When you look at Thu Dau Mot on the map - situated about 30 kms North of Saigon/ Ho Chi Minh City, it doesn't immediately spring to mind as being an interesting place to visit. After all, it's a highly industrialized city with a LOT of factories surrounding it - national and international. So, it's affluent, but hardly any tourists ever go there. I had the privilege of working here for a few years while I explored not just the tourist places, but also took random bike rides out into the countryside.
When I first arrived in 2014 the city was a typically traditional Vietnamese satellite town and during my stay there I witnessed rapid change. The change happened before my very eyes. When I first got there most of the restaurants were shack-type thatched restaurants - traditional East Asian looking decor with a lot of wood, porcelain vases, massive bonsai trees everywhere, and traditional Vietnamese instrumental folk music. It was like stepping back in time: old women riding around on their bicycles in pajamas with conical hats on - yes it's very common for some women to wear their pajamas as day attire! I think it keeps them cool in the midday heat, which believe me - is very hot, wet or dry season.
These photos here are just some glimpses of the city as it grew.
Sleeping Buddha
I spent a lot of time at this temple - mostly in the grounds since it was a peaceful tree-covered oasis to escape from the heat and noise.
Vietnam Wins the Asian Cup
Thu Dau Mot went crazy when they won the Asian cup (Asian football league) a couple of years ago. A sea of red and yellow flags could be seen all the way down the main boulevard, honks beeping and blaring, people of ages swarming the streets.
Massive Sleeping Budhha - Hoi Khanh Pagoda
This Budhha is one of the biggest in the world - and is relatively new. On festival days this area is heaving with people who come to pay their respects by purchasing and burning incense at each of the shrines dotting the area.
The rest of the time it's another peaceful haven away from the roar of motorbikes and the hustle of the streets.
Space Cafe
This cafe sadly met its end before I left Vietnam, but they did the best coconut ice cream drinks (pictured below). In Vietnamese it is called "Sinh to Dua Kem". This was one drink; a whole coconut - a glass of coconut water, the coconut milk with two scoops of coconut ice-cream, and the Vietnamese ice tea (Oolong or Jasmine) that you get for free in all Vietnamese cafes. I think it cost about $2.50 US and you could sit in there for as long as you wished.
Bhutanese Buddhist Temple - Tay Tang
The bright colours adorning this temple are really warm and vibrant, surrounded by lush green gardens and water ponds. Once a week they gave out free vegan food to anyone who was hungry. Many people were gathering in spots and everyone was getting involved.
The monks live there and do services that you can take part in every day; the high spiritual vibe in there is palpable. They had their own resident fantail peace doves - seen here being played with happily by a little girl.
Garden Cafes
Garden cafes are a big thing in Vietnam. The one pictured below is a Hue style one in Thu Dau Mot, but I have a few favourites including: Gio Va Nuoc which is beautiful bamboo and water inspired architecture. The bats and treefrogs at sundown are spectacular since there are waterways everywhere.
Cold Japanese Beer.
There were many Japanese and Korean expats in Thu Dau Mot and as a result the Japanese and Korean food and drinks were excellent. These ice cold Sapporo beers cost $1.50 and accompanied little snacks like Takoyaki and Tsukune. I heard more Japanese in there than Vietnamese or English, so it felt as if I was transported to Japan for lunch or dinner. Really special.
The Road Less Travelled
Last - but in no way least - are some pictures taken around the less developed areas of the city that burst with colour and where the scenes are less ordinary and more extraordinary.
I hope you enjoyed this short photo journey into Thu Dau Mot.
All photos are my own
Lots of Love,
Marley and Me x
🐶