The New Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City

After seven years, I went back to Ho Chi Minh City. Back then, there were already signs of progress. I was right. Progress I saw in the city and it reflects the development going on in the different parts of Vietnam. Hotels and other establishments now abound. Shops of named brands are but ordinary sights. The influx of foreign tourists are very evident. There's a new Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City.

With the new airport catering to the arrivals of people from other parts of the globe, it is with no wonder that Ho Chi Minh City is now considered a tourist haven in this part of Southeast Asia. Still having a socialist form of government, the city is considered an open-city of sorts. It is host to several stores and restaurants that you see in democratic societies.

High rise buildings have mushroomed. Population has increased. Cars, aside from motorcycles, have contributed to the traffic situation. Tourist buses ply the streets just like ordinary cars. Government infrastructure build-up is in full swing. Development is very evident.

French architecture is still evident in Ho Chi Minh City. The hotel where we stayed, Hotel Continental Saigon, is an example. Bread buns called banh mi is sold around the city. They are actually French breads which are sold throughout the city. It is the staple snack of the Vietnamese together with their milk tea sold in side streets.

Vietnamese cuisine is considered one of the healthiest foods in the world. What with those leaves in their daily fare. Restaurants that abound carry such dishes. If one is into healthy food, try Vietnamese. Our very own Jollibee already has several branches there.\

Several airlines ply the Ho Chi Minh City route. From Manila, you may reach this side of Vietnam via Philippine Airlines with two flights daily. Cebu Pacific Air goes to the city once a day

Ho Chi Minh City is a mirror of the new Vietnam. From what I have observed, I would not hesitate to say that it has come a long way and might have overtaken the Philippines already in terms of development and tourist arrivals.