest scale and cost the South the highest building (150,000 gold).
The auxiliary systems inside the Palace of modern air conditioning, fire
prevention, communications, storage area. Basement withstand
bombardments of big bombs and artillery. The front of the palace is
decorated stylized simulation of burning curtain-style architecture of the
picture screens in the house and textures of Vietnamese pagodas in
Vietnam. The rooms of the palace is decorated with works of young river
Cam Tu, lacquer, oil paint.
Agency management of cultural relics called Reunification Palace
Reunification of the Department of Administrative Management II - Office of
Government. This is a historical cultural famous visitors crowded in the
country and abroad to visit.
Saigon Central Post Office
Saigon Central Post Office (Vietnamese: Bưu điện Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh) is
a post office in the downtown Ho Chi Minh City, near Saigon Notre-
Dame Basilica, the city's main church. The building was constructed
when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the early 20th century.
It has a Gothic architectural style. It was designed and constructed by the
famous architect Gustave Eiffel in harmony with the surrounding area.
Today, the building is a tourist attraction.
Central Post Office Ho Chi Minh City is No. 2 addresses, street of the Paris
Commune, a post office building in the heart of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. This is a
building was built with French style eclectic [1] [2] in around 1886-1891 under the
scheme designed by architect Villedieu.
Outside, in front of the house decorated by a rectangular box on which registered
the inventor of the telegraph and electrical industries. On the box cover picture of
women's team laurel wreath, on the arc houses a large clock.
At the top of the two sides are two maps high wall history titled: Saigon et ses
environs, 1892 and telegraphiques Lignes du Cambodge et du Sud Vietnam, 1936.
The building is located next to the Cathedral, and close to the Diamond Plaza
shopping center, interactive architecture for beautiful vibrant heart of Saigon today.
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica (Nha tho Duc Ba)
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica (Vietnamese: Vương cung thánh đường Đức Bà Sài
Gòn or Nhà thờ Đức Bà Sài Gòn) is a cathedral located in the downtown of Ho Chi
Minh City, Vietnam. Established by French colonists, the cathedral was constructed
between 1863 and 1880. It has two bell towers, reaching a height of 58 meters
(190 feet).
History
Following the French conquest of Saigon, the Roman Catholic Church established a community
and religious services for French colonialists.
Special characteristics
In the course of construction, all building materials from cement to steel fasteners are brought
from France. Outer surface of the building constructed of bricks made in Marseille to set the
ceiling, do not warrant the bowl, (this still bright pink color), no dust moss. Some broken tiles in
the church is in the words Guichard Carvin, France Marseille St André (perhaps where
production of this tile), tile and another piece of text is Wang-Tai Saigon. This is a piece of tile
can be produced later in Saigon used to replace broken tile pieces during the Second World War
raid by the Allies. The whole church has 56 stained glass doorway of the province due to its
Lorin Chartres (France) production.
The foundations of the cathedral was designed specially to withstand 10 times the load of the
whole church architecture located above. And a very special thing is the church does not ring
fence or wall surrounding the church around the Saigon - Gia Dinh then and now.
Cathedral interior design into a major heart, two hearts followed by two rows of side chapels.
The entire length of the cathedral is 133 meters from the door of the room to suck the last prayer.
Width of the corridor is 35 m. The height of the cathedral is 21 m. Capacity of the church can
reach 1,200.
Church interior has two rows of rectangular columns, each six represents the 12 apostles. Shortly
after the column is a corridor with many small bays are the altar (the altar than 20) with small
altars and sacred objects made of white stone very finely. Altar where the Holy Palace made of
marble monolith shaped six gods carved into the stone straight face support from the altar, stands
divided into three cells, each cell is a sculpture described relics. On the walls are decorated with
glass doors 56 prominent figures or describe events in the Bible, rose 31 round shape, 25 cows
eyes glazed windows together with colorful pictures are very beautiful. All the lines, edges only,
the pattern will follow and Gotich Roman official, solemn and elegant. However, in this current
window of 56 to two as the old door is intact.
