Visiting The Historical Architecture Of Saigon
Trip Start
Jul 20, 2011
1
5
10
Trip End
Jul 24, 2011
Where I stayed
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Friday, July 22, 2011
This museum has a collection of weapons and photographs which clearly depicts the entire 30 year war that happened in Vietnam. Once one goes through this place, you would have a clear picture of the chronology of events that happened and the repercussions that followed after the war that left the country financially broke and emotionally scarred.
There is also a collection of great newspaper articles that was published during the war era from various countries in the region. This is complemented by the photographs of the victims and the bombings. Surely, after going through this musem, one would feel sad on Vietnam's past and one would wonder how these guys picked themselves up after the war and marched forward, unlike Cambodia which still is in a saddening state.
From the War Remnants Museum, the next destination was the Notre Dame Cathedral also known as The Hundred Years Red Cathedral. Generally, after Buddhism, Catholicism is the second largest religion in Vietnam. This is a beautiful church built by the french in 1300's. unfortunate we could not go in and take photographs as it was locked.
The next building was right beside the Church, its the Old Post Office, once again built in 1336 I think. This was also built by the French. At first look, I thought that this was the Railway Station and was suprised to know that it is the Post Office and is still in operations.
Inside, the architecture was still maintained well, just like how it was left by the French Government. The tiles, all French, were in an immaculate condition and I am sure they would fetch a huge price to buy them today, if at all they are still in production.
The rest of the day, since I was pretty tired, I just stay in the room and got some rest until it was time for dinner. As for dinner, we head to this French themed Vietnamese Restaurant called Chateau Restaurant. Here I had the set menu which cost me USD 10. The menu was good and worth the price. I think the guys in this restaurant give great importance to the appearence of the food as well as every dish was well designed with edible items. The presentation was simply great. IIn fact I think this restaurant must be quite famous as it was filled with foreigners though it is 3 stories, all levels were full house.
After dinner, I just walked around the hotel area for while and then bought another local beer to try back in the room.
Comments
Personally I could not stand going into this museum!
Good work as always.
The photographs from the museum are very sad.
I would agree with you Popi, it was disheartening. I ran out of there within a few moments. Could not tolerate the photographs. Thank you for the compliments.
Wholeheartedly I am in agreement with you Jay. Very very sad.