Good Morning Viet Nam…

Saigon is now officially Ho Chi Minh City but the locals call it Saigon anyway. It very much resembles Paris; not too surprising since much of the architecture is from the French colonial period. It is a study in contrasts: an old city, filled with young people, ancient traditions and unbelievably chaotic traffic mostly led by motorbikes. It has to be seen to be believed. Here are some photos.

Joe

Water Puppet Show Masters

Water Puppet Show Masters

The busy streets of Saigon

The busy streets of Saigon

View from the Rooftop Bar of the Rex Hotel

View from the Rooftop Bar of the Rex Hotel

The Saigon Post office built by France during the colonial era.

The Saigon Post office built by France during the colonial era.

Outdoor Market in Saigon's China Town

Outdoor Market in Saigon’s China Town

Noodles for sale in an open market in Saigon's Chinatown.

Noodles for sale in an open market in Saigon’s Chinatown.

Motorbikes whiz along the streets of Saigon

Motorbikes whiz along the streets of Saigon

Saigon's streets are crammed with people riding motorbikes.

Saigon’s streets are crammed with people riding motorbikes.

Photo of burning incense in a Buddhist Temple in Saigon, Viet Nam

Photo of burning incense in a Buddhist Temple in Saigon, Viet Nam

Bikers weave in and out of Traffic

Bikers weave in and out of Traffic

Biker Takes a Break

Biker Takes a Break

Inside a  Buddhist Temple in Saigon, Viet Nam

Inside a Buddhist Temple in Saigon, Viet Nam