SG Glimpse Magazine

Wel come

Welcome to SG Glimpse magazine. In this issue, we will scroll through the beauty of Sai Gon city. Discover the hidden glamour hide in every corner of this marvelous place. This magazine will contain 4 categories which are the streets life of Sai Gon, the cafes in every corner, the museums that held the essence of art and the historical sites of this city. If you are an art lover who like to explore the charm of this city in particular or any city in general, then this magazine is for you. I hope you will have an amazing experience.

Con Tent

The Street The Street

Through out the busy streets of Saigon, you probably have seen these images countless of time. But when these was photographed, it stayed in that position. These will no longer just a passing moment anymore, they have become a part of history, or at least, a part of our memory. The street of Saigon is crowded, busy, full of movement, but lies in it is one of the most if not the most beautyfull scene you can witness in this city. The joy, the sadness, the fullness and emptiness all mixed together to create a wonderful city. Sai Gon is not sad nor happy, it is not always colorfull nor black and white;

Saigon is all of that. It is the city of life and death, the city of hopes and dreams. Depends of the mood you currently have, Saigon will change its appearance. If you ever have the chance to slowdown and have a full look of the streets surround you, you will understand the true beauty of this city. I take these 2 photographs in the samce District 1, they are not that far away from each other. If you ever have the chance to go to District 1, park your car and walk along the streets, you will notice many scences hidden in plain sight you haven’t be able to see before.

SaiGon van dep va tho mong theo cach rieng cua no

Across Saigon are hundreds of moderns skyscrappers peak to the cloud which contributing to the greatness and the contemporaneity of this city. But, apart from those modern attributes, Saigon also have in it the old and incomplete buidings. These are the living proof of how Saigon has lived and evolved itsefl in time while maintaining the original. I have had a great chance of taking these photos and admiring the beauty of the buidings in Saigon. If you ever driving on the streets of Saigon and suddenly stop by the traffic light, i can make sure 90 percent chance that you will see what i have seen. It does not matter whether you are a Vietnamese who spent your entire life in this city or a foreigner who just enjoying his time in Saigon, as soon as you can notice these hidden gems across the streets, you will immediately fall in love with this spectacular city.

Try to stop by Cong Xa Paris Street located in District 1, you can observe the crowed group of young people who go there to hangout and the oldsters working out or having cafe with their friends there. The excitement intertwines with the motionless of these buildings create one of the most beautiful scene in Saigon in particular and entire Viet Nam in general.

Night time movement in Saigon

Have you ever been to Nguyen hue Street?

This is probably the busiest walking street in Saigon. The street is full with entertainment for kids and especially for young couples who want to have a memorial date. Furthermore, many event from small to large are often held here to attract tourists and local people. This is a must-go street if you are living in Saigon.

This particular street only shine when it is night time. In the daytime, it hide itself in a plain look and boredom. But when the sun goes down, the street lights up, showing off its magnificence.

The light from all the restaurants nearby and the vehicles’ light embrace all corners. Lurking inside all those glossy light are the people-the true heartbeat of Nguyen Hue street.

Like a treasure hiding behind the vibrant shell, the human of Nguyen Hue street appear like from thin air. Their slow movement, sometimes not, mixed with the fast shifting of vehicles create such a feast of motion for the eyes. From teenagers doing skateboarding to adult simply walking, and from kids running to merchant sitting still. All I can say is “wow”.

More the just the streets

To me, the streets are not only just the streets, it is everything that is outside the normal home or workplace, it is the first thing we see when we walk out of our home and is the last thing to stay. This is a magazine about Saigon, but it is also a magazine for photographers, or anyone who has interest in this field. So, in this streets segment of the magazine, you will see more than just the streets but the people on it, the

sky abobe it and everything that i can capture outside. The world is for us to admire, so when you are out on the streets, looks down, looks up, looks around. Beauty is in each and every moment that passsed through.

It is such an honor to be a Vietnamese and live in such gorgous city like Saigon. This city is like a film full of tags, from drama to emotional, etc. And in contrary to all the life down the streets, when you look up, the sky and the cloud are the reflection of Saigon, a more dreamy one. If above Saigon is the parallel city of itself, and the clouds are the streets, would there be an angel city up there?

This picture was taken when I suddenly got lost in District 2. This is an abandon building place that are no longer in use. Instead, people use it as an open ground to fly their kites. Try to vist here sometimes if you have the oppotunity. It is such a dreamy scene to witness in Saigon.

Whenwe discuss about the streets of Saigon, we usually think of it is as vintage and old, filled with marks of time. But this street here is not a normal one. Same as Nguyen Hue Street primarily used for walking, the Book Street is for walking and reading at the same time. No cars are allowed in, only legs.

