From its earliest days, Saigon has played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s history, the stories of which live on in its most iconic landmarks.
Though its location has changed over the years, Ben Thanh Market represents the thriving economic heart of the southern hub, while opulent buildings like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Opera House serve as a reminder of Vietnam’s French colonial era. Turtle Lake’s stark, industrial lotus fountain recalls the days of Sài Gòn xưa, as does the Reunification Palace’s modernist exterior, and District 1’s towering Bitexco Tower embodies Vietnam’s push into the 21st century.
In a series of illustrations, Saigoneer graphic designer Andy Tran captures the city’s most famous landmarks in vibrant color. Take a look below: