Cultural tour of Lao students of the MPP2025 course in Ho Chi Minh City

Within the framework of the Master in Public Policy scholarship under the Mekong – US Partnership Program granted by the US Department of State, Lao students of the MPP2025 class had a cultural tour in Ho Chi Minh City during their first week of orientation. 

Ms. Singdala Thongvanseng and Mr. Phommachan Phonthip stand in front of the statue of Nguyen Tat Thanh at Nha Rong Wharf. Credited by FSPPM

During this tour, two students had the opportunity to visit Vietnam's historical sites and relics in Saigon. The selected places include the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, City Post Office, War Remnants Museum, Chinatown, Binh Tay market, Thien Hau pagoda – a very beautiful ancient pagoda from the 18th century, and the final destinations are the banks of the Saigon River and Nha Rong Wharf, where Uncle Ho left to find a way to save the country.

Feeling

Fluent in Vietnamese, yet it was the first time Thongvanseng and Phonthip came to Saigon. Phonthip shared: “My feeling about Saigon is not the same as the reality, I thought it would be very hot but it turns out not to be hot and the weather is very nice. All day long I walk everywhere in Saigon and find her very beautiful.” As a person who studied Vietnamese history, Phonthip had in-depth conversations with the group members about the relics and historical details shared during the tour.

Thongvanseng eagerly shared that she was lucky to have a Vietnamese friend who also lives in Saigon, thanks to this friend, she has no problem settling down in Saigon, from renting a house, to buying a bicycle to get to school. After this tour, she shared, “I also like the pagoda and the post office, but I like all the places I went to, I find that Vietnamese culture is very unique and has a long tradition. I like the way Saigon people talk, softly and gently, I especially love Uncle Ho, I feel compassionate for him!” 

Some photos of Thongvanseng during the tour

Singdala Thongvanseng and Phommachan Phonthip listen to tourguiding in the Independence Palace. Credited by FSPPM

Visit the City Post Office. Credited by FSPPM

We wish you two a wonderful time of learning at Fulbright and cultural experience in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Uyen Vu