by admin | Feb 13, 2025 | hiking, tourists, Travel, travel destinations, walking
Underfoot lies the weathered black stone of the Nakasendo pathway, covered in moss. For more than four centuries, travelers have walked this route, an idea that sends shivers down my spine—though maybe those chills come from the frigid air at freezing five degrees below zero.
Tall magnolias and dense bamboo groves block out the sun, leaving icy spots of snow blanketing the earth beneath them.
Atop the Japanese Alps, all I can hear are bird calls and water trickling through the stream next to the trail. However, when travelers initially traversed this historic pathway, it would have been much more chaotic.
The Nakasendo Road: An Ancient Path in Japan That Still Welcomes Travelers After 400 Years
The Nakasendo highway came into existence during the 17th century to promote commerce and transportation.
travel
Between Kyoto and the Shogun capital Edo – now Tokyo – for military leaders, samurais, and warlords.
Wandering processions of individuals and packhorses occasionally required several days to traverse a solitary village. The travelers on this path held significant status and considerable riches, prompting the emergence of teahouses, stores, and lodging options alongside their routes, which eventually developed into modest townships.
The entire Nakasendo Road remains intact, along with many of the post towns it connects, making for an impressive hiking trail through central Japan.
Japan
.
Much of the path follows contemporary roadways, yet the stretch passing through the Gifu prefecture offers an idyllic 2-3 day hike that transports you back to the rustic ambiance of feudal Japan.
Woodblock prints depicting the Nakasendo in Ena City
I start my trek in Ena city, visiting the Hiroshige Museum of Art to inspire my journey ahead.
This center focuses on 19th-century ukiyo-e woodblock prints, such as the collection ‘Sixty-nine Stations of the Nakasendo’. These works portray ordinary scenarios featuring people carrying heavy loads.
travellers
, pit stops at tea houses, visitors enjoying baths at an onsen, and bustling market towns.
Behind them stand soft mountains, gentle cherry blossoms, distant shrines, and hints of an almost clear ocean.
A particular scene from “Oi Juku,” a post station only a few hills distant from Ena, appears notably fitting as the indistinct figures of travelers cloaked in robes struggle through snow up to their ankles.
landscape
.
Teahouses and mountain sanctuaries dotting the Nakasendo route
The section with the greatest ambiance along the historic highway in the Gifu Prefecture lies just beyond the village of Ochiai, on the edge of Nakatsugawa city.
In Ochiai, you can explore a ‘honjin,’ which was formerly an official resting place and now operates as a museum showcasing the security measures once necessary at roadside lodgings. This site features a hidden escape window, a concealed passageway used by ninjas who protected traveling nobles, along with translucent panels designed to prevent attackers from hiding.
The town features an distinctive S-curved turn in the roadway, typical of post towns, which aided travelers evading attacks by allowing them to lose pursuers more easily.
Leaving Ochiai, you start the steep climb up to Jikkoku Pass. Along the way, you have the option to visit Io-ji Temple, which is devoted to aiding travelers’ recoveries and houses deities associated with healing in alcoves.
Just past this point lies the sole stretch of the 400-year-old cobblestone path that has been maintained—and even augmented—enabling you to stroll for about half an hour much like travelers from the Edo period did.
The section concludes at the two-story Shin Chaya inn, offering you the chance to enjoy tea, homemade plum wine, or secure a futon for the evening.
Step back into the past in two Edo-era post stations
The path extends towards the postal town of Magome, with the snow-covered Kiso Mountains serving as a dramatic background.
As tour buses arrive and depart, it maintains the bustling atmosphere of a longstanding destination.
journey
At pit stops, expansive eateries offering views of the mountains alongside road-side vendors provide quick bite options such as glutinous rice balls drenched in savory sesame sauce and zesty miso served with spoons, complemented by thermos flasks filled with piping hot green tea.
Magome features a partially restored 17th-century main street with small, dark wooden buildings, sake distilleries, and stores offering items such as straw hats and yukata robes for tourists.
More historically significant is the Manpuku-an Eishoji Buddhist temple.
temple
Just uphill stands a large bell ready to be rung with a bamboo pole, alongside an inner sanctuary adorned with shimmering silver curtains and ornate golden lanterns.
The portion of the Nakasendo Road in Gifu Prefecture concludes at Magome, yet just across the border in the Nagano Prefecture lies the well-preserved village of Tsumago.
