SaigonWalks by SciviTravel

14/12/2024

A New Era of Transportation in Ho Chi Minh City!

SaigonWalks is honored to be among the first to experience the new Metro Train and station in Ho Chi Minh City!

Did you know? The Metro system has been in development for over a decade, with construction beginning in 2012. The project, designed to revolutionize the city's transportation, spans 19.7 kilometers and connects major districts, including District 1 and District 2, bolstering economic and social connections across the city.

As the grand opening approaches, we’re thrilled about the transformative impact this will have on Ho Chi Minh City! To celebrate, there will be one month of free rides for all citizens and visitors starting December 22, 2024.

Are you as excited as we are? What are your thoughts on this game-changing development? Share in the comments! 👇

13/12/2024

Experience the HCMC METRO with Saigonwalks!

Set to officially open on December 22, 2024, the metro will introduce a new way to explore the city, particularly the Eastern area. Join SaigonWalks for a special preview during its final test run before the grand opening, and discover the highlights of this exciting project!

27/09/2024

What Can You Buy for $1 in Ho Chi Minh City?
Exploring Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a vibrant journey through history, culture, and bustling urban life. One of the delightful surprises for many visitors is discovering how much they can experience with just $1. Here’s a guide to some of the best things you can buy for a dollar in this dynamic Vietnamese city.
Street Food Delights
Banh mi A classic Vietnamese sandwich, bánh mì combines a crispy baguette with various fillings such as grilled pork, pâté, fresh vegetables, and a touch of spicy chili sauce. This delicious and filling meal is a testament to the fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisines.
Goi cuon (Spring Rolls): Fresh spring rolls, known as gỏi cuốn, are a healthy and refreshing choice. These rolls are packed with shrimp, pork, herbs, vermicelli noodles, and wrapped in rice paper. Dip them in a tangy peanut sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Ca phe sua da (Iced Condensed Milk Coffee): Vietnamese iced coffee is a must-try. Made with strong, dark roast coffee and sweetened condensed milk, then poured over ice, it’s a perfect way to beat the tropical heat. You can easily find this delicious beverage for $1 at many street-side cafes.
Small Handicrafts and Souvenirs: In bustling markets like Ben Thanh Market or Binh Tay Market, $1 can buy you small souvenirs such as keychains, magnets, or other trinkets that make perfect gifts and keepsakes. These items often feature traditional Vietnamese designs and are great mementos of your trip.
Bus Fare: Getting around Ho Chi Minh City on a budget is easy with the local bus system. A single bus fare typically costs around 5,000 VND, which is about $0.21. For $1, you can enjoy multiple bus rides, making it an affordable way to explore different neighborhoods.
Fresh Fruit: Vietnam’s tropical climate produces a bounty of fresh fruits. For $1, you can buy a generous portion of seasonal fruits such as mangoes, dragon fruit, lychees, or a bag of freshly cut pineapple from street vendors.
# SaiGonWalks

21/09/2024

Tips for Navigating the Alleys🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️
Stay Oriented: It’s easy to get disoriented in the narrow, winding alleys. Use landmarks like distinctive buildings, murals, or notable shops to keep your bearings.
Use Technology: Make use of navigation apps that work offline. Apps like Google Maps allow you to download maps for offline use, which can be a lifesaver when exploring areas with poor network coverage.
Learn Basic Vietnamese Phrases: A few basic Vietnamese phrases can go a long way. Phrases like "Xin chào" (Hello), "Cảm ơn" (Thank you), and "Làm ơn chỉ đường" (Please show me the way) can help you connect with locals and get directions.
Ask Locals for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask locals for directions. The Vietnamese are known for their hospitality and are usually more than willing to help a lost traveler.

17/09/2024

The beauty of lanterns during Mid-Autumn Festival in Viet Nam🌙

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Reunion Festival, is one of the most traditional and important celebrations in Vietnam. During this time, not only children but also adults eagerly anticipate joyful activities such as moon gazing, lantern parades, and sharing mooncakes. When speaking of the Mid-Autumn Festival, we cannot overlook one of its most iconic and beautiful symbols—the colorful and radiant lanterns. These lanterns are not only toys for children but also hold great cultural, historical, and artistic significance.

