Tan Xiaomi

HO CHI MINH City is the largest city in Vietnam and is located near the Mekong River delta. Known as Saigon until the end of the Vietnam War, it was the capital of the French colony of Cochinchina, and later of the former state of South Vietnam from 1954 to 1975. In 1975, Saigon was merged with the surrounding province of Gia Dinh and renamed Ho Chi Minh City (although the name Saigon is still frequently used). Locals and outsiders frequently refer to it as HCMC.

Central HCMC is small enough to finish in one day. If you have the time, take a walking tour that gives you a glimpse of the city’s attractions. It’s amazing to see tens of thousands of motorcycles rushing across streets at the same time. Some intersections don’t have traffic lights, and you will have to learn how to cross the road without being hit by the motorcycles.

Afterwards, enjoy the cool breeze and cocktails at the Saigon Saigon Bar in the Caravelle Hotel in the central district. The rooftop bar is a spectacular place to have a cocktail in the early evening and enjoy the sight of the setting sun.

Walking along the Saigon River is a good way to enjoy the gentle breeze and the impressive night view of Saigon.

The city is fairly cheap, and you should not be spending more than US$15 a day there.

However, if you want to splurge, try the luxurious French and Vietnamese restaurants in town, which could cost more than US$60 per person.

Reunification Palace

Admission 20,000 dong

(US$1.23)

Hours: 7:30-11 a.m., 1-4 p.m.

The palace, designed by a Paris-trained Vietnamese architect, is the most fascinating sight in HCMC and an example of 1960s architecture.

Norodom Palace, a residence built in 1868 for the French colony’s governor, used to stand on the site. When the French departed, the palace became the home of the South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem.

However, the palace was rebuilt in 1962 after Diem’s own air force bombed the residence in an unsuccessful attempt to kill him. Even today you can find a sizeable bomb shelter and tunnels in the basement that were built after the air raid.

Inside, the airy chambers with high ceilings are well-decorated and provide respite from the hot and damp weather in Saigon. Visitors should take a look at the telecommunication center and war room upstairs.

Ironically, the president didn’t get to see his dream house completed as he was murdered by his own troops in 1963.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Set in the heart of HCMC’s government quarter, the cathedral is only one block from the Reunification Palace.

Built between 1877 and 1883, the neo-Romanesque structure has two 40-meter-high square towers with iron spires, dominating the city’s skyline.

War Remnants Museum

Admission: 15,000d

Hours: 7:30-11:45 a.m.,

1:30-5:15 p.m.

Visit the museum for a view of the Vietnam War (called the American War in Vietnam) through Vietnamese eyes.

The museum is a place for people to mourn victims and understand how horribly brutal a war can be.

American-made armored vehicles, bombs and infantry weapons are displayed outside. The most touching part is an exhibition displaying love letters or other keepsakes found on the corpses of both American and Vietnamese soldiers.

Photos and videos of children mangled by bombs and napalm are moving. People who didn’t experience the war will soon become strong pacifists after visiting the museum.

Ben Thanh Market

Browse through HCMC’s biggest market for hidden treasures. Everything that’s commonly eaten, worn or used by Saigonese is available here.

The market’s main entrance, adorned with a belfry and a clock, has become a symbol of HCMC.

The indoor market is packed with a wide selection of ao dai, the national costume of Vietnam. The food and fruit stands deserve a try.

However, the market is extremely hot during summer as it does not have air conditioning.

Pho 2000

Located opposite Ben Thanh Market, Pho 2000 is the place where you should sample some traditional Vietnamese noodles.

Although numerous food stalls around the market sell inexpensive local meals, you must try this one, as former U.S. President Bill Clinton did in 2000.

Also try various fresh fruit juices here that you can only find in Vietnam.

Pham Ngu Lao

The area is for backpackers from all over the world. Everything a bargain traveler needs, from eggs and bacon to an open bus ticket, can be found here.

Getting there and away

Cathy Pacific, United Airlines and Vietnam Airlines operate daily flights from HCMC to Hong Kong, and China Southern Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines have regular flights from Shenzhen.

A return ticket starts at 2,000 yuan (US$263) (tax included). The taxi fare between city center and the airport is approximately US$8.

Where to stay

Remember, in Vietnam, room rates can be bargained by calling the hotel ahead of arrival. During the low season, discounts can go up to 50 percent.

In HCMC, you should stay in the Dong Khoi area with a good number of hotels along the Saigon River.

For mid-range travelers, the Bong Sen Annexe is recommended. A double room starts at US$35 in the low season, and US$50 in the high season. Breakfast and taxes are included. (Tel: 823-5818)

For top-end hotels, try the Caravelle Hotel and Sofitel Plaza Saigon in the same district, with room rates starting from US$150.