Automobiles are banned from the principal thoroughfare lined with closed-up homes featuring classic lattice screens, while telephone wires and electrical cables have been rerouted out of sight.
Experience staying at a traditional ryokan as Edo-period travelers did.
To enhance your historical walking adventure, avoid modern lodging options and choose to stay at a ‘ryokan’ instead. These traditional guesthouses offer an affordable yet culturally enriching experience.
experiential offerings
.
In Ena City, Ryokan Ichikawa has served as an inn for four centuries; however, the present building was constructed in the 1950s. Despite this, it maintains the traditional ambiance of welcoming visitors. Upon entering, guests remove their shoes in the lobby and are provided with plastic slippers.
The rooms come equipped with tatami flooring, soft futon mattresses paired with soothing rice husk pillows, traditional sliding paper partitions, and low tables. Typically, ryokans do not offer en-suite facilities; instead, they usually have shared restrooms and a common bath area for guests to use.
Dinners are where these
traditional inns
In a large room where heaters are operating at full blast, I’m served a seven-course meal by the 15th and 16th generation of innkeepers — a mother-daughter duo dressed in silk kimonos with their hair neatly arranged.
The sequence of dishes starts with a selection of small bowls filled with bits of black mushrooms braised in soy sauce, crispy shrimp encased in kadaif dough, and deep-fried millet gluten crowned with miso.
Next comes succulent raw blue prawns, amberjack, and konjac, all delicately fresh. For the second course, you get marbled Hida beef served sizzling on personal grills along with pools of melting butter and slices of vegetables. This is followed by steamed shrimp dumplings in broth, pickles, and rice, concluding with a pumpkin pudding for dessert.
After that
feast
, I swiftly fall asleep beneath the fluffy duvet, although not before ensuring there are no hidden threats behind the curtains.
by admin | Feb 12, 2025 | business, employees, leadership, workers, workforce
Currently, middle managers face some of the highest levels of pressure in their work environment.
According to a survey carried out in the UK by Capterra, 75% of participants reported feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or burnt out.
Managing both personal and bureaucratic responsibilities concurrently indicates that 61% of individuals lack sufficient time during an average week to complete all their tasks.
![]()
The survey found 44% of their time is used purely to attend meetings.
The findings further indicate that one of the major challenges faced by middle managers is beginning their role without being fully prepared.
In fact, 77% of middle managers report that they did not receive any managerial training prior to their promotion.
Fifty percent wished for conflict resolution training, followed by 37% wanting project management training, 32% seeking delegation skills, and 31% desiring time management instruction.
While feedback is key in improving one’s performance, 51% of middle managers say their boss never or rarely schedules a one-to-one with them to discuss their work.
Consequently, almost one out of every four people (24%) report that they are currently seeking new employment opportunities.
by admin | Feb 9, 2025 | art, biographical films, history, movies
![]()
In 1978, Terrence Malick was regarded as one of the most promising newcomers in Hollywood. His sophomore movie
Days of Heaven
was a pure masterpiece following his exceptional 1973 first album
Badlands
. Malick had endless possibilities for his next project. However, as the Hollywood legend suggests, he vanished from public view.
Malick astonishingly returned to the big screen after two decades with his third movie.
The Thin Red Line
Today, this mysterious director has become highly productive. From 2011 to 2019, they unveiled six movies. This marks quite a shift from the long gap between their second and third features.
Despite the higher productivity, Malick remains an enigma. His last known interview was with the French newspaper Le Monde back in 1979. Since then, he hasn’t provided any direct quotes to media outlets, and the sole photograph permitted for public release is a blurry promo image showing him at work directing.
The Thin Red Line
.
The scene is drenched in the warm glow of late afternoon—the magical hour. This photograph was captured by his father, Emil Malick. Despite their disagreements, Terry continued to view himself through his father’s perspective,” states the biography accompanying the image. Appearing midway through the book, this passage encapsulates much of John Bleasdale’s significant challenge, offering glimpses into both Malick’s human side and his distinctive style within the realm of cinema.
“The Magic Hours: The Films and Hidden Life of Terrence Malick” offers an extensive look into the filmmaker’s life, showcasing thorough research through detailed exploration of the challenges involved in leading large teams both in front of and behind the camera. Bleasdale enriches this narrative with newspaper excerpts, insights from colleagues, and personal reflections on Malick’s body of work.
