Saigon’s Notre Dame Cathedral after 6 years of restoration
The repair of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon is 50% complete and expected to last until 2027. The walls have been cleaned, and part of the roof has been replaced. The Notre Dame Basilica of Saigon in District 1 has been undergoing renovations for the past six years. Initially, it was anticipated that the project would be finished this year. However, the Covid-19 pandemic created supply problems from Europe and drove up costs by 30–40% because it lasted for more than two years. Father Ignatio Ho Van Xuan, leader of the restoration department, said, “When re-evaluating with the restoration unit from Belgium, we agreed that the restoration process cannot be rushed but needs to be done very carefully to ensure the longevity of the church.” In contrast to 2017, a fence around three meters high now encircles the whole church. For restoration purposes, a 60-meter-high scaffolding was installed on the front side of the structure. Jules Bourard, a French architect, built the church. Construction began in 1877 and took three years to complete. The Notre Dame Basilica of Saigon was classified as a Basilica by the Vatican since 1959. One of the first sections to be rebuilt is the tile roof system. Even though only a portion of the roof has been repaired, the church’s roof now looks much better than it did six years ago. Priest Ho Van Xuan says that because all of the segments are connected, which means they must be restored simultaneously, none of them have been fully restored as of yet. The parts that are too severely damaged will be replaced, while the undamaged parts will be maintained. Two bell towers and two zinc towers are the main areas of attention for the contractor. Numerous blocks of Pierre de Paris limestone that have been eroded and damaged may be seen on each of the towers’ four corners. Each block is around 4 tons in weight. The contractor has to divide each block into 500-kilogram smaller blocks before being removed mechanically. The restoration board chose to use a substitute stone known as Pierre de Massengis after conferring with specialists. This kind of stone is tougher and looks much better. Ordered from France, the stones will then be transported to a factory in Belgium where they will be modeled to resemble the original stone blocks. The imported stone blocks weigh close to 90 tons in total. Part of the replacement stones have already been brought up to the tower. The zinc tower is enclosed by scaffolding. Over the course of 140 years, many of the roofing sheets have been oxidized and corroded. The new Azengar plus zinc panels will be used to re-roof these two towers. Two crosses were taken down from the church’s roof in the beginning of March and sent to Belgium for restoration. After a lengthy period of time, the two 127-year-old crosses were corroded. The crosses are more than 1.8 meters wide, almost 4 meters tall, and weigh 600 kilos. Photo courtesy of the Ho Chi Minh City Roman Catholic Archdiocese Via Vnexpress CONTACT USZalo/Hotline: (+84) 899 220 987Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saigonbiketours2022 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saigonbiketours2022
𝟓 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦
A British Caving Association expedition team discovered five uncharted caves while exploring a limestone mountain region in Lam Hoa Commune, Tuyen Hoa District, Quang Binh Province, central Vietnam. Photo: British Caving Association A British Caving Association (BCA) expedition team has discovered five new caves untouched by humans in Quang Binh Province, central Vietnam. The government of Lam Hoa Commune in the province’s Tuyen Hoa District told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Thursday that the BCA expedition team had discovered these five uncharted caves while exploring a limestone mountain region in the commune. With a total length of 3.34 kilometers, the five, namely Hung Tru 1, Hung Tru 2, Hung Tru 3, Hung Ka Vong 1, and Hung Ka Vong 2, are wet caves. Some of them have dry branches. Among them, Hung Tru 1 is the longest cave, measuring over 1.9 kilometers while Hung Tru 2 is the deepest cave at 25.8 meters. The BCA experts also discovered another cave with a relatively long underground stream but could not survey it thoroughly due to an insufficient number of supporting equipment and the harsh terrain. The BCA team will come back later and use boats to move deeper into this cave, said a local official. Quang Binh Province is dubbed the “kingdom of caves” as it is home to more than 400 caves of various sizes, with Son Doong being considered the world’s largest cave and Hang En the world’s third largest. The BCA over the past years has carried out surveys in limestone mountain areas in the province and found many new caves. Via Tuoi Tre News CONTACT USZalo/Hotline: (+84) 899 220 987Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saigonbiketours2022 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saigonbiketours2022
Cần Giờ’s mangrove forests are a haven for stressed-out travelers
Noted for its vast mangrove forests, pure air, and wildlife sanctuaries, the coastal district of Cần Giờ and its Mangrove Biosphere Reserve is a perfect weekend break from the frenzied activity of the country’s big cities. Noted for its vast mangrove forests, pure air, and wildlife sanctuaries, the coastal district of Cần Giờ and its Mangrove Biosphere Reserve is a perfect weekend break from the frenzied activity of the country’s big cities. Located 50km southeast of the HCM City center, the Cần Giờ wetlands can be visited easily by speedboat, car, motorbike, or bus. Regarded as the “green lung” of the city, the area is home to more than 33,900 hectares of mangroves, one of the most extensively rehabilitated mangrove forests in the world. In 2000 UNESCO designated Cần Giờ as the first Mangrove Biosphere Reserve in Việt Nam. With a coastal line of 23km and a river network stretching 22,000 hectares, Cần Giờ has perfect conditions for aquaculture and agriculture as well as eco-tourism and sea tourism.
