Saigon, the Pearl of the Far East: A Reflection on the Passage of Time

We couldn’t end this year without mentioning Saigon, now renamed Ho Chi Minh City, the pearl of the Far East. This city, with its many faces, is full of historical, cultural, and natural memories that continue to fascinate those who discover it. Among the many treasures of Saigon, the Botanical Garden, a place of serenity and discovery, stands out particularly.

We have chosen three postcards from the publisher Claude, dating over 120 years ago.
Two of them show the Saigon Botanical Garden: one with its magnificent aviary, a haven for the region’s exotic birds; the other depicting a street vendor in the garden’s walkways.

Cochinchina - Saigon - The Aviary of the Botanical Garden
Claude 14 @4175 #5338

Cochinchina - Saigon - City Garden - December 1903
Claude @4176 #5337

The third postcard, meanwhile, depicts a soldier stationed at the brigade hotel, a nod to the French colonial presence at the time.

Cochinchina - Saigon - Brigade Hotel Claude 14 @4177 #5336

In 1900, the Saigon Botanical Garden was much more than just a leisure space. It was an essential botanical research center where tropical and exotic plants were studied and cultivated.
The garden, a true living laboratory, attracted not only researchers but also curious visitors eager to explore the local biodiversity. It housed a wide variety of plants, from rare orchids to majestic trees, while also hosting a zoo that educated the public about local and exotic animal species.

These three postcards are witnesses to a bygone yet precious era. We thank those who preserved, cared for, and passed them on so that they could reach us. They remind us that, despite changes, part of the past remains alive and guides us toward the future.

2025: A New Beginning, Driven by the Legacy of History
As 2025 approaches, we prepare to welcome a new year full of promises and discoveries. Through these old postcards, we can reflect on the journey we’ve made since 1900.
The year 2025 will be an opportunity to reconnect with our roots while embracing the future.
May this new year be a time of joy, discoveries, and harmony, a bridge between the legacies of the past and the dreams of tomorrow.

See you tomorrow, 2025, with optimism and enthusiasm!