Photographic Journals
Echoes of Saigon - A Journey through Time in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, still endearingly called Saigon, is where memory and momentum intersect on every street. Over centuries, it evolved from a Khmer swamp to the French colonial capital, then witnessed fierce wars and a dramatic reunification. Today, almost fifty years after Vietnam’s reunification in 1975, this metropolis thrives as a cultural and economic hub, its skyline racing upward even as its history remains visible in landmarks and traditions. In this series of seven photographs, we travel through the city’s soul – from a palace where wars ended to a market where everyday commerce thrives, from serene river sunsets to streets illuminated by modern aspirations. Each image and story invites reflection on how Saigon’s past continues to shape its present and future. []
The Reunification Palace (Independence Palace) stands serenely in the heart of Saigon, its modernist facade fronted by a manicured lawn and fountain. Yet beneath this tranquility lies a tumultuous history – this was the seat of South Vietnam’s government. On April 30, 1975, its gates were burst open by a North Vietnamese Army tank, symbolically ending decades of conflict. The building, designed in the 1960s by architect Ngô Viết Thụ, embodies an East-meets-West aesthetic: airy halls and Feng Shui-influenced gardens that witnessed state banquets and bunker meetings. Today, it is preserved as a museum; sunlight pours through its chambers where time seems frozen in 1975, inviting visitors to ponder the swift currents of history. A red flag now flies from the rooftop where the old regime’s banner was lowered, a poignant reminder that even the grandest chapters turn their page.
Reunification with History
The Reunification Palace (Independence Palace) stands serenely in the heart of Saigon, its modernist facade fronted by a manicured lawn and fountain. Yet beneath this tranquility lies a tumultuous history – this was the seat of South Vietnam’s government. On April 30, 1975, its gates were burst open by a North Vietnamese Army tank, symbolically ending decades of conflict. The building, designed in the 1960s by architect Ngô Viết Thụ, embodies an East-meets-West aesthetic: airy halls and Feng Shui-influenced gardens that witnessed state banquets and bunker meetings. Today, it is preserved as a museum; sunlight pours through its chambers where time seems frozen in 1975, inviting visitors to ponder the swift currents of history. A red flag now flies from the rooftop where the old regime’s banner was lowered, a poignant reminder that even the grandest chapters turn their page.
Beneath a cathedral-like canopy of old trees, Lê Duẩn Boulevard stretches out from the palace gates into the modern city. Once named Norodom Boulevard by the French colonizers, then Thống Nhất (Reunification) under President Diệm, it was finally renamed Lê Duẩn after 1975 – the changing names themselves mapping the saga of Saigon’s history. Along this avenue stand vestiges of each era: colonial villas that became consulates, war monuments turned museums, and new glass towers signifying a forward-looking Vietnam. The roar of motorbikes now rises where once military parades marched under these trees. Yet the boulevard’s essence endures; couples stroll in the shade and vendors sell coffee beneath the same greenery. It is a living corridor of continuity amid change.
Beneath Enduring Trees
Beneath a cathedral-like canopy of old trees, Lê Duẩn Boulevard stretches out from the palace gates into the modern city. Once named Norodom Boulevard by the French colonizers, then Thống Nhất (Reunification) under President Diệm, it was finally renamed Lê Duẩn after 1975 – the changing names themselves mapping the saga of Saigon’s history. Along this avenue stand vestiges of each era: colonial villas that became consulates, war monuments turned museums, and new glass towers signifying a forward-looking Vietnam. The roar of motorbikes now rises where once military parades marched under these trees. Yet the boulevard’s essence endures; couples stroll in the shade and vendors sell coffee beneath the same greenery. It is a living corridor of continuity amid change.
The Saigon Central Post Office is a cheerful relic of the French era in the city's central square. Its facade – painted ochre yellow with white trim – sports a large clock and the words “BƯU ĐIỆN” (post office) in elegant script. Built between 1886 and 1891, the structure blends European neoclassical design with local flourishes. Step inside and the scene could be a century ago: a vast hall under a wrought-iron vaulted ceiling, antique maps on the walls, and a grand portrait of Ho Chi Minh presiding over busy counters. Once, telegrams clicked here and letters bound for faraway lands were sorted by hand; today, tourists queue to buy stamps and admire this time capsule of a bygone era. Facing the red-brick Notre-Dame Cathedral across the street, the post office connects Saigon’s past to present – a shrine to communication enduring in the digital age.
Letters Across Time
The Saigon Central Post Office is a cheerful relic of the French era in the city's central square. Its facade – painted ochre yellow with white trim – sports a large clock and the words “BƯU ĐIỆN” (post office) in elegant script. Built between 1886 and 1891, the structure blends European neoclassical design with local flourishes. Step inside and the scene could be a century ago: a vast hall under a wrought-iron vaulted ceiling, antique maps on the walls, and a grand portrait of Ho Chi Minh presiding over busy counters. Once, telegrams clicked here and letters bound for faraway lands were sorted by hand; today, tourists queue to buy stamps and admire this time capsule of a bygone era. Facing the red-brick Notre-Dame Cathedral across the street, the post office connects Saigon’s past to present – a shrine to communication enduring in the digital age.