Interior cathedral illuminated at night by electricity (not use candles) immediately after the
inauguration. In the day, with excellent light distribution design, harmony with Interior created a
mosque in the interior soft light, creating a feeling of peace and holiness.
High just above the main entrance is "guarding the" pipe organ with guitar, a guitar in the two
oldest Vietnam today. Men are the foreign experts hand-made, tailored to the now sound enough
to hear the church, not small but not noisy. The body now about 3 m high, 4 meters across, about
2 m long, containing aluminum steam pipe about an inch in diameter. Own controls are now
connected with the shaft itself now, is the organ keyboard as normal and to put the keys under
the floor (about 3 m long, horizontally about 1 m) to the operator when the pedal up now using
bass notes. Men also have great bar to enter the lower dam in the steam pipe emits sound.
Currently, this guitar has been completely damaged by eating the wood keyboard connections
Manual.
Initially, two 36.6 m high bell tower, with no roof and only a single narrow staircase about 40 cm
in width. Bell interior very dark and the floor was lined with pieces of wood sketchy little about,
looking down deep seen smoking. In 1895 the church building to cover two more roof top 21 m
high bell tower, designed by architect Gardes, a total of 57 meter high bell tower Having all six
large bells (sol, la, si, C, D, mi), six audio, weighing a total of 28.85 tons, located two floors
below the bell. Ministry bell is made in France and brought over Saigon in 1879. On the right
tower bells hung 4 (sol, si, drag, mi); left hanging two bell towers (la, municipalities). Bell on
each side are very finely painted.
Three is the largest bell weighs 3150 kg si bell, bell weighs 2,194 kg and re especially bell sol is
one of the world's largest bell: it weighs 8785 kg, bell mouth diameter 2.25 m, high 3, 5 m (up to
the knob hang). Bells ring only once a year on Christmas night.
The bells are electrically controlled from below. Particularly large bell before the three were hit
by bike boots (too heavy) to shake before turning on electrical switches. On weekdays, only to
pour a church bell or drop it onto each at 5 and 17g30. On Sunday and holidays, often to pour
three church bells. On Christmas night, then poured the last six bells. The Bell 10 km away to the
flight of birds.
Clockwork before the dome roof about 15 m above ground, between the two bell towers were
built in Switzerland in 1887, understood, about 2.5 m high, approximately 3 m horizontally and
more than 1 m high, weighs more 1 tons, laid on brick pedestals. Although rudimentary, old but
works pretty accurately. To adjust the clock, the back has a big clock, the clock rang in the
family. Just watched this human clock, large clock can run that slow, fast, right or wrong time.
Each week up to a second clock and the need to clock up as second hand car back. System clock
has its own tone, but has no activity by Cot wires obsolete.
The front is a shrine to the park with four way junction form a cross. Center of the park is the
statue Our Lady Peace (or Peace Reginal). The statue by sculptor G. Ciocchetti implementation
in 1959. Author's name was on the dress in the foot, the left side of the statue. 4.6 m high statue,
weighing 5.8 tons, with Italian white marble, carved with the intent not to look so far from
polished, so that the entire body, including the region still face trace coarse sculpture. Marian
statue in the upright posture, left hand holding globe, left on earth is attached crucifix, eyes
fascinated German-dimensional look to the sky like Vietnam and pray for world peace. First
Lady foot pedal snake (which is now, the snake was on the surface of the jaw). On the stone
pedestal, in front of the statue, who have mounted a bronze plaque with the Latin words:
REGINA PACIS - OPRA PRONOBIS - XVII. II. MCMLIX
Which means “QUEEN of PEACE – Pray for us”
Beneath the stone pedestal, it has carved a niche site adjacent to the foot of the
Blessed Mother, in which a silver box, containing prayers to pray for peace in
Vietnam and the world. The prayers that were written up on the foils with different
materials like gold, silver, tin, aluminum, paper, leather and copper, is sent to many
parts of Vietnam, including from some areas outside the North.