This marks the first time Malick has been biographied. Consequently, an important query arises about whether Bleasdale managed to gain access to Malick directly. Although he readily mentions discussions with longtime associates including production designer Jack Fisk and actors like Sean Penn, he dismisses the idea of having spent significant time with Malick by stating they only exchanged “very courteous emails.”
However, “The Magic Hours” explores more aspects of Malick’s private life than any previous individual source has managed to do. Can we consider any part of this information as coming directly from him, despite it not being explicitly attributed to his request? The most I could obtain from Bleasdale was: “If there were, I wouldn’t be able to disclose it.”
While the detailed biography of Malick’s career is fascinating—especially the part about his challenging period during what has been called his “wilderness years” and how his difficult times with producers Bobby Geisler and John Roberdeau fueled his creativity—it remains intriguing.
Knight of Cups
– The most compelling parts of the book delve into how Malick’s personal life intertwined with his professional journey.
Bleasdale’s biography portrays Malick as an affable and highly approachable individual, equally likely to engage in lighthearted banter as they are to delve into profound philosophical discussions. Despite acknowledging Malick’s reserved nature, it becomes evident that one should not be swayed by the myths perpetuating his image as a recluse in Hollywood.
When the legends are set aside, details regarding Malick’s personal life emerge. His complicated connection with his father, the absence of his siblings, and his romantic experiences all influence Bleasdale’s interpretations of his movies and how they correlate with their respective release periods.
“He observes that tragic brothers and troubled fathers recur throughout his films.” However, even though aspects of his marriage to Michèle Monette shed some light on
To The Wonder
Bleasdale makes it evident that his body of work is not merely concealed autobiography.
I believe he strongly wishes to conceal aspects of his personal life,” Bleasdale states. Similar to how his philosophical background and interest in spirituality frequently provide entry points into understanding Terrence Malick’s body of work, Bleasdale argues this approach may not be entirely accurate. “He likely believes that if people view these elements as the ultimate keys to interpreting his films, they might miss out on truly engaging with them personally and extracting their own meanings.
![]()
If Malick deliberately avoids the spotlight in an effort similar to Barthes’ ‘Death of the Author,’ aiming to prevent his personal life from overshadowing viewers’ interpretation of his work, wouldn’t a biography contradict his creative intentions? Bleasdale suggests this might be a misinterpretation of Malick’s distance from media attention.
Bleasdale states, “He will definitely not read this book.” According to him, “he previously mentioned that he would avoid therapy at all costs as it would deplete his energy. Instead of delving into himself through interviews, he prefers to explore within his films.”
Similar to his AFI classmate David Lynch’s well-known reluctance to explain the meanings behind his movies, Malick’s primary focus regarding his public persona is solely about his films.
Engaging with these films, be it through a post-screening discussion or even reading a biography about them, allows his works to become part of our lives. “Ultimately, the purpose of any film-related book should be to encourage readers to revisit the movies and appreciate them in a more profound and vivid manner,” explains Bleasdale.
“The Magic Hours” lives up to this expectation. It fully immerses itself in how Malick integrates his life story into a filmmaking approach that pushes the boundaries of the genre. The fact that it achieves this with Malick’s most controversial movies is even more remarkable compared to what he does with his well-loved works. As Bleasdale elaborates in his section on this topic:
To The Wonder
There is much more to his approach to filmmaking than just the apparent link between his narratives and his second wife.
It’s strange. The film is ostensibly autobiographical, yet it’s presented entirely through Marina’s [Olga Kurylenko] perspective. Ben Affleck barely has three lines throughout the entire movie; it primarily focuses on her character and Javier Bardem playing a roving priest.” According to Bleasdale, Malick remains creatively innovative even when delving into personal stories. “An autobiography doesn’t always mean sharing one’s innermost feelings. Instead, it can be about examining the viewpoints of others who have influenced your life, which is quite a noble approach.
If Malick’s initial trio of films were regarded as masterpieces and his fifth – which was equally autobiographical –
The Tree of Life
solidified his comeback with the Palme d’Or at Cannes and Academy Award nominations; however, his subsequent movies have mostly received criticism for being tedious and aimlessly spiritual, with visuals reminiscent of a perfume commercial.
Bleasdale contends that even in his more subtle works, an avant-garde artistic approach persists, maintaining its influence on cinema similar to his earlier productions.
Out of Malick’s seven films produced in this century, five were shot by cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki (known as Chivo). Their collaboration has created a distinctive visual style that characterizes their work together.
