Lazy Tuesday in Saigon.

Tuesday 5th August

No early start this morning and enjoyed a breakfast of freshly fried eggs and bacon watching life in the alley. Was reading about the Saigon railway station from where I will be taking the train to Hue tomorrow evening.

http://www.historicvietnam.com/saigon-railway-station/

Written by Tim Doling
http://www.historicvietnam.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/%C6%A0i-magazines-March-2014-interview.pdf

The line from Saigon to Hanoi was only completed in the 1920's and the original station and marshalling lines occupied the area which is now 23/9 Park along Pham Ngu Lao. Pretty much where the Giant Ibis bus dropped me off yesterday.  It was only relocated to the outskirts after re-unification in the 1980s. Pity, the old location would have been far more convenient.

Had a walk around to see where it would have been and explored some of the alleyways near the hotel. This area has been the backpacker & budget tourist area for a long time but now it has moved upmarket with many mid range hotels. Dozens of places to eat, drink, book your travel or get your laundry done. A few vestiges of old Saigon remain.

Interesting frontage down a small alleyway

Must eat more of it! 

Not Starbucks coffee but there is one round the corner

Is this the last traditional house along Pham Ngu Lao? 

Fishing where the railway station used to be

Out-numbered.
Sometimes they stop at red lights,  but most times they don't.