✈️ Departure from Paris: Where Elegance Meets the Skies
Every journey begins with excitement.
And when your starting point is Paris, with Air France as your airline, you can expect nothing short of elegance and refinement.
Paris, the city of romance and timeless charm, offers a graceful farewell at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
There, I was welcomed by Air France cabin crew, dressed in their signature navy blue uniforms, accentuated by bold red scarves.
The look is simple, yet incredibly chic—very French, very refined.
But beyond appearances, it was their warm and polite greeting that made me feel truly cared for.
Onboard, Air France lived up to its reputation.
From wine and cheese served midair to the soothing tones of the cabin and attentive service, everything was curated for a relaxing, luxurious experience.
As the plane took off, I left Paris behind and set my sights on the vibrant energy of Southeast Asia—Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
🌆 Arriving in Ho Chi Minh: A City of Movement and Memory
After about a 12-hour flight, I landed at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
Gone were the stone streets and slow afternoons of Paris—replaced by tropical sun, buzzing scooters, and the electric heartbeat of Vietnam’s most dynamic city.
Ho Chi Minh is a city where history and modernity coexist.
It’s a place where French colonial architecture meets local traditions, and every street corner seems to tell a story.
Let me show you 5 must-visit places you shouldn’t miss.
📍 5 Must-Visit Spots in Ho Chi Minh City
1. Central Post Office (Bưu điện Trung tâm Sài Gòn)
Built during the French colonial era, this building looks more like a European cathedral than a post office.
Step inside and you’ll find vaulted ceilings, vintage maps, and a preserved sense of history.
It’s not just about sending mail—it’s a glimpse into the city’s elegant past.
2. Independence Palace (Dinh Độc Lập)
This was once the home of the South Vietnamese President and later became the symbolic site of the war’s end in 1975.
You can explore rooms preserved from that era, including the war room, basement bunkers, and meeting halls.
It’s like walking through a living museum of Vietnam’s modern history.
3. Ho Chi Minh City Hall (Ủy Ban Nhân Dân Thành Phố)
A stunning example of French colonial architecture, this building stands as a beacon of civic pride.
It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the golden light hits its orange roof and white columns.
Many tourists gather here for photos, and for good reason—it’s a timeless backdrop.
4. War Remnants Museum (Bảo tàng Chứng tích Chiến tranh)
This museum doesn’t shy away from the harsh truths of war.
Photos, documents, and real war machinery like helicopters and fighter jets are on display.
It’s a powerful, sometimes difficult, but necessary reminder of the cost of conflict.
5. Bến Thành Market (Chợ Bến Thành)
Looking for a true taste of local life? This bustling market is filled with energy.
You’ll find everything from handcrafted souvenirs and traditional Vietnamese clothing to tropical fruits and sizzling street food.
And yes—don’t forget to haggle!
🧭 What’s Next on the Journey?
With Ho Chi Minh now part of our story, it’s time to look ahead.
Where should we go next?
Perhaps a trip up north to Hanoi, or maybe across the sea to Singapore?
The possibilities are endless.
And maybe our next flight will be with Vietnam Airlines, where tradition and modern hospitality meet.
Stay tuned for the next episode in this global travel series!
