The Old Saigon

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 6
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To explore the context of the city''s current state more carefully a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Museum at 65 Ly Tu Trong will not go amiss. Formerly the Gia Long Palace, the building is one of the most spectacular dating back to the days of the French empire. The upstairs sections of the museum are devoted to art and artefacts depicting the resistance against the French and the Americans in the 20th century ? an illuminating experience.

Another, yet entirely contrasting, experience is to visit the Chinese ghetto in Cholon ? a bustling commercial area of the city selling all kinds of luxurious and exotic wares. As you wander through these crowded streets it''s easy to imagine the opium dealings and other dubious goings on that formerly occupied the area.

For another slice of former Saigon''s eclectic culture take a trip to the north west of the city to see the Jade Emperor Pagoda. The wonderful gold engravings and woodwork were created by the hands of the Cantonese population of the city, as was the statue of Jade Emperor himself over the entrance to the main hall where he is said to guard the entrance to heaven.

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... endless diversity of Ho Chi Minh City is beyond words, though the dangers of such a busy and thriving location are easy to imagine. Drug dealings, prostitution and petty crime such as handbag theft is rife, especially in the busiest tourist areas, so be prudent at all times and be sure to have a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy which will cover you for any loss of personal property. Having that extra peace of mind will help you make the most out of your trip to one of South East Asia''s most diverting cities. Bonny Kominek goes the extra mile to find cheaper travel insurance. He is safe in the knowledge that his cheap golf travel insurance from 1Stop Travel Insurance will cover him and his clubs.