Must-visit tomb of Nguyễn Dynasty hero in HCM City
Not far from a crowded market in HCM City is a temple that enshrines a revered hero with a bloody family tragedy. HCM CITY — Not far from a crowded market in HCM City is a temple that enshrines a revered hero with a bloody family tragedy. Ông Bà Chiểu Temple sits on a piece of land that is shaped like a turtle’s back and slightly higher than its surroundings. The temple’s location is considered supreme in feng shui terms. It is located next to Bà Chiểu Market in Bình Thạnh District and is where hero and high-ranking mandarin of the Nguyễn Dynasty, Lê Văn Duyệt (1764-1832), is buried along with his wife Đỗ Thị Phận. The temple has four gates named after the cardinal directions, with the Southern Gate now used as the main one. According to the monument management board, 100-200 locals and foreigners visit every day. During Tết (Lunar New Year), 100,000 people visit to pay their respects.
Explore the first museum in southern Việt Nam
The HCM City Museum of History is located at Nguyễn Bỉnh Kiêm Street in District 1, set beside Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, which were built by the French colonialists. HCM CITY The HCM City Museum of History is located at Nguyễn Bỉnh Kiêm Street in District 1, set beside Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, which were built by the French colonialists. The museum opened in 1929 with a harmonious combination of French and Asiatic influences. Both the building and the surrounding gardens give an exceptional escape from the bustling vibe of the city. The museum itself has an area of 3,000 square meters and is divided into several rooms with 18 display spaces. All the rooms are connected with each other through the main hall. One of the largest museums in the south, it has more than 40,000 artifacts from many countries and ethnic groups. The displays consist of two main parts. The first exhibit’s artifacts of Vietnamese history dating from the prehistoric era to the end of the Nguyễn Dynasty (1802-1945), the country’s last royal family; the other features the history of southern Việt Nam and some Asian countries. The museum is open seven days a week and the entry fee is VNĐ30,000 (US$1.3).
Egg Coffee: An amazing drink with a special taste.
History of egg coffee Egg coffee appeared in Hanoi in the fifties of the last century. The story of the origin of this coffee is still handed down by word of mouth to this day. When Western coffee products were introduced to Vietnam, they soon won the hearts of customers. With the desire to create a similar drink with available ingredients and lower costs. At present, fresh milk is scarce, so the cafe owner has used egg yolk as an alternative. Surprisingly, that drink was praised by everyone and became a specialty. How does it taste? Egg coffee is a combination between the mild bitterness of coffee and the fat of chicken eggs. It’s suitable for those who can’t drink coffee but still want to enjoy this drink. It is the sweet, fatty taste of eggs and milk that will melt away the bitterness of coffee, keeping the sweet and attractive aroma. Where to get this drink in Saigon? 1.RuNam D’Or 📍3 Cong Xa Paris Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam.2.3T Ca Phe Trung 📍1A Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. 3. Little HaNoi Egg Coffee (Yersin) 📍119/5 Yersin, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. 4. Flat White Coffee 📍274 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. 5. Vietphin Coffee 📍89 Canh Mang Thang Tam, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. 6. Xô Bồ Coffee 📍11 Phan Dinh Phung, Ward 17, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam.
What for breakfast in Vietnam: Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)
Vietnamese broken rice (or steam-broken rice) is a highly recommended Vietnamese food. Called “com tam” in Vietnamese, as its name suggests, it is made from broken rice. In the late 19th century, steamed broken rice was a popular dish among poor farmers in the Mekong Delta. During hard seasons, the locals did not have enough good rice to eat. They had to use broken rice to cook, which is fragments of rice grains fractured during the handling process. The locals had to steam such broken rice to overcome hunger. Since Vietnam started the urbanization process in the first half of the 20th century, this dish became popular in the Southern region, including Ho Chi Minh City. It was then gradually modified to suit the tastes of foreign visitors from France, America, China, India, etc. Grilled pork and Vietnamese steamed omelet were added. The portion would be put on a plate and diners would use a fork to eat instead of chopsticks. In the past, the grains were inevitably broken during milling; but now, people have to deliberately break the rice. This dish is now a culinary highlight in Ho Chi Minh City in particular and Southern Vietnam in general. | Saigonbiketours
What for breakfast in Vietnam: Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Noodles Soup)
Bún Bò Huế is a popular Vietnamese spicy beef noodle soup meant Hue beef noodle soup, containing rice vermicelli and beef. Bún Bò Huế originally from Hue that why is its name recognized as a label First of all, Hue was an old capital in central Vietnam has the cooking style of the former royal cooking. Therefore, the dish is famous for its balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors. And the special flavor of Bun Bo Hue is that of bone, lemongrass, and shrimp paste. Another, compared to Phở in the North or Bún riêu in the South, the noodles are thicker and round shaped In Hue, Bún Bò Huế seems like for breakfast rather than lunch or dinner. As a result, you can see this soup everywhere. While you can eat as dinner at many street stalls too. | Saigonbiketours
What for breakfast in Vietnam: Bánh Mì.
