Whizzing through Saigon

Whizzing through the haphazzard traffic on “our motor bikes”, the winds blew against our faces, carrying the aroma of Bánh mì (crispy bread), Phở (noodles), Sườn Nướng (grilled pork ribs), Xôi (glutinous rice) and Chè (tapioca desserts) to our noses. Our sights were smudged by the overlapping choices of colourful souvenirs. Our ears deafened by touting, bargaining and the noisy traffic. Well, we actually didn’t “ride motor bikes” but manoeuvred alongside thousands of them. That is enough for our Saigon experience to feel like bike riding – fast, chaotic and absolutely captivating!

Enjoy these street snaps of my recent getaway to Saigon. And yes, I still prefer the city’s old name ‘Saigon’ than ‘Ho Chi Minh City’, its new name after the war. ‘Saigon’ is not just easier on the tongue, but also imbues a nostalgic romance while embracing modern exuberance and eclecticism  Enjoy Saigon!

More photos of Saigon on my Facebook : Walkabout with YC Facebook – Whizzing through Saigon – More photos

 

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Banh Mi is sold everywhere on the streets. I like the candour of this guy picking his tooth, as if he was still enjoying the after-taste of his Banh Mi!
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At the Chợ Bến Thành market. Bargain hard. Great discounts, yet great profits.
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Portrait of Ho Chi Minh, Father of Vietnam, is everywhere in Ho Chi Minh City
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Playing on the streets, liven up the streets!
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Street vendors wearing the typical Vietnamese straw hats
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Crispy banana fritters
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Since 2009, wearing of helmets became compulsory for motor bikers. Oh dear, will the kid be fined?
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This doughnut vendor tried very hard to attract business by carrying the doughnuts on his head. Many tourists took photos but refused to buy. I bought 3 doughnuts for 20,000 dongs. See his smile?
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Central Post Office
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Patrol on skates
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Is this a shop selling BBQ pork? a home? or a temple? I only noticed an old man was sleeping inside after loading this photo into my computer.
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Going nuts
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I had a a good laugh upon looking closely at this photo.
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A dog selling cigarettes?
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Bored
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BBQ pork on the streets
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Banh Mi
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Sparrows outside the Notre Dame Cathedral
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Millions of motor bikes whizzed through the city days and nights. A bike costs only about $300 to $400.
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Saigon
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I wonder how a technician knows which wire to repair? And look at that wardrobe on a pushcart!
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Very skilled riders
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Old shavers and military ID plates at the Dan Sinh Military supplies and relics market
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Our luxurious hotel overlooking the city
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