This street is located on Nguyen Van Binh Street, District 1. It is a short one, and is not that wide either. The street is full with bookstores and coffee shops for any soul who likes to read and chill. You can find all sort of books here, some that are so rare you can hardly find anywhere else.

A street of knowledge and future

The Book Street is not just about the books, that would be too boring. This street is where the young soul of the city can have their memory filled with entertainment. Parents often bring their child along to teach them the beauty of reading, and to have a fun time together as well.

While holding the wisdom of generations in it, the Book Street is nowhere near old. It has just been opened a few years. The purpose of the street is to become a place where younger generation like Gen Z and Y and after can have entertainment while searching for books to read. At here, you will not be surrounded by 4 walls and a bunch of book shelves. Instead, it would be the sky, the trees, the open air and even small restaurants for a quick meal. This has brought together 2 things that are seem to have no connection to each other - book and street. But such action has created an unique place in SaiGon, a place for tourists to visit, a place for families, a place for bookaholics and a place for those who love the beauty of Saigon. A perfect time to go here would be in the morning when the sun is not that intolerable and in the noon when the air is cool and cozy.

There are also workshops for those who want to make their own unique item. You can chill here if you want, have a book and some coffes or go to action and make yourself a souvenir out of fabrics. Here is a fun fact, if you can find a book that teaches you how to do so in this street, you can immediately use without waiting. It is always better to do and learn at the same time.

Just like what the sign say. Just read it! All you need to do here is to read, find a book of choice, a place to sit and enjoy your time.

The CAfes

A place that can be seen in every coner of the city, a place that is so common, so popular, that place is no other than the cafes or the coffee shops. If you did not know, Viet Nam is the second largest cafe exporting market in the world. So it is extremely normal if there are thousands, even millions of coffee shops across the country. And as SaiGon is one of the largest city in Viet Nam, there are countless coffee shops. But thanks to these large varieties , we get to peek into the fast-paced lifestyle of Saigon. Over the years, coffee shops have become an intergral part of this city, they have become a place for everyone to come and gather around.

Usually, a coffee shop will be design to deliver a cozy and warm atmotsphere. Through out many times I have came across these coffee shops around Ho Chi Minh city, I noticed brown is among the most dominant colors you can see when entering. But of course, not every coffee shop is decorated the same, some are more unique than others. Some coffee shops are more vintage and some looks more modern and minimal. Typically, most coffee shops will have books inside for guests to read while having a sip of coffee. A more notable aspect is the music. Depends on the owner prefences and the overall vibe of the coffee shop, the music may change. Although most of the times, you will hear relaxing musics, but there are some unique cases that you will hear more intriguing musics. Furthermore, some shops even alow animals, specifically cats, they are just too adorable to pass.

Despite the name coffee shop, these shop never sell just coffees alone. They often have other drinks for you to enjoy such as teas, cocktails, ice blends and even beers. You can choose to have a relaxing time here with a cup of tea or a fun gathering with your friends surrounded by beers and cocktails, you can also choose wines if they do sell and if your budget is up to the job.

A fastinating thing you might see when entering these coffee shop is the theme. Particularly, the coffee shop in the left picture takes Harry Potter theme. They even make their own recipe for the butter beer you see in the series. For other coffee shops, they often share the same theme with on another. There are many that share the boardgame theme, this means you can get to play group games with your friend here without fear of causing inconvvenence. There are also acoustic coffee shop for those who enjoy live music performance.

Coffee shops can be divided into 2 main categories: traditional and modern. Traditional coffee shops usually just sell coffees and other simple drinks. They often brew their coffee using the Phin filter. This is a special technique that differentiate Vietnamese coffee to other around the world. But as time progress, such method has become obsolete. Many newer coffee shops have switched to the espresso machine, this is what mainly seperate the old and newer coffee shops from each other.

Another aspect which differentiate these 2 categories is the implementation of creative decoratives. Traditional coffee shops usually do not have many decorations while their modern sibling has already combine intersting method of decorating. The newer coffee shops also combine their business model with others such as boargames, videogames,etc.

What makes a coffee shop a coffee shop?

What truly make a coffee shop a coffee shop?

It is by no doubt the cafes. But the just the cafes will not be enough. What truly make it is the ability to connect. It is not matter whether you go alone or not. When the drinks touch your lips for the first time, you already connect. Those connections can be with yourself, with your friend or with te entire city. When the first aroma of the fresh coffee beans strike your nose, every stress seems to vanish.