Night falls softly over the Saigon River at Lan Anh Marina, where yachts nod gently in dark water reflecting strings of golden light. Moored pleasure boats bob in the current – a far cry from the barges and naval ships that once plied these waters. Across the river, skyscrapers like Landmark 81 glint, signifying Ho Chi Minh City’s leap into modernity. Lan Anh Marina in Thủ Thiêm is an upscale enclave that has bloomed where swamps and docks once stood. Jazz music drifts from a dockside café as couples clink glasses on a moored dinner cruise. Yet the Saigon River carries deep history beneath its surface. This river carried colonial expeditions, warships, and generations of traders from the delta to the sea. Tonight it bears the city’s ambitions, reflected in each ripple – a reminder that as Saigon’s skyline climbs, its river remains the same silent witness.
Twilight Reflections, Urban Dreams
Night falls softly over the Saigon River at Lan Anh Marina, where yachts nod gently in dark water reflecting strings of golden light. Moored pleasure boats bob in the current – a far cry from the barges and naval ships that once plied these waters. Across the river, skyscrapers like Landmark 81 glint, signifying Ho Chi Minh City’s leap into modernity. Lan Anh Marina in Thủ Thiêm is an upscale enclave that has bloomed where swamps and docks once stood. Jazz music drifts from a dockside café as couples clink glasses on a moored dinner cruise. Yet the Saigon River carries deep history beneath its surface. This river carried colonial expeditions, warships, and generations of traders from the delta to the sea. Tonight it bears the city’s ambitions, reflected in each ripple – a reminder that as Saigon’s skyline climbs, its river remains the same silent witness.
Under the neon glow of downtown Saigon, night transforms a once-humble street into a riot of color and sound. The scene is kaleidoscopic: flashing signboards in multiple languages vie for attention, pop music booms from open-air bars, and the aroma of grilling skewers and fried noodles drifts through the air. This is Bùi Viện Street (the city’s famed backpacker street), once a quiet neighborhood, now beating with youthful energy. Travelers from around the globe sip bia hơi on low plastic stools beside local students and artists. Above, colonial-era shophouses host rooftop lounges, their old bones shaken nightly by revelry. The chaos has a convivial rhythm – street vendors haggle over late-night snacks, and laughter spills out of packed bars. In this night bazaar of culture, one senses a modern Saigon that embraces the world yet retains its own free-spirited soul.
Kaleidoscopic Night
Under the neon glow of downtown Saigon, night transforms a once-humble street into a riot of color and sound. The scene is kaleidoscopic: flashing signboards in multiple languages vie for attention, pop music booms from open-air bars, and the aroma of grilling skewers and fried noodles drifts through the air. This is Bùi Viện Street (the city’s famed backpacker street), once a quiet neighborhood, now beating with youthful energy. Travelers from around the globe sip bia hơi on low plastic stools beside local students and artists. Above, colonial-era shophouses host rooftop lounges, their old bones shaken nightly by revelry. The chaos has a convivial rhythm – street vendors haggle over late-night snacks, and laughter spills out of packed bars. In this night bazaar of culture, one senses a modern Saigon that embraces the world yet retains its own free-spirited soul.
Morning light spills into Bến Thành Market, illuminating an endless array of goods under its century-old roof. The air is thick with the rich scents of star anise, grilled meat, and ripe mangoes, mingling in the aisles. Established in 1914, Bến Thành is more than a marketplace – it’s a living museum of Saigon’s commercial and culinary life. Generations of merchants sing out prices from stalls overflowing with everything from coffee and tea to rolls of silk, lacquerware, mangoes, and souvenir T-shirts. Locals haggle over the day’s produce while tourists marvel at the maze of stalls. The market’s iconic clock tower has seen colonial days, wartime rationing, and times of peace. Here, tradition and hustle coexist.
Of Spices and Stories
Morning light spills into Bến Thành Market, illuminating an endless array of goods under its century-old roof. The air is thick with the rich scents of star anise, grilled meat, and ripe mangoes, mingling in the aisles. Established in 1914, Bến Thành is more than a marketplace – it’s a living museum of Saigon’s commercial and culinary life. Generations of merchants sing out prices from stalls overflowing with everything from coffee and tea to rolls of silk, lacquerware, mangoes, and souvenir T-shirts. Locals haggle over the day’s produce while tourists marvel at the maze of stalls. The market’s iconic clock tower has seen colonial days, wartime rationing, and times of peace. Here, tradition and hustle coexist.
On Vietnam’s National Day, Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street in downtown Saigon comes alive with celebration. A giant red 2/9 1945–2022 installation glows amid bright sunflowers, commemorating the day Vietnam declared independence. Crowds stroll the broad plaza, enjoying the festive atmosphere. Children wave little flags, and couples pose for photos by floral displays. In the distance, the French-built City Hall is lit up, the national flag billowing from its roof – a symbol of how far the city has come. It took three more decades after 1945 for Saigon to see that promise of freedom fulfilled, but now the city celebrates as one. As fireworks burst over the river, their sparks dance on the glassy high-rises, honoring the past while heralding the future.
Night of Remembrance and Hope
On Vietnam’s National Day, Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street in downtown Saigon comes alive with celebration. A giant red 2/9 1945–2022 installation glows amid bright sunflowers, commemorating the day Vietnam declared independence. Crowds stroll the broad plaza, enjoying the festive atmosphere. Children wave little flags, and couples pose for photos by floral displays. In the distance, the French-built City Hall is lit up, the national flag billowing from its roof – a symbol of how far the city has come. It took three more decades after 1945 for Saigon to see that promise of freedom fulfilled, but now the city celebrates as one. As fireworks burst over the river, their sparks dance on the glassy high-rises, honoring the past while heralding the future.