Over Chivo’s debut film collaboration with Malick,
The New World
, they established a “dogma” for filming that involved using “only available natural light,” with strict prohibition against underexposure. Additional guidelines disallowed zooming, discouraging pans and tilts in favor of movements along the z-axis instead. This set of rules has become characteristic of Malick’s movies—sometimes even leading to parodic imitations—but these techniques have also seeped into mainstream modern cinematography. Lubezki received his third Academy Award for his contributions to this project.
The Revenant
, a movie featuring distinct bear claw marks inspired by Malick’s work.
Bleasdale mentions films and directors whom he believes exhibit a clear influence of Malick’s work. Paul Thomas Anderson’s movies are among them.
There Will Be Blood
and
The Master
owe a significant debt to Malick’s historical works. From last year’s
Oppenheimer
“, “You won’t find that type of editing with two scenes split throughout the entire film; instead, most of the narrative relies on individual shots rather than complete scenes, excluding ‘The Tree of Life’ from consideration.” Even this year’s Best Picture contender doesn’t break away from this trend.
Nickel Boys
is “totally
The Tree of Life
in its technique of montage and use of subjective camera work.
If his work doesn’t appeal to a general audience, it’s because he’s pushing boundaries by experimenting with cinematic storytelling techniques, according to Bleasdale. The aim is always to narrate tales that resonate with viewers through fresh approaches.
As someone not previously inclined towards Malick, reading “The Magic Hours,” Bleasdale presents a compelling human case for appreciating Malick both as a director and an individual, finding him more relatable without the veil of enigma perpetuated by media coverage.
As he cites one of Malick’s coworkers: “We truly thought each morning at work that our aim was to revolutionize the cinematic language.”
“Terrence Malick’s Secret World: His Movies and Concealed Existence” by John Bleasdale is out now.
by admin | Feb 9, 2025 | diet and nutrition, health & fitness, healthy eating, nutrition, psychology of depression
The condition of your gastrointestinal tract directly affects the well-being of your mind.
Approximately 95 percent of serotonin, which controls mood, pain, and sleep as a neurotransmitter, is generated in an individual’s gastrointestinal system. This same GI tract contains numerous nerve cells called neurons that are significantly affected by the microorganisms present in your gut microbiota.
As stated by Harvard Health, ‘good’ bacteria play several crucial roles: they create a robust defense against toxins and harmful bacteria; they reduce inflammation; they enhance nutrient absorption from your diet; and they stimulate neural connections that run directly from the gut to the brain.
The development of these bacteria relies on their dietary intake. Research indicates that traditional diets comprising whole foods, unprocessed grains, and fermented items can lower the risk of depression by approximately 30 percent when contrasted with the usual Western diet pattern.
FOODS YOU SHOULD EAT
Below are some food options you can include in your diet to enhance your mental well-being.
Whole grains:
Jungle or brown rice, oats, beans, and lentils contain complex carbs that help slow down glucose release and maintain stable blood pressure (since quick surges have been linked to certain mental health issues).
They assist in absorbing tryptophan, which may reduce signs of depression and anxiety gradually over time.
Healthy fats:
Discovered in fatty fish like salmon or mackerel, along with avocados and various nuts and seeds, these food items are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids—essential nutrients for brain health.
Colourful fruits and vegetables:
Leafy vegetables like kale and spinach provide folate, which may help prevent depression, dementia, and insomnia. These foods also include omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and various other nutrients.
Lycopene, responsible for giving tomatoes their vibrant red hue, is linked to enhanced focus, alertness, and reasoning abilities. Meanwhile, yellow and orange vegetables such as carrots, pumpkins, and squashes offer beta-carotene, an element known to boost brain performance.
Whenever feasible, choose a broad selection of brightly colored fruits and vegetables; this will ensure a comprehensive mix of essential vitamins and minerals.
Fermented food:
Yogurt, kimchi, or kombucha have live cultures that assist your body in breaking down and absorbing nutrients from the meals you consume, thereby enhancing the efficiency of digesting these foods.
Dark chocolate:
Shifting your choice from milk to dark chocolate may offer you polyphenols, flavonoids, and various antioxidants that can enhance your mood. An optimal mix would be 85 percent dark chocolate. Nonetheless, even though it contains less sugar compared to milk chocolate, it should still be enjoyed moderately.
