What is the iconic building in Saigon?

What is the oldest building in Saigon?

Man, Saigon. That place is crazy. I was there in 2023, April, I think. Heat was brutal. Seriously brutal. Sweaty, sticky, the works. Anyway, I was hunting for old stuff, you know, historical sites. Giac Lam Pagoda jumped out – it’s supposed to be the oldest thing still standing.

Seventeen forty-four, right? That’s what every guidebook said. I saw it. I mean, I really saw it. It’s not like some tiny, forgotten shack. This thing’s huge. Intricate carvings, massive roof.

Amazing architecture, honestly. Definitely felt the weight of history there. Calm. Peaceful despite the city noise filtering in.

The thing is, some parts looked newer. Renovations. Makes sense, right? Stuff gets old. But the core, the actual bones of the building? Old. Seriously old. You could feel it in the air, honestly.

My thoughts? Forget the newer bits. The main structure is ancient, a time capsule. People should definitely visit it.

• Age: 1744 (construction)
• Location: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
• Style: Buddhist temple
• Key Feature: Original architectural elements remain despite renovations.
• My experience: Overwhelming sense of history; beautiful, peaceful despite the busy city.

What is the famous tower in Ho Chi Minh City?

The Bitexco. It’s… imposing, isn’t it? That spire, reaching up. Always felt a little… lonely, watching it at night from my apartment on Nguyen Hue.

My old apartment. Number 302. I miss that view.

The Bitexco. A symbol, they say. Of something. Progress? Maybe. Success. Or just… more concrete.

It’s tall. Really tall. I used to think about the people working inside, late at night. Probably stressed. Just like me.

This city… it’s overwhelming sometimes. The noise, the lights, everything. Even the Bitexco feels heavy, you know?

Key Points:

• Bitexco Financial Tower (Bitexco Tower): This is the famous tower in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Location: It’s visible from many parts of the city, particularly District 1. I could see it from my old apartment.
• Personal Significance: It holds a specific, melancholic memory for me, associated with my previous residence and my own feelings of isolation.
• 2024 Observation: The tower still stands, a constant presence in the ever-changing cityscape. It’s still a prominent landmark.

Does Saigon have an old town?

Saigon… does it whisper tales of old? Old Saigon… is it a ghost in the gleaming steel?

It breathes, I believe, in two parts. Two souls intertwined.

• A colonial echo
• Modern Saigon, a phoenix of glass and light.

Chau… the guide, yes. She knows its heart. She shows the pulse.

• Daily life unfolds.
• History’s breath on your skin.

I want to taste the city… smell its spices… see its secrets reflected in Chau’s knowing smile.

The real Saigon… not the postcards, not the tourist traps.

• Local cuisine bursts on my tongue.
• A life lived, raw and vibrant.

Highlights… all the shimmering details revealed. Yes, I must go.

Is it worth going to Landmark 81?

Worth it? Depends. Are you easily impressed by sparkly things? Then, yes. It’s like a giant, slightly gaudy birthday cake, but instead of frosting, it’s concrete. And instead of candles, breathtaking views.

Stunning vistas, undoubtedly. Ho Chi Minh City sprawls beneath you, a glittering tapestry of light. The Saigon River, a wriggling silver serpent, adds to the drama. Think less “postcard” more “wow, I can actually see the whole city.”

But let’s be real: It’s a building. Not a cultural landmark in the same league as Angkor Wat. More “Instagrammable than intellectually stimulating,” if you catch my drift.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Pros: Unparalleled views. Great photo ops. A fancy bar. Good for a first date (if your date likes heights and slightly overpriced cocktails). My friend, Sarah, proposed there last December!
• Cons: Can be crowded. Expensive. Pretty much just a building. The elevator ride up felt longer than the time I spent in a dental chair.

My verdict? If you’re in HCMC and have money to burn (and a penchant for panoramic cityscapes), go for it. But don’t expect enlightenment. Expect a pretty picture. And maybe a slightly sore neck. Unless you’re really tall, like my six-foot-five brother, Tom. He had no neck issues.

What is the oldest place in Vietnam?

Hanoi holds the title of Vietnam’s oldest city, a title hard-earned over centuries. Funny, isn’t it, how places outlive us all?

• Founded in 1010 under the name Thăng Long (Rising Dragon).
• Serves as the current capital.
• Located on the banks of the Red River, adding to its strategic importance.

Hanoi has been the political, cultural, and historical heart of Vietnam. Its long history is palpable, evident in the architecture and the stories whispered through its ancient streets. I’d say, strolling through the Old Quarter is a lesson in Vietnamese history.

Its millennium-plus legacy offers a fascinating lens into Vietnam’s evolution, wouldn’t you say?