The Bitexco building is one of the most iconic symbols of Saigon and it’s rapid post-war transformation. The spotlight is now shared somewhat with the taller Landmark 81 building, but for many Bitexco will always be the symbol of modern Saigon. Bitexco Financial Tower 2 Hai Trieu Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Standing at 262 meters (861 feet), the Bitexco Financial Tower was…
Saigon is a great place for street photographers. Any of the parks or markets are great in the early morning. Some of my favorite spots include: Sculpture park September 23 Park Chinatown Flower Market Japan Town Saigon is a great place for street photography and really comes alive at night. Try Bui Vien or Japan Town if you get a bit of rain during the…
Established in 1864, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens as Vietnam‘s largest and oldest zoo, covering over 20 hectares in central Ho Chi Minh City. It was founded during the French colonial period and combines animals with historical architecture and mature botanical gardens. The exhibits are organized into distinct zones, including the big cat complex, primate area, reptile house, and aviary. Like many zoos it…
Ta Cu is a Buddhist temple built on a small mountain south of Phan Thiet city. It is accessed by tram or a long hike. Even for those taking the tram there are a number of stairs particularly leading to the reclining Buddha. Unfortunately the last tram leaves a bit before blue hour but the afternoon light is still nice.
Phan Thiet is at its heart a fishing port. With one of the larger fleets in the area there are lots of photo opportunities. Along the river in the morning you will see fisherman and their wives repairing the nets. On the south side of the river is the commercial fish market that is best to visit before 08:00am. Another interesting stop is the Whale…
A really interesting building with everything an urban archeologist could ask for. Complete with grit, graffiti, old spiral staircase and even an all dressed up speakeasy bar — SnuffBox. It’s a good place to go during the mid-day harsh light as you are indoors but may get some nice light streaming into the windows. Definitely bring a fast wide or super-wide angle lens if you…
Tan Dinh, “The Pink Church” is a fixture for the Instagram crowd. The hop-on/hop-off bus will stop here. Tan Dinh Church Address: 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Hours: Daily 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Mass times vary The church’s architecture follows the Romanesque style with Gothic influences, typical of European religious buildings from the late 19th…
Musulman Mosque 101 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City This is a bit of a surprise for many to find in the heart of Saigon. In District 1 near the Sheraton hotel it has many quiet and unique spots to photograph. They open very early and a nice stop before breakfast but be respectful of worshipers. Originally constructed in 1935, this…
Mui Ne is a coastal resort town within easy reach from Saigon by bus or train. It is a meccas for kite surfers and other action sport enthusiasts. Some of the top attractions include: White Sanda Beach Red Sands Beach Mui Ne Fishing Village Fairy Stream Po Sah Inu Cham Tower Plenty of nice resorts and western food if you are looking for a change…
The Museum of Fine Arts in Ho Chi Minh City stands as a reflection of Vietnam’s rich artistic heritage, housed in a striking yellow colonial-era mansion at 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, District 1. Built in 1929, the building exemplifies the distinctive French colonial architectural style that characterized much of Saigon’s early 20th-century development. The three-story structure features classical European design elements blended with Asian…