Special characteristics
All the original building materials were imported from France. Tiles have been carved with the
words Guichard Carvin, Marseille St André France (perhaps stating the locality where the tiles
were produced). Some tiles are carved with the words "Wang-Tai Saigon". Many tiles have since
been made in Ho Chi Minh City to replace the tiles that were damaged by the war. There are 56
glass squares supplied by the Lorin firm of Chartres province in France. The cathedral
foundation was designed to bear ten times the weight of the cathedral.
Củ Chi tunnels
The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in
the Củ Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, and are part of a much larger
network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of
several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong's base of operations
for the Tết Offensive in 1968.
The tunnels were used by Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving
as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for
numerous guerrilla fighters. The role of the tunnel systems should not be underestimated in its
importance to the Viet Cong in resisting American operations and protracting the war, eventually
culminating in an American withdrawal.
Tourist Destination
The 75-mile (121 km)-long complex of tunnels at Củ Chi has been preserved by the government
of Vietnam, and turned into a war memorial park. The tunnels are a popular tourist attraction,
and visitors are invited to crawl around in the safer parts of the tunnel system. Some tunnels have
been made larger to accommodate the larger size of western tourists, while low-power lights
have been installed in several of them to make traveling through them easier and booby traps
have been clearly marked. Underground conference rooms where campaigns such as the Tết
Offensive were planned in 1968 have been restored, and visitors may enjoy a simple meal of
food that Viet Cong fighters would have eaten.
Above-ground attractions include caged monkeys, vendors selling souvenirs, and a shooting
range where visitors can fire a number of assault rifles.
Ho Chi Minh City Hall
Ho Chi Minh City Hall or Hôtel de Ville de Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City People's
Committee Head office - Trụ sở Ủy ban Nhân Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh) was built in
1902-1908 in a French colonial style for the then city of Saigon. It was renamed
after 1975 as Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee. Illuminated at night, the
building is not opened to the public or for tourists. A statute of the namesake is
found in park next to the building.
Mariamman Temple (Chua ba)
The Mariamman Temple of Ho Chi Minh City is a temple dedicated to the Hindu
Goddess Mariamman. It was built in the late 19th century by traders from Tamil
Nadu.
Architecture
In the outer hall, Paravati's sons Ganesha and Muruga are on her right and left, respectively. The
Rajagopuram of this temple is about 12m high and contains a number of statues. Statues of
Lakshmi, Muruga and other devas dot the hallways.
The main feature of the temple are the various statues of Mariamman, which surround the outer
walls of the temple. These include Nataraja, Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu, Kali, Biramasakthi,
Samundi, Thirumagal, Mageswari, Meenadchi, Valambigai, Andal, Kamadchiamman, Karumari-
amman, Sivagami and Parvathy who has Murugan in her lap.
There is also a huge mandapam or main hall inside the Mandir.
Devotees
It was built at first to serve the Chettiar community in Vietnam. It serves around 50 Tamil
families in Saigon, and most of the devotees are Vietnamese or Chinese who experienced the
powers of Mariamman
Municipal Theatre (nha hat TP)
The Saigon Opera House (Vietnamese: Nhà hát lớn Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh), an opera house
in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is an example of French Colonial architecture in Vietnam.
Built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene, the 800 seat building was used as the home of
the Lower House assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. It was not until 1975 that it was again
used as a theatre, and restored in 1995.
Architecture
Saigon Opera House is a smaller counterpart of the Hanoi Opera House (built from 1901 to
1911, and shaped like the Opéra Garnier in Paris). The Saigon Opera House owes its specific
characteristics to the work of architect Félix Olivier, while construction was under supervision of
architects Ernest Guichard and Eugène Ferret in 1900.
Its architectural style is influenced by the flamboyant style of the French Third Republic with the
façade shaped like the Petit Palais which was built in the same year in France. The house had a
main seating floor plus two levels of seating above, and was capable of accommodating 1,800
people. The design of all the inscriptions, décor, and furnishings were drawn by a French artist
and sent from France.
