During our travels getting up at the crack of dawn is becoming the norm. It’s slightly cooler, slightly quieter and there’s a whole stack of interesting things to see.
With all its rapid development the older French architecture of old Saigon has a wonderful atmosphere and District 5 has it in bucket loads.
Here, the Cho Lon quarter, also referred to as Chinatown is steeped in history and tradition. It is home to numerous temples and landmarks that reflect the Chinese influence in the area. It is a sensory feast.
Hanging the prayer spirals at Quan Am Pagoda.
Quan Am Pagoda ceiling with hanging prayer spirals.
The market is primarily a food market for locals that sells Chinese and Vietnamese produce. It feels like an indoor market but it’s anything but. The roof is a patchwork of umbrellas which can only be fully appreciated when you venture up the into the residential walkways of the apartments above and look down over the scene below.
When the sun finally broke through it served to light up the open sections like a spotlight.
Stairwell of the Chinese apartment complex
A glimpse into a Chinese Apartment.
Back down at ground level it’s breakfast time for some.
The locals seemed to be throughly bemused as we picked our way through the stalls and certainly didn’t mind us taking photos. Our meagre amount of Vietnamese phrases certainly amused them. đẹp quá.
Chợ Phường ward 2 is another market area flanked by another large Chinese apartment complex.
One of the entrances up to the apartments.
Stairwell detail.
Again the roof of the market is created from umbrellas or corrugated metal. As with all local markets it is a hive of activity very early in the morning and winds down early afternoon. The houses in this neighbourhood were constructed during the late 19th century and the 1920s, showcasing architectural styles that embody Chinese influences.
Bin Tay Market - a huge wholesale indoor market that sells anything and everything. Inside it comprises of little boxes filled to the brim with stuff. It was hard to see the people sometimes. Gosh I wish we had more time here. There is so much to explore.
These 3 high rise apartment blocks overlooking Chinatown, look fairly new. They are built in accordance with Chinese superstition - 3 in a line, tallest one in the centre.
Alledgedly a mother and her daughter went missing and were never found soon after these were built. Consequently they were abandoned due to a superstitious fear of spirits. To this day these giant ghost apartments remain empty.
Sadly these beautiful French styled apartments are about to be demolished.
A master napper.
As we made our way Chinatown we visited a handful of Chinatown’s historical pagodas. Rich in cultural heritage, spiritual traditions and amazing architecture. When the sun came out there was a diffused light coming through the ceiling illuminating parts of the temple. It was very beautiful .
Worshiping Thien Hau is still a traditional custom of the Chinese people living in the city nowadays. Ba Thien Hau Temple.
So, it’s Fairwell Saigon. Farewell HCMC. Farewell Cho Lon. I’m sorry to be leaving this gem of a city.
So next, we’ll be making our way to the Mekong Delta.