Caffeine:
In modest amounts, caffeine has the ability to enhance dopamine levels and elevate your spirits. Nonetheless, specialists recommend taking tiny, regular servings (such as 20 mg of caffeine each time). Consuming excessive caffeine may result in sleeplessness and heightened feelings of anxiousness.
ITEMS TO PASS ON OR AVOID IN FOOD CHOICES
On the flip side, here are some foods you should cut back on for better mental health:
Sugar:
Although it might seem appealing to indulge in sweet treats during stressful times, consuming sugar actually impairs your brain’s capacity to handle stress. Additionally, it correlates directly with an increased risk of depression. Aim to cut back on sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks, sweets, and even natural sugars such as maple syrup or honey.
Artificial sweeteners:
Likewise, sweeteners such as aspartame have been associated with anxiety and depression. Instead of opting for diet sodas, it might be wiser to select unsweetened options like tea or simply water.
Saturated and trans fats:
Often referred to as ‘hydrogenated oil,’ these fats are commonly present in processed foods like deep-fried items, margarine, and palm oil. They do not offer the advantages of beneficial fats. Rather, they are associated with depression, sluggishness, and poor mood.
Refined carbohydrates:
Although whole wheat bread or pasta is rich in complex carbs which benefit mental well-being, white flour and white rice might exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Nonetheless, this issue has a simple solution: try substituting some of your refined grains with whole grain alternatives.
Alcohol:
Even though it’s okay in small amounts, alcohol acts as a depressant. When consumed in large quantities, it can disturb the chemical equilibrium in our brains by reducing neurotransmitter levels. It’s advisable for women to limit themselves to one drink per day, and for men to have up to two drinks daily.
Since you’re aware of which foods to steer clear of, it’s now important to reassess your personal eating habits. Are you eager to find out exactly how much sugar you’re taking in?
Tap here for more details
!
by admin | Feb 8, 2025 | cities and towns, tourist attractions, tourists, travel destinations, vietnam
Explore Ho Chi Minh City, where historical sites, bustling markets, architectural wonders, and contemporary attractions blend together to provide an energetic and memorable journey.
1. War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum provides a poignant look at Vietnam’s tumultuous past during the Vietnam War era. Exhibits include photos, memorabilia, and military hardware that illustrate how the conflict affected both Vietnam and its population.
|
|
A Belgian visitor examining an airplane at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Quynh Tran.
|
The collection consists of 20,000 items such as weaponry, personal effects belonging to soldiers, propaganda materials, and correspondence sent home by combatants during the conflict. Among these are photos and documentary pieces that graphically illustrate the brutal acts carried out by American forces, encompassing mass killings, deployment of chemicals like Agent Orange, and severe harm inflicted upon non-combatant populations. A considerable number of Vietnamese people still grapple with long-term consequences stemming from those occurrences, which manifest as medical problems, hereditary conditions, mental distress, and economic hurdles faced when trying to reconstruct society post-war. In 2022, the Canadian travel site
The Travel
Included the War Remnants Museum in the list of 10 “top historical museums” in Asia.
The War Remnants Museum remains one of the top draws for tourists not only in Ho Chi Minh City but also throughout Vietnam, attracting approximately one million visitors each year.
The museum operates every day from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with an entry fee of VND40,000 (approximately US$1.60). Its location is at 28 Vo Van Tan Street in District 3.
2. The Basilica of Our Lady of Saigon Cathedral
|
|
Pigeons soar above the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. The photo was taken by VnExpress/Thanh Nguyen.
|
Situated in the center of the city at Cong Xa Paris Square in District 1, this cathedral from the French colonial era was constructed between 1863 and 1880. Featuring a neo-Romanesque style, stunning stained glass windows, and two prominent bell towers reaching 58 meters high, it stands as a remarkable testament to Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial past.
The crimson bricks of the cathedral, sourced from Marseille, lend it a cozy and enduring look, whereas inside, you’ll find elaborate engravings and an atmosphere of peace. This site functions as a sanctuary for worshipers and photographers alike, providing guests with insight into the town’s historical and religious legacy.
Admission is complimentary, and the church operates every day. Since 2017, it has been subject to renovations, with completion now anticipated around 2027 because of setbacks linked to importing specific supplies. Even during this period of building, guests may visit inside; however, several sections remain off-limits for security purposes.
