Vietnam - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 280

(Bao Tang Lich Su; Ð Nguyen Binh Khiem; admission 15,000d; 8-11.30am & 1.30-5pm Tue-Sun)
Built in 1929 by the Société des Études Indochinoises, this notable Sino-French museum
houses a rewarding collection of artefacts illustrating the evolution of the cultures of Viet-
nam, from the Bronze Age Dong Son civilisation (which emerged in 2000 BC) and the
Funan civilisation (1st to 6th centuries AD), to the Cham, Khmer and Vietnamese.
Highlights include valuable relics taken from Cambodia's Angkor Wat, a fine collection
of Buddha statues, the perfectly preserved mummy of a local woman who died in 1869,
excavated from Xom Cai in District 5, and some exquisite stylised mother of pearl
Chinese characters inlaid into panels. Also housing a branch of the shop Nguyen Freres
( Click here ) , the museum is just inside the main gate to the city's botanic gardens and zoo.

Botanic Gardens
(Thao Cam Vien; 2 Ð Nguyen Binh Khiem; admission 8000d; 7am-7pm) These fantastic, lush gar-
dens are very agreeable for strolling beneath giant tropical trees. Avoid the miserable zoo.

GARDENS

Cholon

The Cholon district is about a kilometre southwest of the Pham Ngu Lao area.

Thien Hau Pagoda
(Ba Mieu, Pho Mieu, Chua Ba Thien Hau; 710 Ð Nguyen Trai) This gorgeous 19th-century
temple is dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau (Tianhou) and attracts a mix of worshippers
and visitors, who mingle beneath the large coils of incense suspended overhead. It is be-
lieved that Thien Hau can travel over the oceans on a mat and ride clouds to save people
in trouble on the high seas.

TAOIST TEMPLE

TAOIST TEMPLE

Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda
(184 Ð Hong Bang) Stands as one of the most beautifully ornamented constructions in
the city. Of special interest are the many small porcelain figures, the elaborate brass ritual
objects and the fine woodcarvings on the altars, walls and hanging lanterns. This pagoda
was built in 1902 by the Fujian Chinese congregation.

Quan Am Pagoda

BUDDHIST TEMPLE