Ho Chi Minh City’s alleys offer a slower pace of life
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Young people in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam are choosing to explore the city’s narrow alleys, discovering hidden food stalls, cafés, and a more intimate pace of life.
While new buildings rise, many older neighborhoods and ways of life persist within these lanes, offering a contrast to the busy main roads. Nguyen Minh Khoi, a resident of Xuan Hoa Ward, enjoys venturing into alleys to find unique places to eat and observe daily life.
These alleys aren't just about finding new businesses. They also offer a glimpse into intergenerational traditions, with food stalls and homes passed down through families. The Cho Lon area, a Chinatown in former District 5, attracts visitors with its historical houses, cultural signs, and dishes made using family recipes. Tran Ngoc Anh, who works in Binh Tri Dong Ward, notes that knowing which neighborhoods have the food you like is key to enjoying the city.
Beyond the food and architecture, residents like Luong Thi Nhi experience the city’s kindness firsthand. After her son Le Quang Thac was diagnosed with lissencephaly, Nhi and her husband found support from the community, which inspired her to share free sweet soup when Thac first walked. Now 10 years old, Thac’s story continues to draw customers to her shop, reminding Nhi of the human connections at the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
