Modern Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City and specifically District 1 which is referred to as Saigon is in a continuous renovation and upgrade mode.  It's being modernized with LOTS of money from the Koreans and the Chinese primarily. It's looking more and more Americanized with tall modern buildings and shopping centers and boulevards. The hotels in District 1 would rival those for luxury anywhere and the streets have stores with names like Louis Vitton, Coach, Rolex, etc.  The REAL ones, not the fake ones you find on the side streets. Modern skyscrapers are going up all over the area and high rise apartment buildings everywhere.  The famous REX Hotel is undergoing a major renovation. The Caravelle and the Majestic Hotels have already been renovated.

This same renovation effort is proceeding just across the river to District 7.  They have built a new bridge (actually 2 bridges) across the Saigon River and are proceeding to clean up the old shanty areas in prime real estate locations to build high rise apartments and condos. One of those apartment complexes is just up the "street" from where Scott and Van's house is.  I actually saw a Bentley being driven into the construction area a few days ago. 

This isn't the best photo but the tall structure is the new Hundai office building being built. The circular structure over the edge is to be a revolving restaurant.  At present, it's the tallest structure in Saigon.

Notice the tree lined boulevard and the "orderly" traffic. You only see this here and this was a slow day.

View from Restaurant of Saigon Street

These are the areas that will eventually be replaced and removed.  Yes, people do live here. Right out back of nice houses and where more nice houses and apartments are being built.