Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in SaigonVietnam and informally referred to as Saigon.
It is remarkable for the harmonious blending of traditional values with northern
and western cultural features. Skyscrapers dot the city and everywhere are the signs
of growing status – cars, mobile phones, upscale cafés, fine dining and trendy nightlife.
And yet the city still retains a uniquely
Vietnamese feel with the hustle and bustle
of the local markets, incessant horns and local vendors on every street corner.
Today, Saigon is the big tourism center as well as the commerce and financial hub,
attracting a large number of business and leisure travelers to
Vietnam.
What to Do ? Saigon has various 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, local 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, Saigon is a good starting
point for excursions to the
Mekong deltaMekong delta or nearby beaches of Phu Quoc, SaigonPhan Thiet
(
Mui Ne), Vung Tau, Long Hai.
When to go? Generally, the climate in
Saigon 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 season (December to April next year). The hottest month is April and coolest
is December.
It is possible to visit
Vietnam and
Saigon 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
Saigon 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.
