Ho Chi Minh City

Tháp Tài chính Bitexco

Our drop-off point in Ho Chi Mihn City was the Bitexco Financial Tower. At its completion in 2010, it became the tallest building in Vietnam and kept this status until January 2011, when it was surpassed by Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower. With 68 floors above ground and three basements, the building has a height of 861 ft (same height as the Trump World Tower in New York City), making it the second tallest building in the city, fourth tallest in Vietnam, and the 412th tallest in the world, as of May 2022. 

(source: wikipedia)

We ascended to the Saigon Skydeck via a high-speed elevator to the the 49th floor of this innovative skyscraper to enjoy 360-degree, panoramic views of the urban landscape, the Saigon River, and all of the city's prominent attractions. The building's shape was inspirted by the lotus flower.

There were a number of informative touch screens as you walked around the floor.

The Café Apartment Building

This nine-storey apartment block, originally constructed in the mid-1960s, houses a vibrant array of independent cafes, workshops, boutique fashion stores, and co-working spaces. It is a unique blend of modern and old-world charm.

The Café Apartment Building, initially served as dormitories for government and military personnel, including US advisors in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as naval officers in the post-war period. After the Fall of Saigon, some of the apartments were allocated to shipyard workers. However, it wasn’t until the 2010s that the owners of these buildings began embracing the concept of cafe apartments, which subsequently blossomed into a cultural phenomenon in Saigon. 

(source: Local Vietnam)

According to my sources, the best time to go is in the evening when the streets come alive. We were their early in the day. We had limited time due to a 2-3 hour bus trip from the ship (depending on traffic).

We didn't explore very much but we found this wonderful cafe, pottery gallery and workshop.

Lighting display along the street

Exploring

Công viên Lam Sơn
City Hall
The hall was built in 1902–1908 in a French colonial style by architect Paul Gardès. 

Nhà hàng Ngon

Nha Hang Ngon restaurant is a delight—skilfully combining a comprehensive menu of classic Vietnamese dishes, English speaking waiters and beautiful surroundings. It stands out because it is housed in a charming French villa that has been restored to its former glory and painted a shocking magenta (formerly canary yellow). In the courtyard, you are surrounded by twinkling fairy lights and, running through the centre of the villa, an attractive lily pond. Inside or out, the environment is pleasant, with a gentle buzz of chatter and many cooks sitting around the periphery of the restaurant preparing dishes that span the breadth of Vietnamese cuisine.

(source: VivuTravel)

Photo-worthy food

Delicious french bread

The kitchen

Lotus fountain with City Hall in the background

I think it is safe to say, "The vietnamese love their bright colors!"

Chợ Bến Thành

This central market of Hồ Chí Minh City serves, not only the locals with fruits, vegetables and dry goods, but also welcomes tourists with many souvenirs, t-shirts and other garments, as well as traditional handicrafts including lacquerware and embroidery. Different textiles in famous Vietnamese and Asian styles are also available to purchase. Honestly, it was overwhelming!

Aaron led us to a brewery. Appropriately called East West Brewing, the brew master is from Portland, Oregon. Check out their website for the whole story: East West Brewing

Street views from the brewery

Fashion

Need a nap? Take one.

Plenty to see on the way back to our ride

Our destination—the lotus-shaped skyscraper

Back on the bus

Later that evening, we celebrated Curtis and Kat's anniversary.

A day at sea to follow…

Images courtesy of

Aaron + Christy Sutton

Curtis + Kathleen Laux