Vietnam Day 11 — Ho Chi Minh: A Cultural Journey on Last Day
As our last day dawned, we woke up with a determination to make the most of our remaining time, eager to explore every last corner before our departure.
Breakfast at Melbourne Café
We got up lazily, but quickly had a shower, packed the bags for the evening flight back home and went to Melbourne Café for some good food to stock up on energy. The same friend suggested this restaurant as well. We had a Chicken Salad, Avocado Salmon Sandwich, Pancakes, and a cold coffee. The portions were huge and we could barely move after the meal.
The Xa Loi Buddhist Temple
We reached The Xa Loi Buddhist Temple. It is a very calm place in Ho Chi Minh City. It has a tall building and pretty gardens. Inside, you can see beautiful designs on the walls. People go there to pray and leave gifts. The temple also has old things that tell stories about Buddhism in Vietnam. Whether you want to find peace or just see something beautiful, visiting this temple will be special. The Buddha statue at Xa Loi Buddhist Temple is a symbol of peace and wisdom. It’s a large statue, often adorned with colorful decorations, sitting in a serene posture. People visit the statue to pay their respects and find inspiration in its calm presence. Many believe that being near the Buddha statue brings them peace of mind and clarity of thought.
The Lady Buddha statue at Xa Loi Buddhist Temple is a big and beautiful figure. It stands tall and peaceful, welcoming everyone who visits the temple.
Nearby, there’s a special room filled with pictures of many people. These pictures are like a memorial, honoring those who have passed away. People come here to remember their loved ones and to feel connected to them. It’s a quiet and respectful place where you can reflect on the memories and lives of others.
They were having some kind of celebratory lunch or a regular community meal. And they invited us a couple of times to join them. However we were full so we couldn’t join. On the way out we bought some artifacts (a small lady buddha statue, stone pendants, a bell and a bookmark).
Thich Quang Duc Monument
Next we went to Burning monk statue, its called Thich Quang Duc Monument. The Thich Quang Duc Monument in Ho Chi Minh City is a tribute to a Buddhist monk who protested against the government’s religious policies in 1963 by setting himself on fire.
The monument portrays the monk in a meditative pose, engulfed in flames, symbolizing his sacrifice for religious freedom. Visitors can reflect on the significance of his act and its impact on Vietnamese history.
I was spellbound thinking about the inner peace one can attain, being willing to sacrifice their life by setting themselves on fire for a cause they believe in, without showing any pain on their face. That moment I was overwhelmed with emotions.
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
Finally we went to The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts. It is a place where you can explore Vietnam’s vibrant artistic heritage. Inside, you’ll find a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that showcase the country’s rich cultural history. From traditional Vietnamese art to contemporary works, this museum offers a glimpse into the creative soul of Ho Chi Minh City.
Here are some of the art pieces we really liked.
Had our lunch at an Indian restaurant ‘New Malabar Kitchen’. We had Malabar paratha, egg masala, and egg biryani. It was fine, and if you are in District 1, you can definitely have a meal here.
As our Vietnam adventure came to a close, it was tough to say goodbye. We rushed back to our place, quickly packed up, and said our farewells to the city and the country we’d grown to love.
At the airport, we grabbed a last bite of Banh Mi, savoring the flavors one last time. Thankfully, the airport process was easy, but our hearts felt heavy as we flew back to Mumbai, carrying memories we wished could last forever.
