The Hustle and Bustle of Saigon’s Trackside Living
Amidst the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, there exists a tranquil oasis - a village nestled along the railway tracks in Phu Nhuan District. This charming community exudes a sense of peace and serenity that contrasts the lively pace of the southern city. As the trains rumble by, the village comes to life, bearing witness to the vibrant energy that briefly interrupts the calm.
Along the 20-kilometer-long track, a unique community has formed with residences lining both sides of the street. These small, decades-old houses are a testament to the simple yet vibrant lifestyle of their occupants.
The peacefulness of this community is occasionally interrupted by the blaring train horns in the midnight hour, jolting residents from their slumber.
However, the overall atmosphere remains one of serenity, a stark contrast to the bustling city life just beyond. Locals boast of the village’s rarity of traffic jams and blaring vehicle horns, a welcome respite from the typical city noise.
This tight-knit community offers all the conveniences of modern life, with barbershops, eateries, tailor shops, and even motorcycle repair stores dotting the narrow streets. The residents take pride in their cozy and convenient neighborhood.
Phan Thi Kim Lan, a 75-year-old long-time resident, speaks fondly of the strong sense of community. She shares that the neighbors have lived alongside each other for decades, fostering a deep and lasting friendship that is unique to this trackside village.
Over 150 students from Nguyen Tat Thanh University had the opportunity to experience this unique way of life first-hand through a cooperative training course organized by the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. They not only immersed themselves in the simple yet happy trackside lifestyle but also captured stunning moments through their cameras.
Two elderly gentlemen of the trackside village engage in a friendly chat while reading the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. Photo: Vo Le Tuong Vi
An elderly woman, a long-time resident of the village, picks star fruit from the tree in front of her home. Her family has lived here for over 70 years. Photo: Thanh Thoang
After gathering the star fruit, the woman and her husband sell their fresh produce to a customer. Photo: Huynh Thi Tuyet Linh
Suong, a visitor to the village, happily gets her hair cut and styled at a local hair salon in Phu Nhuan District. Photo: Le Phuc Hung
Tai and Van Anh, embodying the spirit of giving, donate boxes of rice to those in need on a street near the trackside village. Photo: Vo Tran Ngoc Tram
A well-known motorcycle repair shop on Chien Thang Street, trusted by the locals for their two-wheeled companions. Photo: Vo Tran Ngoc Tran
Locals enjoying a leisurely breakfast on Do Tan Phong Street, a typical morning scene in the trackside village. Photo: Thai Dang Khanh
Hoa, 64, contributes to the community by collecting plastic bottles and paper for recycling. Photo: Ngo Thi Thanh Ngan
The friendly owner of an eatery at a market on Tran Khac Chan Street, always ready to serve up delicious meals with a smile. Photo: Nguyen Quach Phuong Thao
Ho Thi Thom, a 59-year-old local seamstress, has been skillfully crafting garments for her neighbors and customers for 30 years. Photo: Pham Hong Yen Nhi
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