If you usually go to a lot of modern coffee shops, you would probably notice they often collaborate with another business, most of the time this will be boardgame or toy hobby. These cooperation can help to benefit each other profit and also help to entertain us as customers. Buyers of each business can choose to have both at the same place, they can buy their favorite drinks while choosing their favorite games or toys. And since these 2 models are practically use the same place, they can contribute to each other ways of decating. The coffee shops can decorate their shelf with toy models/boardgames and vice versa.

Three cups of coffee a day keeps the doctor away

Coffee coffeeco f f e e c o f f e e

Beauty lies whithin

If the heart of a coffee shop is the drinks, then the soul will be the decorating. Depends on which vibe it has, the decoration will be different. Although many coffee shops could share the same theme, but their decoration will not always be the same.

The decorating of the coffee shop does not represent the soul of that place alone, it also reflect the soul of a customer. By choosing to go to a specific coffee shop, you have already express your inner self. The way the coffee smell, the way your surrounding is decorated, they all contributed in showcasing who you really are. Savor every last drop of your drink and have nice rest. Connect yourself to the city, the people and most importantly, you.

-Anthony T.Hincks-

You don t expereience life by drinking coffee fast. You experiecne life by everysavouring last drop.

The museums

The first museum you should look for is the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, also known as the Gia Long Palace. It was originally built for the French governor of Cochinchina in the late 19th century. Located in the center of the city, the museum is by far one of the most significant buildings in the history of Saigon.

The first thing you will see in this museum is artifacts, along with those are photographs of the previous phase of Saigon, before it become what it currently is. The photo above is a statue of a ceramic artist. It was made to hornor artists who have contributed in the history of ceramic items in Saigon.

Below are the music discs back in the old days when people still use the phonograph. Even till today, these disc are still being made. In the modern world, they are primarily being used to make prizes for musicians or collectibles. Because of that, these historical artifacts are very expensive, even priceless.

The beauty of Saigon flow and evolve with time

“Time can pass, but art remains forever and ever”

These are the photos of famous events being held, those could be weddings or special hollidays.

As I mentioned before, the museum also contains various photographs about different aspects of life in the previous era of Saigon. Many traditional events back then have been captured through cameras or painted and presented here in the museum. Besides the reminiscene of war, we are also be able to see the happy time of people back then.

Ho Chi Minh City museum is famous not only for the artifacts which it holds but also for the vinatge beauty that it has. Because of this, many tourist, especially young couples choose this as a place where they will date or have their marriage picture captured. I still remembered the first time i walked into the museum, I immediately saw at least 2 couples are making photographs for their wedding. This has filled the entire museum with lovely and exciting asmostphere, breaking the tradition seriouness of a normal museum.

Through the journey in this astonishing museum, you will get to witness the will of our ancestors through the paper left to describing what they were doing in the war. The fire within them seems to remains burning, bursting through the staue and get to you. This is the power of art, the power to transfer emotion to whoever is watching it.

A paradise of art

If your you are purely an art lover whose soul filled with artistic emotion, then the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts will be a paradise for you to stop by. As like the name, this museum holds various artworks showcasing huge cultural heritage of Viet Nam. Many of which has a great influence on the developing of Viet Nam art history.

One of the highlights of the museum is its vast collection of traditional Vietnamese artworks. These pieces provide a window into the country’s ancient past and demonstrate the skill, creativity, and intricate craftsmanship of Vietnamese artisans throughout history. The display showcases artwork produced during different dynasties, including ceramics, lacquerware, and sculptures.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts also offers educational programs and workshops for art enthusiasts of all ages. These activities aim to cultivate an appreciation for art and develop artistic skills in the community. There are many on developing art pieces at the museum, if you lucky, you can come across an artist making his or her paintings at the museum workshop.

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time

-Thomas Merton-

To create the art by yourself

Every moment you have here can be a special moment. The entire buidling can be the medium for you to express who you are and create stunning photos. The distinctive architectural design of the building itself is a sight to behold. Its grandeur, influenced by French colonial architecture, makes for a captivating subject, both from a wide-angle perspective that highlights the entire structure or through close-up shots that emphasize intricate details. And if you somehow get lost in your own mind here, the museum’s extraordinary collection of artworks, sculptures, and exhibits can provide you with endless inspiration. One of the most captivating aspects of being here at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is that you can capture precious moments of other people. The interaction between visitors and the artworks can create a very fastinating chemistry between 2 entirely different era-when the modern touch the old. These unique interactions can evoke emotions and tell stories. So, by taking photographs here in the museum, you have created your own pieces of art without much effort.