For centuries, lanterns have been an indispensable part of the Mid-Autumn Festival. For the Vietnamese, lanterns are not simply toys but reflect deep cultural traditions. According to legend, the light from the lanterns symbolizes illumination, bringing joy, happiness, and warmth to every family.

Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns come in various shapes, colors, and materials, creating a shimmering, magical scene under the bright moonlit nights. Traditional lanterns are typically handmade from cellophane, bamboo, and wire. Through the skilled hands of artisans, these simple materials are transformed into eye-catching lanterns with various shapes—from carp, stars, and butterflies to familiar folk images like the Earth God, water buffaloes, and dragon boats.
These beautiful lanterns not only light up the night but also illuminate the spirit of family unity and cultural heritage that the Mid-Autumn Festival represents. Through the generations, they continue to serve as a reminder of the warmth, joy, and shared memories that define this cherished celebration in Vietnam.

16/09/2024

[English below] XIN HÃY CỨU LẤY CĂN BIỆT THỰ CỔ CỦA ĐỐC PHỦ VÕ HÀ THANH

Ngôi nhà Đốc phủ Võ Hà Thanh (phường Bửu Long, thành phố Biên Hòa, tỉnh Đồng Nai) là căn biệt thự cổ đẹp nhất của tỉnh Đồng Nai và có thể nói là đặc sắc cho cả khu vực miền Nam. Căn nhà cổ này được xây dựng vào năm 1924 không chỉ mang giá trị nghệ thuật kiến trúc mà còn mang cả giá trị nhân văn. Trong trận lụt năm Nhâm Thìn 1952 tại Biên Hòa, một trận lụt bão đã làm thiệt hại nặng nề người và của khi nước sông Đồng Nai và nước Sông Bé dâng cao nhấn chìm đô thị Biên Hòa bấy giờ. Thương người, con trai cụ Võ Hà Thanh là ông Võ Hà Thuật (1901- 1969) đã mở cửa cưu mang gần 100 đồng bào lánh nạn trên tầng 2 của căn biệt thự, chờ nước rút...
( https://plo.vn/nha-lau-ong-phu-an-minh-trong-hoang-phe... )
Căn biệt thự xinh đẹp này còn được xuất hiện trong bộ phim Người đẹp Tây Đô. Theo khảo sát, căn nhà vững còn vững chải mặc dầu đã có tuổi đời 100 năm nhưng hiện vẫn chưa có dấu hiệu xuống cấp nặng.
Hiện nay, dự án đường ven sông Đồng Nai sẽ tiến hành đập bỏ căn biệt thự này trong vòng từ 1 đến 2 tháng nữa. Dự tính đường ven sông sẽ ăn vào 2/3 căn nhà do vậy người ta sẽ tiến hành đập bỏ nó. ( https://laodong.vn/.../du-an-ke-va-duong-ven-song-dong... )
Trong khi thực hiện dự án, một loạt các công trình có giá trị lịch sử, di chỉ khảo cổ học đã bị phá hủy san bằng như ngôi miếu Ngũ Hành (xây dựng năm 1848) và di tích Bến Đá (người dân còn gọi là Bến đò Quan) là một Bến đò cổ được kè đá xanh Biên Hòa nằm phía trước căn biệt thự này dẫn xuống bờ sông Đồng Nai (có một không hai tại miền Nam)... đã không còn nữa.
Khi khảo sát khu vực đào cống phía trước biệt thự, chúng tôi cũng đã phát hiện một số lượng lớn các mảnh gốm, phế phẩm gốm và khả năng khu vực này từng có một lò gốm cổ tồn tại từ trước khi xây dựng căn biệt thự, mang dấu ấn của buổi đầu khai phá và xây dựng của các lớp dân cư. Phát hiện này đã đưuọc gửi thông báo đến hội nghị khảo cổ học trong năm nay.
Trở lại Biên Hòa, có thể thấy thành phố treo rất nhiều pano "Văn hóa còn, dân tộc còn". Hy vọng sẽ có một vị lãnh đạo có tâm, có tầm sẽ có phương án thích hợp để giữ lại căn biệt cổ cho mai sau để văn hóa sẽ tiếp tục còn mãi.

