Reunification Palace (built in 1966, designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu). Modern, convenient For a long time, when it comes to architectural-historical heritages, we often refer to the works built from early 1865 to about 1920 with European architectural style, including the Notre Dame Cathedral. , City Post Office, Western Palace (now the headquarters of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City), Opera House, People’s Court, Continental Hotel … But there is a line of architectural products created after 1954 according to the modern school, although the number of imprinted works is not much, but they are used very usefully until today. After 1954, there appeared a large contingent of architects (architects) in Saigon who were well trained from the US, France, Italy and the country. Among them are many famous architects such as Ngo Viet Thu, To Cong Van, Pham Van Thang, Nguyen Quang Nhac, Nguyen Huu Thien, Nguyen Ba Lang, Bui Quang Hanh … They have laid the foundation for a modern architecture. international but still retaining national spirit and suitable for tropical climate. From 1954 to 1975 due to many reasons such as war, the ability to concentrate financial resources and human resources was limited, the number of large-scale construction works was not much. In addition to Tan Son Nhat airport, Saigon Bridge, Bien Hoa Highway, Dai Han Highway, in Saigon appeared a number of modern architectural works, considered the highlight of the inner city. Specifically, about 13 architectural works are considered valuable as the US Embassy Building (wiped out), Independence Palace (1966 – now Reunification Palace), Reunification Hospital (1972), Cho Hospital Ray (1974), Caravelle hotels (1957), Palace (1972), Rex (1959), Arc-en-ciel in Cholon, Institute of Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF), Credit Bank on Ham Street Nghi, General Science Library (1967), Xa Loi Pagoda (1958), and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda (1971). The common feature of these buildings is modernity in design, building materials and adaptability. At this time, Saigon imported new building materials from the US and Japan such as betong, steel, aluminum, glass, stainless steel, ceramic tiles, artificial wood and modern interior equipment (elevators, machines, etc.). air conditioning), along with modern construction techniques and machinery, allows architects and engineers to build monumental, tall buildings. Even Vinh Nghiem pagoda compared to other pagodas at that time was considered to have a very modern design, using new building materials, functional space layouts that are very reasonable compared to traditional temples, especially the handling convection airflow to create ventilation, even though many people still do not feel frustrated and suffocated. In general, these works follow the school of “functionalism”, oriented to utility, used thoroughly in service of life, without cumbersome decoration, simple colors, clear architectural language, lines. decisively, by straight book. The decoration if any is not pure “aestheticism” but serves other functions. For example, the facade of Thong Nhat Hospital uses a wall of flowers and wind, not only beautifying but also shielding the sun and wind, contributing to highlight the block. It can be said that the construction works of this period influenced the American pragmatism “beauty is usefulness”, so there is almost no excess area and layout. Any space, whether narrow, aisle, a balcony, a doorway or a lawn, is carefully calculated and benefits the user. Bold traditional culture In these 12 buildings, most have the architecture of square or rectangular boxes stacked vertically like the Caravelle hotels, Palace, or arranged horizontally like the General Library, but they are intertwined. with each other and with the surrounding works is very harmonious, high aesthetic. Some modern architectural works but bring the spirit of traditional culture, for example, the front of the Independence Palace is designed in the shape of bamboo and bamboo sticks to both shade the sun, reduce heat from the outside, and both restrict direct views into the interior of the palace; or the front of the General Library is decorated with dragon mascots, stylized phoenixes. In fact, these works are not too unique in terms of architecture, but anyone who has the opportunity to visit will be impressed, because each work brings a few unforgettable images. For example, Thong Nhat Hospital gives the impression of a curved slope on both sides leading into the first floor with a large welcome roof in the entrance hall like an embrace, both convenient for patients and vehicles to access the hospital. , creating a beautiful, friendly landscape. Or the bevelled face of the Rex Hotel, the curved facade of the Palace Hotel also makes a strong impression. With the usefulness and reasonableness, after 1975 these works were put to use right to their original design functions. Due to development needs, at these locations, new projects were built in the Caravelle Hotel, or renovated the terrace at the Rex Hotel, other works were kept intact, just painted, repaired and maintained. . After more than 50 years, these works are still in good condition. In particular, in the process of embellishing and renovating the city, many old buildings have to be demolished, but these 12 works are still preserved, except for the entrance to Vinh Ngem pagoda, which has to be moved to 3m due to the expansion of the South Road Ky Khoi Nghia. After 1990, Ho Chi Minh City has sprung up many modern, high-rise constructions such as Bitexco, Landmark 81, and large apartment buildings of Vinhomes, Novaland … compared to it, 12 works before 1975 are very modest. . However, their images have been imprinted in the memories of many people, especially Saigonese residing overseas, and every time they return to their home country, they walk through these works to find their memories of a while. It is fair to say that these works are not only of historical value of a period, they are still of use and aesthetic value up to now. The academic and classic nature of their architecture and the authors deserve a place on HCMC’s list of structures in need of preservation, when in just fifty years they will become more precious heritage. 100 years old.