3. Ben Thanh Market
|
|
The perspective of Ben Thanh Market seen from above. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran
|
Located in District 1, Ben Thanh Market serves as a lively center of activity and is among the city’s earliest and most recognizable landmarks. Founded during the early 1900s, this dynamic marketplace embodies the essence of local culture where both residents and visitors can fully engage with their surroundings.
This spot is ideal for purchasing local crafts, fabrics, keepsakes, and an array of fresh goods. Additionally, the marketplace serves as a food lover’s paradise, providing classic Vietnamese cuisine such as pho and crispy pancakes.
banh xeo
, accompanied by crisp spring rolls along with invigorating beverages such as sugarcane juice and Vietnamese iced coffee. Adjacent to the market lies a recently constructed plaza where guests can unwind comfortably, whereas the close-by subway station ensures easy navigation for tourists.
The space in front of Ben Thanh Market is currently undergoing preparations for an upcoming renovation scheduled to begin prior to April 2025.
Ben Thanh Market operates every day from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and features an evening market that extends until 10:00 p.m., providing a distinct ambiance with food carts and outside booths populating the surrounding streets.
It should be noted that Ben Thanh Market is known for charging higher prices to international visitors.
Japanese tourist was charged
VND700,000 ($30) for three pairs of socks in 2023. The vendor was temporarily banned from operating by the market authorities for one week. Keep this in mind during your visit.
4. Reunification Palace
|
|
Tourists basking in the sunshine at the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City. Image courtesy of Vnexpress/Thanh Nguyen.
|
Commonly referred to as Independence Palace, this significant location at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, stands as a emblematic monument of Vietnam’s past and the conclusion of the Vietnam War. Constructed during the 1960s, it functioned both as the home and office for the President of South Vietnam.
The palace gained prominence on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese tank burst through its entrance, symbolizing the collapse of U.S.-supported Saigon and the unification of Vietnam. Nowadays, it functions as a museum, providing guests with an insight into its lavish interior spaces, hidden underground chambers, and strategic control centers that were crucial during the conflict. As such, it serves as a potent testament to Vietnam’s endurance and change over time.
Guests have the opportunity to tour the intact chambers, encompassing the head of state’s workspace, the meeting area for cabinet members, and the dining space where formal gatherings took place. These areas served crucial functions like hosting key discussions, making critical decisions, and conducting diplomatic events. Additionally, the subterranean shelters, formerly operational hubs during the Vietnam War era, provide insight into strategic planning from beneath the surface. Various displays feature items related to warfare, archival images documenting past times, along with transportation vehicles—such as armored fighting vehicles and rotary aircraft—that were pivotal during those confrontations.
The palace is accessible every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The ticket price is VND65,000 ($2.60).
5. Cu Chi Tunnels
|
|
International visitors observe a tour guide demonstrating how to navigate the entrances of the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City. The image was shared by jwrach007 on Instagram.
|
Located approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) away from central Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels form an intricate subterranean system with significant historical importance dating back to the Vietnam War era. Originally constructed and utilized by Vietnamese combatants starting in the late 1940s during the First Indochina War, this vast tunnel complex functioned both as protective hideouts and operational hubs for logistical support, daily life activities, and tactical military engagements in asymmetric warfare.
Tourists can traverse parts of the tunnels, which were expanded from their initial narrow dimensions to recreate the difficult circumstances endured by the soldiers. The site features historical relics from wartime, simulated booby traps, and engaging displays highlighting the tactics and fortitude of the Vietnamese fighters. This location serves as an educational destination for individuals interested in gaining more insight into Vietnam’s past.
Tours can be booked every day, with costs differing based on the operator, beginning around VND110,000 ($4.40) for admission.
6. Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office
|
|
The entrance to the Saigon Central Post Office. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Quynh Tran
|
The magnificent Central Post Office located at 2 Cong Xa Paris, District 1, was designed by Gustave Eiffel and constructed in 1891. It stands as an exemplary piece of French colonial architecture, featuring intricate iron decorations alongside arched windows that blend elements from Gothic, Renaissance, and French styles. This iconic building is conveniently situated adjacent to one of the city’s most frequented attractions.
Street Nguyen Van Binh book
.
The structure still operates as an active post office and attracts many tourists who come to admire its well-maintained interior. Upon entering, one can observe a grand arched ceiling held up by elaborate ironwork alongside old-fashioned phone stalls, enhancing its timeless allure.
The postal facility operates every day between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with no admission fee.