Chỉ cần điều chỉnh lại quy hoạch một chút, giảm phần công viên bờ sông và dời phần đường tránh một bên, căn nhà cổ đúng 100 năm tuổi này sẽ có cơ hội được giữ lại và góp thêm một di tích quý cho vùng đất Biên Hòa - Trấn Biên xưa.

p/s: hiện nay căn nhà hiện chưa có phương án được tỉnh bảo tồn và quá trình phá bỏ chỉ còn đếm ngược từ 1-2 tháng nữa. Ai chưa tham quan chiêm ngắm có thể tìm từ khóa "nhà đốc phủ Thanh" trên google map hoặc truy cập https://maps.app.goo.gl/r8T95wKoYT6Sp7Rx6 . Rất mong sẽ có nhiều người được đến tham quan một kiệt tác đẹp trước khi nó bị phá dở hoàn toàn.

Please Save the Old Mansion of Đốc Phủ Võ Hà Thanh

The mansion of Đốc Phủ Võ Hà Thanh (in Bửu Long Ward, Biên Hòa City, Đồng Nai Province) is considered the most beautiful old villa in Đồng Nai and is a distinctive architectural gem of southern Vietnam. Built in 1924, this ancient house not only holds architectural artistic value but also embodies humanistic significance.

During the great flood of 1952 in Biên Hòa, the Đồng Nai and Sông Bé rivers rose dramatically, submerging the Biên Hòa urban area and causing severe damage to both lives and property. Out of compassion, Võ Hà Thuật (1901-1969), the son of Võ Hà Thanh, opened the doors of the mansion to shelter nearly 100 people on the second floor as they waited for the floodwaters to recede.

This beautiful villa was also featured in the film Người đẹp Tây Đô. According to surveys, despite being 100 years old, the house remains structurally sound and shows no signs of significant degradation.

However, the Đồng Nai riverside road project is scheduled to demolish this villa within the next 1 to 2 months. It is estimated that two-thirds of the house will be taken over by the road, leading to its destruction.

In the course of this project, several other historically significant structures, including the Ngũ Hành temple (built in 1848) and the Bến Đá archaeological site (also known as Bến đò Quan), a historic ferry dock lined with green Biên Hòa stones, were already destroyed. These landmarks were located in front of the mansion and led down to the Đồng Nai River, making them unique in the southern region.

During a survey of the area in front of the mansion, a large number of ceramic shards and waste products were found, indicating that this area might have once been home to an ancient pottery kiln before the mansion was built. This discovery has been reported at this year’s archaeological conference.

Returning to Biên Hòa, it is clear that the city displays many banners with the phrase "As long as culture remains, the people remain." It is hoped that a leader with vision and heart will come up with a suitable plan to preserve this old mansion for future generations, ensuring that the culture continues to thrive.

By simply adjusting the planning slightly, reducing the size of the riverside park, and moving the road to one side, this 100-year-old mansion could be saved, adding another valuable relic to the Biên Hòa – Trấn Biên region.

P.S.: Currently, there is no plan in place to preserve the house, and demolition is expected to take place in the next 1 to 2 months. For those who have not yet visited this masterpiece, you can search "nhà đốc phủ Thanh" on Google Maps or visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/r8T95wKoYT6Sp7Rx6 . I hope many people will have the opportunity to admire this beautiful work of art before it is completely demolished.