Taking advantage of the 30/4 holiday, many people take their children to play at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden (District 1). Recorded by reporters of News Newspaper on April 30, famous entertainment and tourist spots in the city such as Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office, Nguyen Van Binh Book Street The Saigon Zoo and the War Remnants Museum were all deserted, only a few visitors took pictures and quickly left. Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City, said that the new normal period from the beginning of the year until now, the city has about 40-50% of tourism businesses operating again. Currently, the tourism industry of Ho Chi Minh City has also entered a recovery phase, promoting domestic tourism demand stimulus programs, especially promoting demand stimulus programs during the peak travel season on April 30 and 1/5 to attract tourists to Ho Chi Minh City. However, when the COVID-19 epidemic reappeared, the tourism industry in Ho Chi Minh City faced more difficulties. Specifically, the number of visitors to tourist attractions and entertainment in the city will decrease, summer tours are also moved by customers … Currently, all travel and entertainment establishments Services, restaurants, hotels … have re-enabled the epidemic prevention system according to the general rules of the Ministry of Health and the tourism industry, ensuring safety for visitors when visiting and traveling in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh. News Newspaper would like to send pictures of sparse tourists in Ho Chi Minh City on the first day of holidays, April 30 and May 1: The ticket booth at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens had no buyers because people were concerned about the COVID-19 epidemic. War Remnants Museum has very few visitors on April 30. Many tourists took pictures in the central post office area of ​​Ho Chi Minh City and quickly left because of concerns about the COVID-19 epidemic. The sights of Notre Dame Cathedral in the COVID-19 epidemic season are also few people and tourists visiting. On April 30, the two-story buses in Ho Chi Minh City “lying dormant” waiting for guests because Ho Chi Minh City had a suspected case of COVID-19 infection in the community. Ho Chi Minh City’s book street is also unusually quiet on the first day of the holidays April 30 and May 1. Banners and slogans recommending the COVID-19 epidemic prevention guide have been erected quite a lot at tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City to remind visitors to raise awareness of epidemic prevention. Tourists visiting and traveling in Ho Chi Minh City are also serious about wearing anti-epidemic masks. The central area of ​​Ho Chi Minh City is also empty of traffic on April 30.

From the early morning of April 30, people everywhere flock to the Reunification Palace to visit. People were instructed to line up 2 long lines in front of the palace. It takes about 30 minutes for each person to buy a ticket. Reunification Palace is located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), after visiting here it is easy to access other entertainment spots such as Botanical Garden, Notre Dame Cathedral, Nguyen Walking Street. Hue … Mr. Hoi (District 12) shared: “On the occasion of April 30, I took the opportunity to take my relatives to visit the Reunification Palace to enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Then the family will move to the airport to continue to Con Dao ”. The holiday ticket price is unchanged. Adult tickets cost 40,000-60,000 VND, child tickets 10,000-15,000 VND. Inside the palace, people divide into small groups to visit, avoiding crowds. Facing complicated developments in the Covid-19 epidemic, people adhere to wearing masks to protect their health and those around them. Ms. Nhi (living in District 7) shared: “On the occasion of April 30th, I and you come here to learn more about the country’s history, see first-hand historical artifacts as well as a trip. small days off ”. The weather in Ho Chi Minh City during the 4 holidays is forecasted to be hot, the temperature is 25-30 degrees Celsius. Outside the palace, functional forces are present to divert, avoid congestion. In addition, from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 30, Ho Chi Minh City banned and restricted vehicles on some roads, including Le Duan Street (the front of the palace) to serve the bicycle racing team. .HCM for the 33rd time in 2021.