[Photos] 21 Snapshots of Downtown Saigon in 1967

As time goes by, our memories of past eras slowly lose their linear structures but instead come in snippets when chancing upon old memorabilia; an old ticket stub may bring back snapshots of night rendezvous while a childhood toy conjures up idyllic time in one’s childhood home.

In this collection of vintage film photos of Saigon, taken in 1967, it’s hard to come up with an overarching narrative to make sense of the photographer’s time in the metropolis. Instead, like how we only know him by first name, Ken's photos also take on an impersonal quality that allows viewers to immerse into the scenes of old Saigon.

Have a trip down memory lane through the photos below:

An al fresco restaurant on the street.

A section of Nguyen Binh Khiem Street right in front of the Saigon Zoo.

The end of Vo Van Kiet Street right in front of the HCMC Stock Exchange.

The Khanh Hoi Bridge.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Me Linh Square.

Left: the Church of St. Joan of Arc in District 5. Right: the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Night scenes on Dong Khoi Street.

Spacious Ngo Gia Tu Street linking District 5 and 10.

A floating restaurant that used to be on the Bach Dang Wharf.

Ben Nghe Canal.

Kiosks selling old books on Le Loi Street.

Quach Thi Trang Square.

A vendor selling holiday paraphernalia on Nguyen Hue Boulevard.

The square in front of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

A statue next to the canal in District 1 with the Mong Bridge on the left.

Street vendors on Ham Nghi Street.

[Photos via Flicker user manhhai]