Exhibition «Tiền Nhân Lập Chợ»

   The National Archives Centre No. II opens the exhibition and talk "Tiền Nhân Lập Chợ" ("Our Ancestors Built the Markets") - a historical slice of old Saigon's busiest markets, from Ben Thanh and Phu Nhuan to Binh Tay and Cho Lon.

   The exhibition runs from 27 September to 2 October, showing original archival documents on these markets alongside a recreated corner of an old-style market where visitors can try out the haggling and trading customs themselves. On the morning of Sunday 27 September, from 9 to 11:30am, a panel discussion brings together historians Dr Phạm Văn Luân, Dr Nguyễn T. Trúc Bạch, Dr Bùi Việt Thành and journalist Cù Mai Công, moderated by journalist Lê Minh Hạ. Free admission.

   Good for anyone interested in Saigon's urban history and culture - especially students of cultural studies, history or sociology.

   If you want to understand why a market was never just a place to buy and sell, but also held a community's trust and customs, Sunday morning's talk is the highlight - the exhibition itself stays open for nearly a week after, for a slower look.