Saigon: She’s Come a Long Way Baby

The energy is palpable. The pace frenetic. Forget New York, I’d argue that Saigon is now the city that never sleeps.

In my nearly 20 years of traveling here, I’ve seen it go from quaint and quiet to a city that rivals any major metropolis for its bright lights and nightlife.

Tall buildings started cropping up maybe 12 years ago and since that time you can barely turn your head without seeing a skyscraper. Hotels and restaurants continue to open, despite the crashing economy in much of the world, and life here doesn’t seem to have slowed down.

Saigon isn’t for everyone, but for me it’s like a second home. I feel as though I have family here – people I haven’t seen in a dozen years, yet, when I knock on their door, tears fill their eyes and I’m welcomed like I never left.

I met Trang on my first visit to Vietnam through a friend of a friend. That original friend hasn’t returned, but I have (7 more times!) and continue to visit Trang and her family each time I’m there. Our language is limited, but our history long, and there are just some things that jump that language barrier. Two of the 3 children now live in the U.S. with their own families and Trang works in sales for a Singaporean company. All of this was unthinkable in 1992.

Just to the right of these buildings, is the landmark Ben Thanh Market – the place to find anything you might need. Old and new stand side by side, while motorbikes race by day and night.

Travel Well!

Beth

Related links:
Ahoy Hoi An!
Trekking in Mau Chau
Vietnam: Same Same but Different
Photo of the Day: North Vietnam
Preparing for 5 Weeks of Travel

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