A revisit to Vietnam, half a century post-war

Vietnam, half a century after the end of the Vietnam War, has become one of Asia’s most popular destinations. Since 1997, Vietnam has become one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations, known for its delicious street food markets, vibrant cities, unique mix of French colonial architecture, and stunning natural landscapes.

The country is currently experiencing a surge of foreign visitors and is on pace for a record-breaking year. In the recent episode of BBC’s The Travel Show, Vietnamese American host William Lee Adams travels across the country on an emotional journey to reconnect with his mother’s country of origin and to lay his brother’s ashes in the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).

Saigon was the epicentre of the Vietnam War in the 1960s and ’70s, serving as the headquarters for US military operations in the region. However, the city’s history stretches back at least 300 years before this conflict, reflecting in the ornate temples, pagodas, vibrant night markets, and mix of Asian and European influences found in this nine-million person metropolis. Food is a major draw for travelers to Ho Chi Minh City, with street food dishes like bot chien and more upscale restaurants like Akuna.

Beyond the markets, Ho Chi Minh City is a blend of Vietnamese, French, and international influences, with the ornate French-built Saigon Opera House and the contemporary Lotus Gallery showcasing the work of modern Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian artists. However, many locals are reluctant to talk about the “American War,” as the official viewpoint is that “we won the war, so there is no trauma.”

Despite this, there are several places where visitors can learn about the impact of the war on the city and surrounding countryside. Ho Chi Minh City is connected to the northern part of Vietnam via the North-South Railway, also known as the “Reunification Express.” Built in 1899, the train travels over 1,700km from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi on a single track.

During the Vietnam War, the train was bombed several times to cut off important connections between the communist north and US-controlled south of the country. Today, the ride offers stunning views of the country’s beautiful landscapes, including the breathtakingly blue waters of Nha Trang’s beaches and the jungles of the Annamite Mountain range.

Hanoi, once the capital of the communist north, was founded in 1009 AD as the imperial city for the Ly Dynasty. Since 1873, it has served as the capital of the French-controlled colony and remains Vietnam’s capital today. The city’s diverse background is reflected in its architecture, particularly the city’s Old Quarter, with its mix of Vietnamese and French colonial architecture.

Visitors can learn about the impact of the war on the city and surrounding countryside at places like the War Remnants Museum, which preserves important artefacts and educates visitors about the consequences of war, and the Chu Chi tunnels, which showcase the hardships that Vietnamese soldiers endured during the conflict.

Hanoi is considered the nation’s cultural capital, home to a thriving arts and education scene, such as the Temple of Literature, which served as Vietnam’s first university. Contemporary art galleries and museums, such as the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum and the Hanoi Studio Gallery, are also located in the city. Another must-see attraction in Hanoi is Dong Xuan Market, one of the largest and oldest in the country, where locals and travelers come to buy local stir-fried dishes, souvenirs, spices, and even pets.