See Vietnam in a new light – Stop 1 Ho Chi Ming

6-8 October 2022 I remember Vietnam well growing up, alas, not in a good way. It was imploding fighting each other, the North against the South, a battle between those who believed in communism and those who did not. The Americans got involved and were later forced to give up by these gritty troopers. Vietnam then became communist, and Saigon became Ho Chim Ming City. Countries south of Vietnam started to be concerned about the domino effect that could engulf them.

How things have changed. From being one of the poorest nations, its economic reforms since the 1980s helped to change Vietnam into a middle-income economy. I visited Vietnam a few years ago for work. Time to pay our neighbor a social visit. I flew into Ho Chi Ming City in the south of the country. The plan was to go all the way to the north.

Nothing like starting the day with a bowl of pho, a Vietnamese signature dish of soup rice noodles and beef pieces. A taste of Vietnam – simple, yet satisfying.

This is a dynamic city. Motorbikes ran amok, like stray bullets darting all over the place. At road junctions, you could witness bikes crossing paths, like a school of fish trying to swim across another. The motorbikes dominated the road – they almost took over the whole street, leaving the odd cars finding their way through the swarm of motorbikes. Men and girls rode as equals. Everyone beeps to announce that their bikes are coming through and alert everyone else to give way. But if you ride a Harley, that would be unwelcome as a bully.

When crossing the street, be careful but do not be afraid; they will dodge you. It is as if the government is only responsible for building the road, the users then take over and take things into their own hands. It appeared like there were no rules, only common courtesy. Quite a spectacle not seen elsewhere, a synchronized chaos perfectly choreographed.

Everyone seemed to be busy. It reminds me of many cities in China. The entrepreneurial spirit is very much alive.

Lining the streets are many roadside stalls and cafes, much like the French. But they favor diminutive tables and chairs, like the children’s. I sat on them and felt like a giraffe. Many white tourists lazed on these miniature chairs, drinking beer and people-watching, trying to look local but looking quite disproportionate. Try it when you visit; you are going to feel down to earth and closer to your refreshments.

The French ran this country for a while and left behind some colonial buildings. In the city center, often at some random locations, groups of young people have a picnic and enjoy the drinks and snacks they bring. I then realized they were congregating around some historical cathedrals, as though they are reminiscing about the past that they did not live through?

I noticed many Vietnamese expressing themselves with tattoos. This is quite unusual in Asia, a relatively conservative region where tattoos were in the past associated with criminality and rebelliousness. If they feel liberated, they are free to express themselves.

Broad boulevards ran through the city center, keeping tows of skyscrapers and shops from each other, creating space for recreation and relaxation for the citizenry. In the evening, the busy nightlife streets became thunderously loud. They looked free to abandon caution and enjoy themselves. Some shop signage displays the name “Saigon” in bold and boldly. The energy is surprising.

They appeared reconciled with their past. They have moved on.

Exploring Vietnam started with a bang!