We spent some time at the HCMC Museum of Fine Arts, and while it’s on the smaller side, it punches above its weight with some truly captivating pieces (La Ba Dang Art space was my favorite!). The building itself, a relic of French colonial times, had its own charm. Adding to the atmosphere were clusters of young people dressed in elegant Ao Dai, snapping photos and bringing a lively energy to the space—it felt like the past and present colliding in the best way.
Around the city, preparations for Vietnamese New Year (Tết) are in full swing. Like the Chinese Lunar New Year, it’s steeped in traditions: red envelopes for lucky money, vibrant decorations, and a sudden hush that takes over the city as shops close and moto traffic—a Saigon staple—vanishes for a few days. It’s hard to imagine this bustling metropolis so quiet, I wish we could stay longer to see the city embracing its moment of stillness and celebration.
