Thrilling ride through heart of Vietnamese city

Ho Chi Minh City nestled in the heart of Vietnam is a vibrant metropolis where the old and new coexist in a symphony of sights and sounds.

Motorcycles zip by in every direction, while street vendors hawk their goods at every corner. To an untrained observer, particularly a new tourist, the scene may appear chaotic. This is Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling economic hub of a revitalized Vietnam—a city in a state of constant transformation. Yet, beneath the surface lies a profound appreciation for tradition and history; one just needs to know where to look, Calibe.Az reports via foreign media.

As journalist Graham Greene aptly noted, “You come to Vietnam, you understand a lot in a few minutes. But the rest has got to be lived.” Greene, who wrote the classic "The Quiet American," visited Vietnam multiple times in the early 1950s and witnessed its shift from French colonial rule to independence, positioning him to comprehend the American War that followed. This blend of past and present is immediately apparent upon arrival.

While the city is officially known as Ho Chi Minh City, many locals still refer to it as Saigon, the name it held before the victory of its namesake hero in the 1970s. “Absolutely!” replies our guide Po when asked if it’s still appropriate to use the old name. “Many things are still called Saigon,” he adds. “We have the Saigon River and Saigon beer too.” 

With any concerns about naming conventions addressed, Po prepares us to dive into the city's vibrant chaos. As the CEO of a local tour company, he’s familiar with navigating these streets, and the best way to experience it is on a motorbike. According to a 2022 C40 Cities Report, Ho Chi Minh City boasts around 7.3 million motorcycles, which is impressive given its population of 8.9 million. This statistic gives you a glimpse of what to expect when you hop on a bike here. Yet, there’s an underlying order to the seeming chaos. Riding behind Po, I witness how the system works: riders carve out their own paths and navigate through the throngs. 

Year-round, you’ll see astonishing loads being carried on two wheels—everything from boxes of car parts to stacks of goldfish, and even entire families, with small children sandwiched between adults for safety. For those unfamiliar, it can be both a thrilling and daunting sight. “When traffic gets really congested, they just use the sidewalk to get ahead—that's how it is,” Po chuckles as we pause, nearly dodging a close call while sampling a Ho Chi Minh staple: a curbside barber. 

For just a dollar for a shave and two dollars for a haircut, these barbers have been serving customers for generations. Loyal patrons and curious tourists can take a seat and get a trim, all while the city bustles around them. Sitting here offers a moment of reflection amidst the vibrant chaos of Ho Chi Minh City. The constant noise is both invigorating and exhausting, creating a sensory overload that often calls for a quieter escape. Fortunately, such reprieves are readily available. 

The Saigon Opera House exemplifies how modern Vietnam blends its historical roots with contemporary culture. Constructed by the French in 1900, this stunning building resembles something straight from the streets of Paris. After serving as the National Assembly for South Vietnam from 1956 to 1967, it returned to theater use in 1976, adopting its official title as the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City. 

Today, it hosts performances of The Bamboo Circus, a show reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil that narrates the story of modern Vietnam through the versatile material bamboo, which is utilized across the country for everything from scaffolding to fishing poles. “It’s very strong, yet very flexible,” explains Tuan, the show director, who elaborates on the creative process behind their unique production. “This isn’t just a prop; it’s one of the main characters in the show.” Watching the talented performers scale bamboo poles as scenes of Saigon unfold—depicting bustling construction workers and whizzing motorbikes—is truly mesmerizing. 

However, attempting to replicate their feats is an entirely different challenge. Navigating the poles is nearly impossible for the untrained, illustrating both their difficulty and the hard work ingrained in daily life in Vietnam. The Bamboo Circus has become such a hit that it’s now on a world tour, sharing the magic of Vietnam with audiences fortunate enough to secure a ticket.

By Naila Huseynova