Back Heritage » [Photos] Wander the Streets of 1989 Saigon

[Photos] Wander the Streets of 1989 Saigon

For those Saigoneers born in the era of Vin-products and high-rises, the old Saigon is an enigma. It seems like everyday we uncover a new album of old photos documenting Saigon xưa, fished out from someone’s archive of memorabilia.

Decades ago, Elmar Reich, a Swiss bus driver with a knack for street photography, visited Saigon many times, and after every trip he gave us something to marvel at with his pictures of street scenes and local landmarks. Technique-wise, Reich’s photos do not stray far from the photos one may come across on a typical Facebook newsfeed, but it’s the candid quality in his snapshots of Saigon’s old charm that make these photos invaluable.

In this collection, taken in 1989, Reich toured some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, from the buzzing activities around Ben Thanh Market to the serene rooftop of the Rex Hotel.

For those who have forgotten what Nguyen Hue Boulevard looked like before becoming the popular walking street it is today, have a glimpse at what Reich has to offer, courtesy of Reds, below:

[Photos via Reds]


Related Articles:

30 Photos of 1980s-1990s Saigon

20 Photos Of Saigon from the Early 1990s

15 Nostalgic Photos of Life in 1990s Saigon


Related Articles

in Heritage

29 Photos of 1989 Vietnam by Magnum Photographer David Alan Harvey

Peaceful 1989 Vietnam is chronicled in the stunning photos of Magnum photographer David Alan Harvey. His images were some of the first to emerge from the country following the 1986 Đổi Mới&n...

in Heritage

After Failed Demolition Attempt, This 100-Year-Old Saigon Villa Is in Disrepair

Remember this beautiful century-old villa? It’s now largely a pile of rubble.

in Heritage

How Lăng Cha Cả Went From Mausoleum to Roundabout

If you’re just off the plane and heading west into the city, it’s hard to avoid the busy six-way Lăng Cha Cả intersection south of Ho Chi Minh City’s Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport. But it’s even ...

in Heritage

In 1910, Indochina’s First Flight Departed From Saigon

Over a century ago, on December 10, 1910, the first-ever flight in Indochina took off from Saigon’s Champs de Courses, the site of which now serves as the Ho Chi Minh City headquarters of the Peo...

in Heritage

Lost and Found: A Trip to Saigon’s Antique Market

The second he sees me, rolling down the crumbling concrete path on a dented bicycle, Chien perks up and heads in my direction.

in Heritage

New Book Highlights HCMC’s History And Architecture Through Walking Tours

Resident Saigoneer historian and the brains behind Historic Vietnam, Tim Doling, has just released a new book, "Exploring Hồ Chí Minh City" featuring a great set of walking tours around our fair city....

Partner Content