2011, DEC 11: VIETNAM, HO CHI MINH CITY-B

The Reunification Palace was our next stop. It was built in 1966, as the residence of the President of South Vietnam.

The North Vietnamese forces crashed its gates in 1975, and took it over. It was then renamed the Reunification Palace.

Besides others, it has a banquet room, and a reception room.

One wall in the private presidentail suite displays gifts presented by people. The gifts include heads and tails of animals, as symbol of the whole animals.

The basement has the war command room, telex room, and secret escape passages.

We went through the heart of the city stopping for pictures at the French colonial heritage such as Notre Dame Cathedral,...

...Saigon Opera House,...

...Post Office, and...

...City Hall, as well as...

...as well as other landmarks.

Next we made a brief stop at the popular Ben Thanh Market.

2011, DEC 11: VIETNAM, HO CHI MINH CITY-C

After sightseeing we checked into the Renaissance Riverside Hotel.

In the evening, we went up to the topmost floor to take a few pictures of the Saigon River flowing by the hotel, and the night cruise boats passing by.

Also there were nice views of the area around, including the small circular park in front of the hotel. The park has the tall statue of the popular, 13th century national hero, General Tran Hung Dao, who had defeated the Mongol forces.

Then we strolled by the river, and explored the surrounding area. Even though, most of the Vietnamese profess Buddhism, like many other places during our travels, stores were decked out for Christmas.

And there was a musical concert on the steps of the Opera House.

Finally, for dinner, we walked to the Ali Baba, a North Indian restaurant, which is owned and operated by a man from Kolkata.