Việt Nam in Transition

In a recent post, I wrote of my experiences at a countryside funeral.  I was told that this gentleman has lived in Sài Gòn for a number of years, and seldom returns to the home village.  During a photo-taking session, he stepped forward to take a picture.  He is wearing the traditional white mourning dress, and is using a camera phone to take the shot.  Tradition and modernity.

On May 5th, the commercial sale of used cars became legal.  Up to this point, the only way to buy a car was to get it from a dealer, or buy a used car from an individual. It is now possible to buy from a used car dealership – like this one. Autos can be (and usually are) imported from other countries.  This is the first used car lot in Huê, and presently the only auto dealership in the city.  (I understand that a dealership was opened a few years ago, but it only stayed open for six months or so.)  I’m not so sure the Vietnamese have considered the full ramifications of having more autos on their narrow and congested streets.  By the way – I doubt this dealership will sell many Porches or Harley-Davidsons.

How about a water park – one with an aquarium? Hô Thủy Tiên is just outside Huê.  I know there are bigger amusement parks in Việt Nam, but Huê is not a large city.  Inside the dragon is a nice little aquarium and folks can climb into the dragon’s mouth for a view of the area.  At the other end of the lake is a small stadium where music shows are held – replete with dancing water fountains.

Finally – look to the left of the giant television transmitter, and you see the twin steeples of the Phủ Cam Cathedral.  From the origins of the Catholic Church circa 1680 to modern television broadcasting; Việt Nam continues its transition.

Comments

[Miss Kitty]

Such an incredible range of photos in this posting! Indeed, the past, present, and future are together at once in so many of the photos on your site.

Here in the U.S., used cars are the only transportation some people can afford, since few cities have public transportation systems, and since many of us cannot afford to live nearby our jobs (myself included). Quite a few of my students cannot afford new cars--one student told me he had never paid more than $500US for any car he'd ever driven. (Good thing he's handy with a wrench.) So in this aspect I'm happy that perhaps those who need used cars in Vietnam will be able to buy them. On the other hand, you have a good point, Doug--what will the traffic situation be like in VN's larger cities with more cars? The streets look very crowded with people and motorcycles already.

Another great post there--thanks for keeping us refreshed and updated!

[Miss Kitty]

I might add: since few *mid-sized and smaller cities* have public transportation systems that are reliable and that go everywhere we need them to go. Sorry I didn't clarify that in the first posting. Most larger U.S. cities have good or great public transportation systems, or at least passable systems.

[Tom Murray]

I arrived in Saigon today with my wife and four College of Charleston students. Of course they commented on the traffic and motorcycles. I told them that during my time here in 69-71 the favored mode of transportation was the bicycle. Last year on my first trip back most bikes had been replaced with motorcycles. I also mentioned about cars in the future and how it may change the cities.

The great thing about Vietnam is the abundance of small stores and markets. These may go away as cars become more common and people are willing to drive to work and the store.

See you in a few days, Doug.

Tom Murray

[layered]

Sorry to get in here so late, but I want to address Tom's comment above. Motorbikes in HCMC are used like cars in America -- if you want to go to the supermarket, you hop on and drive over. Vietnamese know how to pack a lot of stuff on a motorbike for the return trip home. And there has been a huge growth in the number of supermarkets available. But I do not see a diminuation of the small stores and markets. They seem to be thriving here as well.
I suspect that as cars begin to clog the streets in HCMC, the traffic jams (that will stop motorbikes, too) will force more people back to the local shops and markets that they can walk to. Unfortunately, HCMC has not invested in a mass transit system to allow alternatives to the cars or motorbikes. Perhaps the infusion of large numbers of cars will finally bring government priority to mass transit.
-- Mel