Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Vietnam is the starting point of my first solo backpacking trip abroad. The thought of traveling abroad alone for the first time got me scared at the beginning especially at the immigration. Lol 

Luckily, I made it through the immigration smoothly and has landed safely in Tan Son Nhat International Airport. It was around 3:AM when I arrived so I don't have any choice but to take a taxi to my hotel which is HongKong Kaiteki Hotel located in Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, Dist.1. 

Saigon, Notre-Dame Basilica

I woke up at 10:00 in the morning and as soon as I had breakfast, I started my Ho Chi Minh City Tour on a motorbike. That was not the first time that I've been on a motorbike but doing it in Vietnam is a little scary but really liberating and fun. 

My morning in Vietnam is always made perfect with a cup of Ca Phe Sua Nung

Situated right in the center of Saigon and is one of the most famous landmark in the city, I ask my motorbike driver to visit THE NOTRE-DAME BASILICA first.

Saigon, Notre-Dame Basilica

Constructed between between 1863 and 1880, the cathedral attracts not only the Catholics but also most tourist for its neo-Romanesque style architecture.  It has two bell towers reaching the height of over 58 meters. In front of the church is the statue of The Virgin Mary which is said to have shed tears in 2005. 

Across the Notre-Dame Basilica is the SAIGON CENTRAL POST OFFICE. The building was constructed in the early 20th century when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. It has a neoclassical architectural style and was designed and constructed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel.

Saigon Central Post Office

Inside Saigon Central Post Office.

After visiting the Saigon Central Office, my Driver brings me to THE SAIGON OPERA HOUSE.  Among the few places and landmarks I've visited in Saigon, this is my favorite because it has so much "Paris feel" in it. Maybe because of the Louis Vuitton shop across the street. Lol. 

The Saigon Opera House.

Lastly, my driver took me to THE REUNIFICATION PALACE. Also known as Independence Palace. This is an important landmark because it serves as a vivid reminder of the end of the Vietnam War.

It was almost lunch time when I finish my tour, so I eat at a restaurant near my hostel and had these delicious Vietnamese Dish for lunch.

In the afternoon, I joined a group tour to Cu Chi tunnel which made me realize I am claustrophobic. Lol. I will post my Cu Chi Tunnel experience on another blog post.