Daily life is a whirlwind of activity in the fast paced metropolis, also known as Ho Chi Minh City. It is a city of many contrasting features: gleaming steel high-rises stand out against humble temples; exclusive boutiques and shopping malls carry reputed international brand names, while street markets hawk inexpensive local food, clothing and more. Fine cuisine is served at top notch venues and compliment the array of street food options available in makeshift or mobile outfits. The city may come across as overwhelming and difficult to navigate at first. The reputable neighbourhood of An Phu Ward offers a comfortable and convenient option in the form of Somerset Vista Ho Chi Minh City.

To discover the hidden gems of this city, it is best to explore on foot. Several imposing buildings are scatted across the city housing everything from shopping malls to serviced apartments. Ho Chi Minh City’s major tourist attractions are located in District One, an area that is compact and to get about it is easy enough. One of the city’s rarer places of interest is also located in District One. The Notre Dame Cathedral occupies a quiet corner of District One in downtown Ho Chi Minh City and marks the Catholic presence in a mainly Buddhist Vietnam.

The cathedral was built in the French colonial era of the 1880’s with iconic red bricks that were brought over from France. The structure stands sixty meters tall with two towers on either side. The towers hold six bronze bells. A statue of the Virgin Mary made from Italian marble was imported from Rome to stand before the church. The cathedral is a working place of worship where mass is held every Sunday. Tours of the complex can be arranged through the Saigon City Tour company.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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