Saigon vintage architecture and lifestyle in the 50s and 60s

This exceptional series comes from the archives of the Inlen gallery. It stands out for its night shots, showcasing a brightly lit Saigon, then considered the “Pearl of Asia.” In addition to iconic landmarks like the Governor’s Palace, the Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market, the photographer also captured lively spots such as the Rex and Thanh Chung cinemas, Brodard bakery, and the Dong Khanh hotel in the bustling Cholon district. This suggests that Saigon wasn’t just about official monuments, but also about a modern and attractive way of life.

Due to war narratives, we often forget that Saigon was also an image of Vietnam’s modernity, almost ahead of other Asian cities in the 1950s and 60s.

These photos of photographer Lam Thanh Sung, a native of Hue, who worked for the Ministry of Information in the South Vietnamese regime during the 1950s, are a precious testimonial of the optimistic spirit to build a new nation.

Lifestyle in Saigon

According to the Vietnam guide from the 1950s,

“The sophisticated capital of the Free Republic of Vietnam, is in the center of a geographical diamond formed by Hongkong, Manila, Bangkok and Singapore. This cosmopolitan city of two million inhabitants may be reached by jet service at practically no extra cost if one travels around the world or to any of the above cities. […]

Hotels

Accommodations in Saigon are available at the Majestic Hotel which is equipped with private baths and showers, a dining room and bar, and a view of the Yacht Club along the Saigon River and the harbor. There are also the Continental Hotel and the Catinat Hotel which has a swimming pool and terrace. Hotels and restaurants are almost uniformly air-conditioned.
The newest hotel in Saigon is the Caravelle which boasts an all air-conditioned building decorated with France’s St. Gobain glass and Italian marble. A visit to the Caravelle Skyroom Restaurant and Roof Garden is a “must” for all tourists, as it will enable them to enjoy a breath-taking bird’s eye view of the capital city of Free Vietnam together with the Saigon River Harbor and nearby country-side.

Dining

Tourists can sample good French, Vietnamese and Chinese food in Saigon which is probably the best place in the Orient for French cooking and where all sorts pf French wines are available. Good for French food are the dining rooms of the Majestic, Continental and Caravelle hotels, Caruso, l’Amiral, Bodega, La Cigale and Guillaume Tell.
Recommended for Chinese food are Cheong-Nam in Saigon and Arc-en-Ciel in Cholon. Also good for Chinese food are the Palais de Jade, Dong-Khanh and the Floating Restaurant on the river near the Club Nautique.

Nightlife

After sundown, Cholon’s colorfully neon-fronted night clubs take over. To enjoy several different types of « atmosphere », visit the Dai-Kim-Do, the Arc-en-Ciel, also Ma Cabane, Baccara, Mayfair, Tudo etc… in Saigon.”

More insights

Read the leaflets of South Vietnam – Tourist guide from the 50s or South Vietnam – Tourist guide from the 60s