Saigoneer

    Back Heritage » Saigon » [Photos] A Sepia-Toned Tour of 1902 Saigon

    [Photos] A Sepia-Toned Tour of 1902 Saigon

    AAA
    Long before Saigon became a maelstrom of motorbikes zipping past bubble tea shops, convenience stores, and cellphone sellers, it was a sleepy town where sampan boats cluttered placid canals, locals snoozed under thatched roofs and colonizers had begun to roam around wearing pith helmets and pleated pants.

    It's not to say things were necessarily better in Saigon approximately 120 years ago - penicillin hadn't been invented yet and the French were constantly trying to squeeze the poor nation of all it had, resource by resource, after all. Yet, the plentitude of trees and a pace of life that moved as fast as a backwater branch of the Saigon River seems like it would be a nice addition to the metropolis' modern-day manifestation. 

    A market on modern-day Nguyen Hue Street.

    Except for the elephants in the Zoo and Botanical Garden, these photos from 1902 taken by an unidentified photographer allow one to glimpse a city that bears almost no resemblance to the Saigon of today. The rapidity of change is astounding.

    Take a look at the shots below, and then compare them with what Hanoi looked like the same year for a sense of how and when the two cities developed:

    A flower market near modern-day Nguyen Hue Street.

    A flower market near what is now Ho Trung Mau.

    Vegetables for sale. 

    Coal gathered for use at the Saigon port. 

    Tet celebrations.

    Parasols are sadly under-utilized today.

    Dakao.

    Saigon race track.

    Inside the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden.

    A long-gone slice of solitude in the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden.

    Wooden pagoda.

    Inside the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden.

    Áo dài certainly looked a lot more comfortable back then.

    View in Thu Duc.

    French officers.

    Interesting pose.

    Chinese merchants.

    Chinese merchant boats.

    A boat race on the Saigon River in honor of French National Day, 1902.

    We will never know who won, will we?

    The crowd gathered to watch.

    Seems like a raucous environment.

    Peaceful Thu Duc.

    Simple dwellings and a rudimentary bridge.

    Natural space in Cu Chi.

    No bricks, glass, or metal here.

    Locals not so sure what to think of having their photos taken.

    A home in Tan Dinh.

    A Pagoda.

    Vinh Tê Pagoda.

    [Photos via Flickr user Manhhai]

    If you have enjoyed our work and believe that Saigoneer’s voice is an important one to have, please consider supporting us. Pledge any amount you’re comfortable with in the form of a one-time or recurring donation so we can continue bringing you the stories you love to read.

    Partner Content

    in Resorts

    Villas Overlooking Non Nước Beach Welcome Families to Savor Central Vietnam’s Splendid Nature

    The calm hush of soft waves accompanies a touch of ocean salt in the air as one wanders along the sand. Tall mango trees clutching eruptions of yellow flowers shade the short stroll from one’s vi...

    in Health

    The Story of Premier Dental, A Pioneering Vietnamese Dental Clinic Chain

    At the turn of the 21st century, dentistry in Vietnam was generally limited to dental departments in hospitals and small, single-chair private offices operating after hours. In 1999, Dr. Võ Văn Tự Hiế...

    in Resorts

    Abandoning Saigon’s Steamy Spring for Cool Ski Slopes Abroad with Club Med

    The arrival of spring doesn’t need to mean you need to abandon your desire to ski this year just yet.

    in Resorts

    New Beachfront Pool Villas Balance the Harmony of Nature and Luxury at Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort and Spa

    “Our philosophy is about creating experiences. Resorts that succeed are so much more than a place to stay; we want to create that journey and lasting memories close to nature. Time is finite so every ...

    in Education

    How Thoughtful Design Boosts Educational Outcomes: Australian International School Undergoes Multi-Million-Dollar Renovations

    According to a 2018 study by the University of Salford in Manchester, carefully considered classroom environments can improve students’ academic progress by up to 16%. Researchers and educators alike ...

    in Health

    Veterinarians Warn Against Anaesthesia-Free Dental Cleaning

    A thorough oral examination is critical for the short and long-term health of one’s pet. Their teeth may appear clean on the outside but hidden dental problems could still be lurking beneath the gum l...