War Remnants Museum
The disturbing War Remnants Museum highlights the horrors of
modern combat, and especially portrays the suffering inflicted on
the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War. Previously called the
Museum of American War Crimes, the name was altered so as not to
cause offence to American visitors, but its displays do tell the
story from an anti-American perspective. The museum houses a
collection of weapons, machinery, artefacts and horrific
photographs illustrating the devastating affects of napalm, Agent
Orange and other weapons of mass destruction. One room is dedicated
to biological warfare, including the effects of the defoliant
sprays that were dumped over the country. Another room looks at
worldwide demonstrations for peace and international opposition to
the war. In the courtyard there are tanks, helicopters, planes and
bombs on display.
Address: 28 Vo Van Tan St, District 3;
Telephone: (08) 829 5587;
Opening time: Open daily from 7.30am to 11.45am and 1.30pm to 4.15pm;
Admission: 16,000d
Cholon
Cholon is the thriving warren of streets comprising the Chinese
district of Saigon, first settled by the Chinese Hoa merchants at
the end of the 18th century, and now home to the biggest ethnic
minority community in the country. The difference in environment is
immediately noticeable. The cluster of Chinese-signed streets is a
fascinating labyrinth of temples, restaurants, exotic stores,
medicine shops and markets. The best place to experience the bustle
of trade is at the crowded Binh Tay Market where the corridors are
filled with stalls offering a variety of exotic produce, from live
tethered ducks to nuts and seeds, as well as other household items.
There are several temples of interest in Cholon, including the
colourful Emperor of Jade Temple, the Quan Am Pagoda with its
ornate exterior, Phuoc An Hoi Quan Temple, its roof exquisitely
ornamented with dragons and sea monsters, and the Thien Hau Pagoda
dedicated to the goddess of the sea.
Transport: From the city centre take the Saigon Star Co bus to Huynh Thoai Yen
