|
|
 |
| Downtown Ho Chi Minh City | The largest city in Vietnam lies along the Saigon River, north of the Mekong River delta. Ho Chi Minh City is the heart and soul of Vietnamese economy - a shopper’s paradise. As the Vietnamese center for a booming economy, it is a contrast to the focus on culture, education, and politics of Hanoi. As the former capital of South Vietnam, colonial architecture and French colonial villas on tree-lined boulevards mingle with new skyscrapers and modern shopping malls. Traditional open-air markets still line the bustling streets, where ancient beginnings remain visible.
 |
|
Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee | The dramatic first impression upon a visitor is the vibrant and lively population, moving along the jam-packed streets on foot, bicycle, motorbike, cycles, and honking Hondas. Ho Chi Minh City never sleeps. Nightlife is abundant, with eateries along the sidewalks, in stalls and in elegant hotels. Constant color and movement accentuate the lively music from discos and karaoke bars. Everyone is out and about, swept up in the city’s exuberance.
 |
| Historical Museum | In the heart of the city the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, built in French style in 1880, towers above the Paris Commune Square. A trip toward the harbor along Nguyen Tat Thanh Road will afford many views of life in this bustling city. Along the wharf the main three-story building is a combination of western and eastern architecture with a roof decorated in carved dragons. This is where Ho Chi Minh boarded a French ship on his search for national salvation, and where it remains a memorial to him.
 |
|
Cathedral of our Lady | In a suburban district can be found the Cu Chi Tunnel, the ”underground village” with a labyrinth of interlaced tunnels. Although the soil in Cu Chi was as hard as stone, the talent, determination, and endurance of the communist guerillas created a wonder of the 20th century, which is open for local and foreign visitors to explore. The length of the tunnels combined is over 200km.
 |
| Ben Thanh Market | Ho Chi Minh City can easily keep visitors for a whole week or more to explore. Before leaving this only-summer-time city, be sure to visit Saigon River, Military Museum, Reunification Palace, Old American Embassy, North Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, the City Opera House, and Lam Son Square.
|
|
|