Like many cities in
Vietnam, Saigon did not escape the wrath of war. Since the
beginning, Saigon has had quite a traumatic history. There are many
citations to the birth of Saigon and the origin of its name. In the
15th century, this area were swamps, marshes and thick forests. By
the early 17th century, a small township was formed. According to
one theory, Saigon or Sai Con has its root in a Khmer word Prei Kor
(Kapok Tree Forest).The name Saigon was used officially in 1698,
when Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu sent Mr. Nguyen Huu Canh to this region to
create various districts and to form a government for this southern
outpost. Because of its strategic location for trade and commerce as
well as military importance, Saigon continued to grow and became a
bonafide city. By 1772, Mr. Nguyen Cuu Dam began to fill many of the
canals to form streets.
Ben Thanh market has
long been one of Saigon's most famous landmark. The market has been
in existence since the French occupation.The original market was
located on the shores of Ben Nghe river by old fort Gia Dinh. Its
proximity to the fort and the river where merchants and soldiers
would land was reason for its name.
Cu Chi Tunnels:
It contains countless
artifacts, photographs and pictures documenting some of the less
heroic activities carried out by the US army in Vietnam.Displays
illustrate the killing of civilians, the spreading of toxic
defoliant, the torturing of prisoners and the effects of the war in
the north. Planes, tanks, bombs and helicopters are also on display.
Cao Dai Temple:
The Cao Dai Great
temple is the cathedral of the Cao Dai religion and is the main
attraction in Tay Ninh. The temple, built between 1933 and 1955, is
located more specifically in Long Hoa, 5km south-east of Tay Ninh.
China Town-Cho Lon:
Over here is a
bustling town with more than half a million of Chinese inhabitants.
China town was set up by the end of 18th century when the Minh
dynasty in China was overthrown.Many Chinese faithful to the Minh
ran to Vietnam for help, peace and business and were permitted by
the Nguyen Lords. China town has many shops and family factories.
