A city with two names, Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, has always held a special allure with its historical charm and vibrant energy. Inspired by the movie “L’amant” and drawn to the Mekong River, I knew I had to experience this city for myself.
Touching down in Saigon on a bustling Friday afternoon, I was immediately immersed in the city’s lively atmosphere. The busy traffic haunted me until dinner time. After a quick check-in at VyDa Backpacker Hostel, I wasted no time diving into the chaotic flow of motorbikes and street vendors. Zone 1, Saigon, came alive with the sounds of music from bars and the tempting aromas of street food around Cho Ben Thanh. A must-try was the “Bep Me In” restaurant, offering a variety of delicious dishes at reasonable prices, perfect for solo travelers like myself. And even though it was late, I couldn’t resist savoring a cup of the local black coffee, a staple of southern Vietnam.
On my second day, I cruised on a local boat into the jungles along the Mekong Delta. Despite the scorching sun, we found shade and enjoyed a lovely lunch featuring deep-fried local fish from the Mekong River, along with the world-famous and mouth-watering Vietnamese spring rolls. Afterward, we ventured into the jungle on a slow biking experience, soaking in the natural beauty of this enchanting region.
What lead me to Saigon in the first place was Marguerite Duras’ novel and adapted film “L’amant.” So, a highlight of my trip was tracing the footsteps from the movie across different districts of Saigon.
I started my morning with a leisurely stroll to Le Quy Don (the high school where Duras studied). I also visited the iconic Independence Palace along the way. After a quick bite near the Nhà thờ Tân Định (The Pink Church), I hopped on a Grab Bike to explore Cho Lon District, home to the famous blue house featured in the movie. This blue house was in the crowded but well-reserved Chinatown, the largest one in Vietnam. So, If you are a street photography lover fond of some authentic photos, you will definitely enjoy the colorful and historical buildings across various neighborhoods. Don’t miss out, check out the city tour for the full experience.
