More than 40 black-and-white and colour photos featuring Saigon and its history are on display at Book Street (Nguyen Van Binh Street) in HCM City’s District 1.
Visitors learn about HCM City and its people from a photo exhibition featuring Sai Gon and its history held on Book Street (Nguyen Van Binh St) in District 1. (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) - Morethan 40 black-and-white and colour photos featuring Saigon and its history areon display at Book Street (Nguyen Van Binh Street) in HCM City’s District 1.
The photos are from collections of photographers and collectors Phuc Tien, VanPhung, Hieu Minh and Soh Weng Yew.
The photos of the city’s culture and lifestyle include images of old buildings,churches and markets.
“The photos are about Saigon and its people, who have worked hard to developtheir land,” said Nguyen Thai Bao, who visited the showcase last weekend.
“I enjoyed the photos of the Notre Dame Cathedral and Ben Thanh Market, two ofthe city’s most famous tourist destinations. These buildings are part of ourdaily life,” she said.
Notre Dame Cathedral, designed by French architect Jules Bourard, opened in1880.
All of the building’s materials were imported from France, including the redbricks from Marseille that make up the outside walls which still retain theircolour.
Ben Thanh Market began as a small market of street vendors near the Ben NgheRiver in the early 17th century. In 1859, it was established by the Frenchcolonialists after they took over Gia Dinh Citadel.
In 1912, the market was moved to a new building on a land of more than13,000sq.m located in District 1, where it still stands.
The market includes 3,000 stalls offering Vietnamese items, including food,garments, shoes and handicrafts.
For decades, both the church and the market have attracted hundreds of localresidents and foreign tourists each day.
“The images of the cathedral at the exhibition help us learn more about thechurch’s history and the city’s development,” said Rob Matthews, an Americanvisitor.
The cathedral is now closed for its first renovation.
Forty-two photos of five renowned photographers are on display at Sai Gon Can Canh (Saigon Zoom-in) exhibition that opened at Bitexco Financial Tower in HCM City's District 1 on January 8.
HCM City authorities have approved a proposal to restore the roof of the Sai Gon Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the most popular tourist sites and a protected heritage site in District 1.
This year’s tournament has gathered over 300 coaches, athletes, and referees from 18 countries and territories, competing in 28 combat weight categories and eight performance categories. Vietnam’s team has 50 athletes, including six from Thai Nguyen province.
It is the first time that the country is to hold a G1-level tournament which is expected to lure more than 100 athletes of 15 countries and regions at Go Vap Gymnasium.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
Visitors learn about HCM City and its people from a photo exhibition featuring Sai Gon and its history held on Book Street (Nguyen Van Binh St) in District 1. (Photo: VNA) 
