SAIGON (HO CHI MINH CITY)

Known by the Vietnamese as Ho Chi Minh City, this astonishing city, full of vitality, was the original “Pearl of the Orient”. Nearby are the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, which were used by the Viet Cong during the war. Along the old Rue Catinat and in the surrounding boulevards stand the relics of empire and revolution; Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the Post Office, and the Reunification Palace.

Saigon, the largest and busiest city in Vietnam, is surely one of the names of the most evocative places in Asia. The most Western in the atmosphere of Vietnam’s cities, now known as Ho Chi Minh City. 

Before becoming the largest city of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City was a part of the Khmer Empire, then captured by French and finally was named Ho Chi Minh city. Conquered by France and Spain in 1859, the city was influenced by the French during their colonial occupation of Vietnam, and a number of classical Western-style buildings and French villas in the city reflect this. You can study the history of this city by visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace and explore French architectures with Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office and so on.

Things to see and do in Saigon

This city is undergoing rapid change with growing numbers of gleaming skyscrapers, lively bars, and a booming economy all under the watchful gaze of “Uncle Ho”, whose statue stands proud outside the old Hotel De Ville. There is still plenty of local charm here – soup sellers ring their chimes to signify a freshly-made lunch, fortune-tellers read palms and the temples filled with incense – but the choice of restaurants is outstanding and the city also boasts some classy boutiques selling lacquerware, silk and modern art. Tucked in the suburbs of the city, Cholon’s Chinatown market is arguably the best example outside China.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Nearby are the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of over 250 kilometers of secret underground passages used by the Viet Cong during the conflict with America in the 1960s. You are also able to see first hand the work done by a school supported by Audley, set up in 1986 by a local charity for the disadvantaged and street children of Saigon.