Hochiminh City is the largest city in Vietnam and informally called as Saigon by American during Vietnam War. It is remarkable for the harmonious blending of traditional values between oriental and western cultural features. Skyscrapers and advertising billboards of international company are explaining why the city is one of fastest growing city in Asia. Cars, mobile phones, upscale cafés, fine dining places and trendy nightlife. And yet the city still retains a uniquely Vietnamese feel and atmostphere with the hustle and bustle of the local markets, incessant horns and local vendors on every street corner. Today, Hochiminh City is the biggest tourism, commerce and financial center in Vietnam.
What to Do?
Hochiminh City has many attractions such as the Opera House, Ben Thanh Market, the Notre Dame cathedral, the Reunification Palace, the China town, Cu Chi Tunnels, museums, theatres and cultural houses, shopping centers, etc... Recently, tourist areas including Thanh Da, Binh Quoi Village, Dam Sen Park, Saigon Water Park, Suoi Tien, Ky Hoa also draw the interest of visitors. In addition, Hochiminh City is a good starting point for excursions to Mekong delta or beaches like Phuquoc , Muine, Vung Tau and Long Hai.
When to go?
Generally, the climate in Hochiminh City is hot and humid with an annual average temperature of 27ºC. There are two distinctive seasons: the rainy season ( May to November ) and the dry one ( December to April ). The hottest month is April and coolest is December.
It is a smart ideal to visit Vietnam and Hochiminh City in winter for the best weather, avoiding the monsoon (May to October). But be prepared for humid conditions throughout the year, especially in the south. The best month is January.
Travel Tips
Vietnam has its fair share of pickpockets, especially in large cities like Hochiminh City and Hanoi. Thus, always keep an eye on your valuables or better to leave them at hotel before going out. Sometimes while traveling, a desperate beggar or street vendor suddenly grabs your arm, then follow you to ask for money or sell their stuffs.
Please do not offer money to them, instead donate to a local charity. For the traffic, when crossing the road, always keep looking to the left and right and walk slowly