Exploring Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

 Not until I went there for a vacay, I would always imagine Vietnam through the lens of war. Not until I’ve experienced their unique culture, learned about their painful history and hardship, and witnessed their warm welcome to the other race, I would  described them as a country invaded by Mongolian, colonized by French people and a battlefield during Vietnam war  

Vietnam is located in South East Asia ,with borders of Gulf of Thailand to the west and South China Sea to the east.It has size as Italy and Japan.Hmmmm hundreds of miles away from Manila… we’ve traveled 4 hours by air to get there.

Vietnamese locals has a similarity with Mongolians since they were invaded by them. This pic shows how they perform  their local folk song with their local folk dress and instruments.

Same with Philippines, Rice is their most important crop. It is grown on their largest part of cropped land. Steamed Rice is almost a part of their every meal.

This white palace is similar to Malacanan Palace in Manila where designed as a home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during war. Reunification Palace formerly named as Independence Palace was constructed during French Colonialism in Vietnam.

Of all places we’ve visited Mekong River is my favorite. Mekong River Cruise is one of their popular tourist spot. It is known as one of the world’s 10th Rivers on its river length and has great influence upon nature and societies of Indo-China Peninsula.

Mekong River flows south and east, through China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Another tourist spot that reminds me of Vietnam War is Cu Chi Tunnel. During Vietnam War Cu Chi Tunnel served as dwelling place for Vietnamese  to keep themselves safe from bombers who ruthlessly  killed every piece of their nation .

Cu Chi Tunnel is merely a connecting underground tunnel used by Viet Cong guerillas as hiding spot during the war.

You would not entirely experience Vietnam if you would not experience their food   One of their most popular is Rice Noodles. They can transform rice into noodles and any other ingredients like, rice wine,rice vinegar,rice paper etc.

With fresh herbs, meats and selective uses of spices, I consider their food as a healthy cuisine 

This is how they traditionally prepare their food.

Oh Yes…we have similar like this in Divisoria haha!

My friends and I have experienced how to eat just like a local city dwellers where they frequently eat outside their homes.Seated around the table with dishes of ingredients in the center, each person will be served with a bowl and can choose variety of meats, herbs and spices, you can simply come up with your own version of their Rice Noodle  

Traffic is a little bit different there. You’ll get to see huge numbers of motor riders in their major roads. That is because the major transportation in Vietnam aside from car is Motorbike. It can be seen in any places and can be rented anywhere.

There is a separate lane intended for motorbikes.

Buddhism has the largest followers in Vietnam when it comes to religion as it is the first religion introduced to them. Other major religions are Taoism and Confucianism.

Ceremonial food offering is a common practice in Buddhism.

This view is where incense is used during their meditation.

This museum shows their remarkable fight against American Imperialism. I was amazed how Vietnamese conduct their operations during war by their  weapons, ground forces artillery and air strikes.

Who would have think that in a Communist country and has a majority of Buddhism religion, there is a cathedral standing  in their major city. Oh yes! there is…Notre Dame Cathedral is the only seat for Roman Catholic church in Ho Chi Minh City.

Because Buddhism is their major religion of course it is incorporated with Buddha. This Big White Buddha Statue is sitting nearly 79 foot tall located in Nah Trang.

Pasalubong??? It will never goes out of  my list when I travel. The best place to shop is in Saigon square,similar to St. Francis Square in Ortigas but compare to it they sell cheaper branded apparels.

There are still beautiful places in Vietnam that I have not seen yet. Hopefully next time I would visit some part of their province.

   What an adventure tour to remember.