Saigon’s Unique Alleys
Saigon offers a great glimpse into charming buildings, shady tree-lined avenues, and exquisite architectures, which mostly are the heritage of the ancient Chinese or French. But the tangible part is not one that is full of must-see sights in this city. To make the best of your trip in Saigon, you should pay attention to the little-hidden details that convey a deep breath of Saigon soul – the alleyways.
Saigon Secrets: The Less Well-Known Must See Alleyways of Saigon
Saigon has thousands of tortuous narrow alleyways – sometimes no more than five feet wide – that surround the city and make it look like a mysterious maze. Being the smallest path of the urban road systems, each alley contains a whole real Saigon life.
Walking down an alleyway is a peaceful escape from the noise of the city. The rhythm of life is slower, calmer, and you will feel that the alley life is worth living: people live in close proximity; life is shared; children play with each other; women neighbors gossip all day and night. You will also recognize the special smell emanates from local houses: all sort of cooking scents spreading in the air and the “perfume” of washing detergent from laundry hanging out in the sun. All of these daily activities happen either in the open-air or in ground-floor rooms with opened doors. This reminds us of Hanoi Railway Village Life.
Digging in Saigon alleys, you will find out many interesting but hidden charming corners, which all represent the Saigonese life.
To see more photos, check the open album below or go to Flickr:
Photo Album Flickr
(Please use the left/right arrows to navigate in the files of the open album)
Words and Photos by Ngoc Ha
Looks wonderful.. Love to see those maze streets and meet new folks there. I love to meet new folks.
It would be so exciting to go to Saigon. These alleys hold a lot of treasures I am sure.
I love exploring less traveled areas of places that I visit. The alleys of Saigon sound super interesting to explore and learn about!
I also was born and raised in an alley of Hanoi so I have the same feeling when I read and saw these picture. Our alley has business too, but the best things I like about it is the relationship of neighborhood.
I love the fact that you’re also in love with Saigon – my city. Interestingly, there are even some corners in your pictures that I have passed by and noticed. I really want others to know Saigon is not always busy or crowded, but there are places and times when it is slow, calm and peaceful.
Something very “Saigon”, as always be in my heart “Saigon”. You won’t comprehend what Saigon is unless you walk into a corner of Saigon.
the title Saigons unique alleys makes me want to read the post. And they are really unique. Thanks for sharing.
The alleys look so calm and peaceful. They might be representative of the locals’ lifestyle as well. Such stunning places!
I must say that alleyway is one of something that make Vietnam so unique and distinctive. It bustles in the way that different from the city center. Thanks for sharing those beautiful picture.