7. Tan Dinh Church
|
|
A side view of Tan Dinh Church in Ho Chi Minh City. The photo was taken by VnExpress/Phong Vinh.
|
Renowned for its distinctive pastel exterior, Tan Dinh Church—also referred to as The Pink Church—at 289 Hai Ba Trung Street in District 3, is an additional example of architectural beauty from the French colonial period. Constructed in 1876, this church ranks among the earliest places of worship in Ho Chi Minh City and distinguishes itself with a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements.
The elaborate facade of the church, adorned with white accents and detailed ornamentation, creates a striking contrast against its vibrant pink color, rendering it a popular location for photoshoots. Within, guests can marvel at the lofty arched ceilings, elegant altars, and colored glass windows, enhancing both its allure and historic importance. Tan Dinh Church serves as more than just a religious site; it stands as a cultural monument emblematic of the area’s deep-rooted traditions.
The church operates every day.
8. Landmark 81
|
|
Night view of Landmark 81 in Ho Chi Minh City. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Quynh Tran
|
Standing tall as Vietnam’s highest building, Landmark 81 in Binh Thanh District represents contemporary elegance and opulence, reaching an astounding height of 461.2 meters (1,513 feet).
The viewing area on the higher levels offers unobstructed 360-degree vistas of Ho Chi Minh City, particularly breathtaking at dusk and after dark.
Within the structure, you’ll find upscale stores, fine dining eateries, a luxurious hotel, and cutting-edge recreational amenities such as an ice skating rink and a movie theater.
The viewing platform is accessible every day from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with entry fees beginning at VND300,000 ($12). Additionally, the shopping center, eateries, and various amenities within the structure operate during different timeslots; typically, most retail outlets and food establishments are available from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
9. Bui Vien Pedestrian Street
|
|
The Bui Vien pedestrian street in Ho Chi Minh City at nighttime. Photo: VnExpress/Bich Phuong
|
Bui Vien Walking Street in District 1 serves as the pulsating core of Ho Chi Minh City’s nocturnal scene, attracting both residents and visitors alike. As dusk falls, this lively footpath transforms into a hubbub of activity featuring numerous bars, clubs, and live musical acts, generating a charged and spirited ambiance.
This location is renowned for its array of street food stalls that serve an extensive selection of tasty regional bites like banh mi, pho, broken rice com tam, and crispy spring rolls—ideal for quelling midnight hunger pangs. If you seek dancing, refreshing beverages, or just want to immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance, Bui Vien Walking Street stands out as the prime spot for entertainment, cuisine, and thrills within Ho Chi Minh City.
As one might expect, the street becomes particularly vibrant during the evening hours.
10. Chinatown (Cho Lon)
|
|
Chinatown of Saigon during the Tet holiday. Image captured by VnExpress/Thanh Nguyen.
|
Situated in District 5, Chinatown—also known as Cho Lon—is a lively neighborhood brimming with Chinese-Vietnamese heritage and history. This dynamic area features an array of traditional Chinese buildings alongside local markets and genuine restaurants serving up Chinese cuisine, which makes it essential for visitors wanting to immerse themselves in this cultural amalgamation.
Tourists have the opportunity to visit historical sites such as the Thien Hau Temple, which honors the Chinese deity of the seas, and Binh Tay Market, a bustling bazaar offering an array of goods including spices, traditional medicines, fabrics, and keepsakes.
The winding lanes are flanked by stores peddling authentic Chinese merchandise, and the scent of street cuisine permeates the atmosphere, providing a genuine sampling of regional tastes and traditions.
Access to the majority of these sites is complimentary; however, certain temples might impose a nominal entry charge.
11. Thao Dien
|
|
Thao Dien Night Street in Ho Chi Minh City. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Phong Anh
|
Located in District 2, Thao Dien stands out as an elegant and fashionable district recognized for its global atmosphere and varied international population. Ideal for individuals who value tranquility and sophistication, this locale offers numerous cafés, chic boutiques, and cutting-edge art galleries perfect for casual discovery.
Thao Dien features waterfront dining spots where guests can savor tasty dishes while admiring breathtaking vistas of the Saigon River. This area is ideal for families due to its abundance of parks, play areas, and leisure zones, rendering it an excellent choice for residents and travelers seeking a serene yet lively environment distant from the urban chaos.
The British magazine Time Out placed Thao Dien at number 16 on their list.
world’s 38 coolest neighborhoods
in October 2024.
