Ho Chi Min City, once known as the Diamond of the Far-east, is now Vietnam’s most chaotic city. High rises have popped up between ornate pagodas, giving the city a historic yet modern façade. Street food vendors line the streets while a generous smattering of top notch restaurants also have a presence. The city has a vibe that is a blend of American and Chinese. A first time visitor to Ho Chi Min may experience culture shock at first and find being based at Vista Residences, nestled in a reputable neighbourhood, puts their mind at ease.
Ho Chi Minh City sits loftily on an imposing bend in the Sài Gon River. The best way to explore the nooks and crannies of the city is on foot. A majority of the tourist attraction are in District One. The area is compact and getting about is quite straightforward. You can use taxis, motorbike taxis or pedicabs to travel as well and they are all relatively inexpensive. Have your wits about you while sightseeing and shopping as most tourist spots are teeming with people and scams are rife in Ho Chi Minh. Apartments are built up around the city in tall tower blocks that provide housing for the seven million people who call it home.
It is impossible to go hungry in this city that is also called Saigon. Everything from Mexican to Chinese cuisine can be found without much difficulty. Many Vietnamese restaurants have been tailored to suit the Western palate. Street markets also sell different types of snacks and drinks. History enthusiasts will want to visit Reunification Palace for its significance in the Vietnam War. Ho Chi Min Museum, Revolutionary Museum and Vietnam History Museum also tell Vietnam’s history and admission fees are very reasonable.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.