Christmas And New Year Lights In Saigon

The festive lights have been shining bright in Saigon. This is a photo of the Christmas and New Year decor on Dong Khoi street, the main shopping thoroughfare in the city. The lights definitely add a festive dimension to the atmosphere and for visitors like us who are spending the festive season on holiday here, it very much contributes to our experience of the city.

One can see many whipping out their cameras, posing on the streets, snapping pictures. Not only tourists, the Vietnamese too seem to get caught up in the euphoria of the celebrations. I guess it is a season that generates happy vibes, a sense of hope and faith. A positive mindset for all of us to take into the new year.

This is my last night in Saigon and the experience has been a pretty good one. I am sure I will return at some point and there is certainly much more to see and do.

Photo shot on Boxing Day in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Saigon On Christmas Eve

To say that it was an experience is an under-statement. I was told beforehand that Christmas Eve in Saigon could get pretty crazy. Well, I suppose the photo says it all!

It was truly a bit overwhelming being crushed in a crowd of Vietnamese and tourists alike. The photo was shot slightly after 9.00pm in the vicinity of Lam Son Park, somewhere between the Caravelle and Rex hotels as we made our way back to our hotel on foot. I had had dinner at Vietnam House on Dong Khoi before heading to the rooftop bar of the Caravelle Hotel and decided to head back as the crowd swelled.

On hindsight, it is ironic that I would get packed like sardines as I don't even bother heading into town for such celebrations when in KL. I suppose this is what holidays are all about - new experiences. Merry Christmas everyone!

Photo of a sea of people at Lam Son Park in Saigon, Vietnam.