Thanks to the museum’s huge amount of windows and hallways, natural light can reach to almost every corner here. This made every oppotunies you have while being inside can be a lifetime chance to capture unique photographs. You do not have to be strict with your photos, try to experience different angles with different perspectives. Be creative and think outside the box, if so, hidden details that you normally would not be able to see may reveal themselves. But make sure you will follow the museum’s rules strictly and do not touch the artifacts or any artwork. Such action can cause irreversible damages to them. And if you are going to take photogarphs of other visitors, try not to interrupt and irritate them.

Through different perspectives, you may be able to view the artworks in a very interesting way. This can even change the vibe or the meaning of the artwork completely. Depends on what emotion you have while observing these artworks, you can choose to deliver that emotion to whoever you may present your photographs to by implementing.

With a remarkable collection of Vietnamese art, spanning several centuries. The galleries are thoughtfully curated, representing various eras, styles, and artistic movements. Each artwork inside tells a different stories, infused with the rich heritage and cultural nuances of Vietnam. By taking photos and spreading these artworks to other people, you and others can have the chance to delve into the emtions and stories within the artwork. Such experience will help you to admire and treasure the rich heritage that our country has.

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is not only a destination for art enthusiasts but also a place of cultural significance. Capture the images of the past era, showcasing the life back then, how our ancestors live and how the city looks. By photographing these art pieces, you can document the history of the previous generation and how these remainings artifacts affect the current life. It is an absolute privilege to be able to witness and photograph these artwork, realizing the significance of them in particular and the importance of Vietnamese cultural in general.

Through the famous District 1

District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City is home to numerous historical sites that commemorate the city’s vibrant past. Covering an area of approximately 174.15 square kilometers, this district is situated at the heart of the city and serves as the epicenter of its cultural, economic, and political activities. District 1 is also famous for its beautiful scenery.

One of the most prominent landmarks in District 1 is the Notre Dame Cathedral. This church was built between 1863 and 1880 by French colonizers, and now it has been considered one of the city’s most magnificent examples of French colonial architecture. The church is famouse for its twin bell towers and impressive stained glass windows, this make it an architectural marvel that attracts numerous visitors and worshippers alike.

The

Historical Sites

Currently, the cathedral is under construction for repairing and upgrading process, hence I can not show you the full greatness of it. But despite that, the church is still a wonderful site to behold. Though the church is not the same as it usual look, standing beneath it, you can still obseve the 58-meters-tall bell towers and admiring their striking looks.

A short walk away from the cathedral lies the Saigon Central Post Office, a captivating architectural gem that exudes nostalgia. Built between 1886 and 1891, during the height of French colonization in Indochina, the Saigon Central Post Office stands as a testament to the blend of French and Vietnamese architectural styles. The building was designed by Gustave Eiffel - who is famously known for designing the Eiffel Tower in Paris - along with the supervision of Alfred Foulhoux, a French architect. This fact alone makes the post office a remarkable structure, as it showcases the architectural prowess of two renowned figures. The building is a perfect example of neoclassical architecture with Gothic and Renaissance-inspired elements. Above the main entrance is a large clock manufactured by the prestigious French company, Chronopost. This alone with the grandeur of the entire building serves as a remarkabe landmark for the city.

The Central Post Office does not only served as the landmark for the city but also a wonderful tourist attraction. There are numerous visitors come here everydays from all ages.

Surrounding the post office are palm trees and manicured gardens with vibrant flowers create a peaceful and serene atmosphere at the entrance, making it a picturesque spot for visitors to take photos and capture the essence of the Saigon Central Post Office.

This marvelous landmark is still currently working as a post office. Everything inside is still function normally. This means when you enter the Central Post Office, you will not just come across visitors but also people who come here for work as well.

Upon entering the post office, you will immediately notice the large hallway with ounters where postal workers diligently attend to customers’ needs. And on the 2 small hallways each side, several shops and stalls selling various souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional Vietnamese artwork can be spotted. These shops cater to both tourists and locals, offering a wide range of unique items and providing an opportunity to take home a piece of Vietnamese culture.

Nguoi la Cha, la Bac, la Anh

Qua tim lon loc tram dong mau do

-To Huu-

Inside the post office, just above the main hallway, you will notice one of the most striking features of the interiorthe large portrait of Ho Chi Minh, the revolutionary leader and founder of modern Vietnam. The portrait is extremely prominent, measuring about 2 meters in height and 1 meter in width. It is strategically placed at the center of the building, right above the main entrance, ensuring that anyone who enters cannot miss it. The portrait depicts Ho Chi Minh in his signature attire, wearing a simple white shirt and trousers, which represents his modest lifestyle and commitment to the welfare of the common people. This iconic portrait has captured the essence of his character and showcased the deep admiration the Vietnamese people have for our leader.