Tourists in Vietnam love bánh mì and can be seen eating it all the time: for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, among Vietnamese, it is considered more of a breakfast or lunch meal, rather than the main meal. The spicy Vietnamese sandwich needs little introduction: a French baguette, fresh herbs, secret sauces (sweet-n-sour mixed with mayonnaise perhaps?), and an endless variety of toppings, from North to South and everywhere in between — and increasingly taking over the cosmopolitan cities of the West. However, the Western banh mi’s pale in comparison to the real thing. | Saigonbiketours
𝐒𝐀𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄
Standing magnificently at the heart of Ho Chi Minh City is the Saigon Opera House, which is also known as the Municipal Theater. The building stands as one of the most impressive sights in Saigon – both night and day. Saigon Opera House was built in 1898 by the French architect – Eugene Ferret, following the “flamboyant” style of the French Third Republic. It was set to be two meters higher than the street surface with two-door layers, in order to prevent traffic noise. Built-in parallel structure, the Opera House is located on the city’s center axis, connecting the metro station and roundabout in front of Ben Thanh market. From a distance, the Opera House looks like a beautiful gigantic city gate. The architecture boasts stone-carved ornaments and statues at the entrance, crystal chandeliers, and a shiny granite floor in the lobby area – all built with materials imported from France. The oval auditorium with 468 seats offers a good view from every seat. It is also echo-free and therefore preserves all the sound inside the theatre. The theatre is now a venue for many high-profile events and cultural – entertainment activities in the city. Certified as a national relic in 2012, this magnificent building stays on top of the must-visit of Ho Chi Minh City. 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 – January 17th, 1900: The first show of the Opera House was performed by French actors and actresses. – November 18th, 1918: The first time Vietnamese organized a performance at the Opera House, which is a play mixed with Cai Luong, a theatrical genre from Southern Vietnam, often known as Vietnamese Opera. – 1945 – 1955: The Opera House was closed during World War II and reopened in 1955 – after the Geneva Convention (1954), and became Southern Vietnam’s Assembly House. – May 1975: it is officially named the city’s opera house. – 1996: Saigon Opera House is closed for renovation. – December 18th, 1998: Inauguration ceremony of Saigon Opera House after 2 years of renovation. The event marked the 300th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh City. – 2012: The Opera House is certified as a National Relic. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 – The Opera House was built in 1898 and carried out 3,200,000 square meters in total areas. – The theater was set to be two meters higher than the street surface with two-door layers in order to prevent traffic noise. – The oval auditorium with 468 seats offers a good view from every seat. It is also echo-free and therefore preserves all the sound inside the theatre. – The major renovation, which cost USD 1.7 million at the time, took 2 years from 1996 to 1998 to finish. 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐀𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 “𝐀 𝐎” 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 The name “A O” derives from “Lang Pho”, which means “village and city”. The show depicts the charming beauty and cultural richness of Vietnamese life in the countryside, in contrast with the nation’s racing urbanization. The show is a unique mix of bamboo circus, acrobatic acts, dance, and theatrical visual art. The live music echoes Vietnamese Southern work songs. All in all, this beautiful blend of genres creates a unique stage language, which well captures the essence of Vietnam’s fascinating culture. 𝐓𝐞𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐫 Teh Dar invites the audience on a venture into the enchanting world of Vietnamese highlanders. Wild animal hunts, moonlit romance, and jungle tales of death and reincarnation are all recreated with stunning Vietnamese Bamboo Circus, daring acrobatics, and hypnotizing melody from exotic tribal instruments certified cultural heritage by UNESCO. Meaning ‘going in circle’ in the highland tribe K’ho’s tongue, Teh Dar embraces and preserves beautiful and diverse Vietnamese tribal cultures. As the artists keep inspiring, the circle of tribal life keeps going, the cultures shall remain. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭 The Mist tells a story of Southern Vietnamese farming life, expressed through neo-classic and contemporary dance by skilled artists. Using rice cultivation as a metaphor to appreciate farmers’ dedication, from their misty dawn on the fields, their hardship and willpower to rise up from humble muddy soil, to brace storms, to the moment they arrive joyously like shining pearls at harvest. The Mist is an hour of emotions, with myriad ups and downs, painted by sensational live music, splendid visuals, and colorful lighting effects. | 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