From Facebook account Lê Quốc

★★★★★ · Heritage preservation

15/09/2024

Discover Saigon Coffee
Saigon is not only famous for its vibrant beauty and rich culture but also a haven for coffee enthusiasts. Here, you can experience a range of unique coffee styles, from robust black coffee to the delicious milk ice coffee

Milk ice coffee A must-try specialty, milk ice coffee is the perfect blend of strong black coffee and sweet condensed milk, served over ice for a refreshing and invigorating experience on hot days.
Black Coffee: If you love the pure taste, Saigon’s black coffee will satisfy you with its rich and intense flavor. Enjoy black coffee at traditional or modern cafés to appreciate the diversity in brewing styles.
Unique Cafés: Saigon boasts many unique cafés, from simple street-side spots to elegant establishments with sophisticated designs. Each café has its own charm, offering a colorful and varied coffee experience.

Cultural Experience: Coffee in Saigon is more than just a drink; it’s a part of the city’s communication and lifestyle. Sit back, enjoy your coffee, and soak in the lively rhythm of the city.

12/09/2024

How to Understand House Numbering Rules in Saigon
When exploring Saigon, understanding the house numbering rules can make it easier for you to navigate and explore the city. Here are some key points to help you grasp the house numbering system in Saigon:
✨ House Numbers and Street Names: House numbers in Saigon are usually assigned sequentially along the streets. For example, odd numbers are often on the left side of the street, while even numbers are on the right. This helps you easily identify the locations of addresses.
✨ House Numbers on Main Roads: On major and main roads, house numbers are usually numbered horizontally, starting from the beginning of the road and increasing towards the end. For example, house numbers 1 to 100 will be on one section of the road, while house numbers 101 to 200 will be on the next section.
✨ Special Symbols: Some areas in Saigon have special symbols such as “Đường” (Street) or “Hẻm” (Alley) along with the house number. “Hẻm” refers to small alleys off the main streets and is usually numbered separately. For example, “Hẻm 12/34” means alley number 12 off the main street with house number 34.

10/09/2024

In Saigon, some streets renowned for their beautiful bougainvillea blooms
Bougainvillea is a familiar flower to the people of Saigon. It is known for its vigorous growth, ease of cultivation, and ability to bloom year-round. On streets like Đặng Tất, Đặng Dung, Hoàng Sa, and Trường Sa, the bougainvillea season is reaching its peak, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Saigonese grow bougainvillea not only because these seasonal blooms adorn streets, homes, and shops, but also because the shade provided by the bougainvillea trellises brings a sense of tranquility and relaxation.

07/09/2024

Hủ tíu - the local Saigon soup from Chinese origin

Hủ tíu mì, a beloved dish in Saigon with Chinese origins, offers a variety of options such as mì xá xíu, mì thập cẩm, mì hoành thánh, and more. Similar to Vietnamese phở, its rich broth is the heart of the dish, simmered with pork or chicken bones and dried squid for a clear, subtly sweet flavor. The noodles, either egg noodles or soft hủ tiếu, are cooked and topped with pork, fish, shrimp, liver, and heart, along with fresh herbs. The broth is then poured in to complete the dish.
A popular variation is "hủ tiếu mì khô" (dry hủ tiếu mì), where noodles and broth are served separately, mixed with sauces for a bold flavor. Condiments like soy sauce, red vinegar, chili paste, and pickled chili are essential at hủ tiếu mì restaurants, enhancing the dish’s flavor. Tóp mỡ (crispy pork fat) is a traditional topping that adds richness, though some may avoid it for health reasons.
Overall, hủ tiếu mì represents culinary diversity, with its carefully crafted broth, flavorful noodles, and variety of condiments creating a memorable dining experience that highlights the unity and diversity of flavors.

06/09/2024

In Saigon, bookstores are not just for reading books
In Saigon, bookstores are not just places to read books. They are not only spots for enjoying knowledge and finding childhood stories but also venues where couples can have dates and engage in bonding activities like painting figurines. Many bookstores in Saigon also host special events such as author talks, creative workshops, and skill classes. These spaces offer more than just books; they provide opportunities for socializing, learning, and personal growth. Additionally, the design of these bookstores often includes cozy areas with cafés or small eateries, where you can relax and chat with friends or loved ones. Therefore, bookstores in Saigon have become an important part of the cultural and social life, offering the community a wide range of rich and memorable experiences.