However, the décor of the façade faced some criticisms. In accordance with Gothic style, the
house facade was decorated with inscription and reliefs (like City Hall), but it was criticized as
being too complicated. In 1943, some of the complicated decoration was removed. On the
occasion of 300th anniversary of Saigon in 1998, the city government had some façade decor
restored.
History
After the complete invasion of Cochinchina, in 1863 the French colonists invited a theatre
company to Saigon to perform for the French legion in the villa of the French admiral at the
Clock Square (Place de l'Horloge) (today, this is the corner of Nguyen Du and Dong Khoi
streets). After a short time, a temporary theatre was built at the site of what is now the Caravelle
Hotel. In 1898, the construction of the new theatre commenced on the site of the old one, and it
was completed by 1 January 1900.
Between World War I and World War II, all costs of mobilization and demobilization as well as
other costs for the theatre companies from France to Saigon were paid by the municipal
government. Despite the fact that the theatre was planned as an entertainment venue for the
growing middle class, its audience declined as more and more night clubs and dance halls
boomed in the city. During this period, performances were presented only occasionally, some
being concerts and others cai luong programs.
Following from the criticisms of the theatre’s façade and the high costs of organizing
performances, the municipal government intended to turn the theatre into a concert hall (Salle de
Concert), but this was never carried out. Instead, the theatre façade's decorations, engravings and
statues were removed in 1943 to make the theatre look more youthful. In 1944, the theatre was
damaged by the Allied aerial attacks against Japanese Imperial Army and the theatre stopped
functioning. As Japan surrendered to the Allied forces, France returned to Cochichina. In 1954,
the French army surrendered to Viet Minh during the Battle of Dien Bien Phu which led to the
Geneva Accords in the same year. The theatre was then used as a temporary shelter for French
civilians immigrating from the North Vietnam.
In 1955, the theatre was restored for the purpose of becoming the seat of the Lower House of the
State of Vietnam, then the Republic of Vietnam. After the Fall of Saigon in 1975, the building
was restored to its original function as a theatre. In 1998, on the occasion of 300th anniversary of
the founding of Saigon, the municipal government had the theatre façade restored.
Suoi Tien Amusement Park
Suoi Tien Amusement Park is an amusement park in District 9, Ho Chi Minh City. The park
includes several entertainment areas. The landscaping and attractions in the park illustrate
Vietnam's history and legends, such as Au Co and Lac Long Quan as well as the Battle of Son
Tinh and Thuy Tinh (The Mountain God and The River God). An artificial seawater pool is
located in the park for sea-bathers. Amongst other attractions here, tourists will find a dinosaur
garden and the Tien Dong beach.
The Tien Dong beach is a man made beach featuring a gigantic waterfall with the face of an
emperor sculpted into it. The park is colorful, and you will find giant sculpted dragons painted in
gorgeous blue and orange pastels, soft red Buddha statues and lush green gardens, as well as all
the normal theme park attractions (like bumper cars and water slides). The park even includes a
zoo, full of crocodiles and tortoies. The whole place is decorated in a sort of Disneyland-meets-
Buddha aesthetic with the general theme being that of spectacle. Everything here is big, bright,
and colorful, a visual feast. The park also displays the spiritual imagery of the Vietnamese
people through sculptures of Dragons, Lions, Turtles, and Phoenixes. An expansive artificial sea-
water pool attraction is located in the park for bathers. Known for its beautiful scenery and
architecture, this part is filled with green from top to bottom. If you want to take the perfect
picture, this place is for you. It also has rides - from roller coasters to bikes in air - and a nice
playground pool for children and adults. This year's festival at Suoi Tien Park in June will be a
much grander and quite different affair than previously, now that the HCM City Tourism Service
has decided to promote the annual show as a major tourist attraction. The Suoi Tien deputy
general director, Doan Minh Tuan, says the HCM City Fruit Festival (from June 1 to 22) will be
much more interesting than before. "Previously", he says, "the fruit was merely laid out in the
same manner as an ordinary market, but this time we'll have a southern-style floating market on
the water, with boats full of Vendors dressed in traditional outfits." Beginning 2014 the park will
be served by a stop on the first line of the HCMC Metro that is currently under construction.