ho chi minh - Cush Travel Blog

Display of the Past at the Museum of Vietnamese History

January 8, 2014 By // by Sarah Cruz Leave a Comment

The Museum of Vietnamese History, also known as the Bao Tang Lich Su, is a treasure trove rich in the country’s most prized artifacts. The museum houses various items starting from its ancient times more than 300,000 thousand years ago up to the 1930’s when the Communist Party of Vietnam was founded.

Museum of Vietnamese History in Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam

The museum was built in 1929 and was originally called the “Musee Blanchard de La Bosse”. Up until year 1956, it was renamed to the Saigon National Museum. By 1975 and after a few hefty renovations, the museum expanded and was officially named the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Vietnamese History. …

Enjoying the Dam Sen Water Park and other HCMC Water Parks

January 8, 2014 By // by Sarah Cruz Leave a Comment

In the hot and humid city of Ho Chi Minh, it’s not surprising to know that the city is dotted with a number of water parks found right within reach of the city center. The steam bath-like climate of the city can sometimes get exhausting, which is why these water parks are ways for the Vietnamese locals to escape the tropical heat. When the heat of Vietnam starts to come down really heavily, the Dai The Gioi Water Park, the Dam Sen Water Park and other HCMC water parks will be there to help cool people off.

Dam Sen Water Park and Other HCMC Water Parks in Ho Chi Minh — Dam Sen Water Park in Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam

The Dai The Gioi Water Park serves thousands and thousands of citizens of the city just waiting to be rejuvenated. This recreational park offers many activities such as the lanes of its Lazy River or its hydro massage bath found within the pool area. One of its best features is its indoor swimming pool, which is a relief to many people who hate being under the sun and prefer swimming in the shade. …

Sanctuary and Tourist Site at the Central Mosque

January 8, 2014 By // by Sarah Cruz Leave a Comment

The Central Mosque was built in year 1935 by South Indian Muslim traders who were residing in Ho Chi Minh City at the time. The mosque is considered one of the most beautiful structures in the city and stands at the site of a much older mosque. It is one of the 12 mosques found in Saigon City and is immaculately clean and well-kept amidst the bustling Dong Khoi area.

Central Mosque in Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam

The mosque is built in a traditional Muslim fashion that contains a main minaret, four eye-catching minarets, a large courtyard and two separate verandas. Its blue and white color never fails to get noticed by passers-by as the striking mosque stands amidst the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh. Since the verandas are shaded, the stone floors make it the perfect place to read, sit or pray. Located in front of the sparkling structure is a pool for the ritual ablutions that are required by Islamic laws before prayers. Today, Muslims from as far as Pakistan come to the Central Mosque to pay their respects and pray. Prayers are held here five times each day. …

The Effects of War at the War Remnants Museum

January 8, 2014 By // by Sarah Cruz Leave a Comment

It’s always a wise thing to know about a country’s history before actually visiting the country. Unfortunately, not everyone can do this because of the lack of time and resources. However, in a historical country like Vietnam where museums are everywhere, it’s unlikely to leave Vietnam without knowing about the country’s war-ravaged past. The most famous museum that has captured much of its historical essence is the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam

The museum was previously known as Saigon’s Exhibition House of American War Crimes or The House for Displaying War Crimes of American Imperialism and the Puppet Government. To appeal more to tourists, the name was cut short to the War Remnants Museum instead. The museum houses many displays that depict the reality that happened in the Vietnam War especially during its American Phase and how the war continues to affect people today. …

All about the Thien Hau Pagoda

January 8, 2014 By // by Sarah Cruz Leave a Comment

The large and busy pagoda often filled with both worshippers and travelers undoubtedly is the Thien Hau Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. Also known as Chua Ba or the Lady’s Pagoda, the Thien Hau Pagoda is indeed one of the most popular and richly embellished pagodas found in the area.

Thien Hau represents virtues of filial piety and altruism while her most prominent attribute is her ability to go through the clouds over oceans. This unique gift then allows her to rescue many sailors in danger, which has granted her the reputation of being the protector of voyagers of the sea. …

The Many Roles of the Reunification Palace

January 8, 2014 By // by Sarah Cruz Leave a Comment

The Reunification Palace has stayed in the minds of many generations not only among the Vietnam locals but among many foreigners as well. It has been known to stand witness to two historical and fierce wars against the French and the Americans, making it a building most notable for its symbolic role.

Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam

The palace was built on the site of the previous Norodom Palace. During the late 19th Century up to 1954, the palace was used as an office for the Governor of Cochinchina before it was handed over to Viet Minh in 1954. It was then consequently given as the home of former President Ngo Dinh Diem who was a US-supported leader of Vietnam, up until his assassination in 1962. …