Welcome to Vietnam's high-octane southern metropolis. From tantalising street food, striking historical landmarks, bountiful shopping options and dazzling nightlife, Ho Chi Minh City is a city that has it all.
Saigon, as its inhabitants call it, has innate energy that is contagious to visitors. Being the commercial hub of Vietnam, the city has experienced a terrific boom of investment and infrastructure over the last ten years that has caused the skyline to rise higher and business to grow. For visitors, it means a chance to witness a city in transition. It’s where old French architecture stands bravely next to the towering lotus flower-inspired skyscraper, the Bitexco Tower.
Ho Chi Minh City has set a precedent as to how luxury tourism, accommodation and service should be done. A wide array of luxury hotels and chic villas means you’re never short of options when wanting to relax in style. The beautifully preserved downtown boasts dozens of boutique shops and designer malls. Meanwhile, a burgeoning gastronomy scene makes it one of SE Asia’s top cities for dining out.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be all glitz and glamour all the time. It would be a shame to visit Saigon without experiencing the buzzing street life atmosphere. The grand bazaar of Vietnam, Ben Than Market, is a fun and lively shopping arena to explore. For the foodies, the city is a continuous odyssey into one of Asia’s most loved cuisines. For history buffs, The War Remnants Museum – while being a sobering experience –is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about Vietnam’s difficult past. A short walk away is the Reunification Palace, a grand edifice, which holds historical significance as the place where the country reclaimed its independence.
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