Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, is the largest and most vibrant city in Vietnam. For centuries it has been known as an important trade center for Chinese, Japanese and European merchants.

Ho Chi Minh City Hotels

Located on the Saigon River on the edge of the Mekong Delta, Saigon became the capital of South Vietnam and was the American headquarters during the Vietnam Var. When North Vietnam took control of South Vietnam, the city's name was changed to Ho Chi Minh City. After the Var the city fell into recession and poverty, but has since recovered and has today a cosmopolitan and energetic atmosphere. Although relatively modern, it has managed to hold on to its Asian character, and fine restaurants, smart hotels and bars line the sidewalks crammed with noodle stands and markets.

Ho Chi Minh City's French colonial charm still remains, evident in the architecture, the wide boulevards and the cafes. Among the many fine examples of French colonial architecture are the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office and the former Hotel de Ville. A walk down Dong Khi Street will reveal more colonial classics like the Continental, Grand and Majestic Hotels as well as dozens of tempting boutiques and galleries.

Ho Chi Minh City is a shopper's paradise with modern shopping centers and trendy boutiques rubbing shoulders with traditional street markets. Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown, is the frenetic commercial center, where every building has a shop or workshop on the ground floor. Cho Lon also has the city's largest market, Binh Tay Market, and some fine pagodas including Thien Hau Pagoda.

Ho Chi Minh City has a vast amount of accommodation with everything from budget lodgings to luxury hotels. The Central and Phu Nhuan districts are the most popular parts to be based in and are close to many museums, historical sites and restaurants.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is situated in Ho Chi Minh City, and is Vietnam's largest international airport. It receives flights from all over the world. Facilities are good in the international terminal and transfers to the city center and hotels are provided by public shuttle buses, taxis and courtesy hotel shuttles.

The best time to holiday in Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season between December and March, when it is also slightly cooler than it is during the rest of the year in this tropical city.