Overview

More commonly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is still one of the most visited cities in all of Vietnam. Even though it is not the capital city, Ho Chi Minh City holds the title of being the largest city in the country, with more than nine million residents. Ho Chi Minh City is situated on the banks of the Saigon River, nearly 1,094miles south of the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi.

After the Vietnam War and the fall of Saigon in 1975, the city was renamed in order to create more unity with the rest of the country. It was hence named after the former leader of North Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. Once the capital of South Vietnam, this city has a rich history of occupation, while also a history of development and of culture.

Ho Chi Minh City had modest beginnings as a fishing town in Vietnam, once called Prey Nokor. Though Ho Chi Minh City is a part of Vietnam now, it used to be occupied and inhabited by the Khmer people. After the Nguyen dynasty rule and the period of French colonialism, it was made the capital of South Vietnam.

The name of Saigon is still used by many Vietnamese inhabitants. The name Saigon references the upper class and urban districts of Ho Chi Minh City. While it might seem that Ho Chi Minh City suffers a bit of an identity crisis, as many shop signs still say Saigon, this city is still a unique tourist destination.

Activities & Attractions

Within Ho Chi Minh City are a variety of tourist attractions to suit nearly any taste and interest. The War Remnants Museum (Nha Trung Bay Toi Ac Chien Tranh), the Museum of Vietnamese History, and the Ho-Chi-Minh Museum are famous museums in the city. The Notre Dame Cathedral, the Thien Hau Pagoda, the Quan Am Pagoda, and the Phung Son Tu Pagoda are breathtaking religious sites that are simply amazing to behold. Tourists with children will enjoy the Dam Sen Cultural Park that will be a refreshing break from the city.

Lodging

Being the large city in Vietnam, there are hotels that you can stay in. Ranging from budget hotels to higher end luxury hotels, there are a variety of possibilities. One of the top rated hotels include the Metropole Hotel and the Windsor Plaza Hotel.

Transportation

The Tan Son Nhat International Airport is located in the district of Tan Binh. Taxis services are available to and from Ho Chi Minh City, as well as within the city. These taxis are easy to find and readily available. City buses are the only form of public transport available, that will to get to your hotel and favorite shopping areas. Motorcycle taxis are also quite popular modes of transport to get across the city.