Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam
is a fascinating destination for travelers to Southeast Asia. It is located on
the Mekong River. It was once an important trading center for the French in
Southeast Asia. The influence of French culture can still be felt. Many people,
especially the older generations, learned French in school and still can speak
it very well. Some cafes serve French-style bread and pastries in Ho Chi Minh
City. Expensive hotels and restaurants serve French food. Many of the buildings
in the city are built in French style. The Vietnamese and the French fought. (Under the name Saigon, it was the capital of
the French colony of Cochinchina and later of the independent republic of South Vietnam 1955–75.) The French eventually
left the country. There are museums and monuments documenting the country’s
long – and often bloody – history. If you are looking for a unique city to
visit in Southeast Asia, Ho Chi Minh City is an attractive choice.
- Author Phil Biggerton & John Ross ( RTC
English )
Godivabooks@gmail.com