Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon) bears different names. The French figuratively put it “Pearl of the Far East”. During Vietnam-American war, locals named it “Saigon” while Chinese immigrants called it “Cho Lon” (meaning “Big market”). After national unification in 1975, Vietnam Communist government officially renamed it “Ho Chi Minh City”, but “Saigon” is still commonly used.
Unlike Hanoi with its slow and reserved lifestyle, Ho Chi Minh City is a modern, dynamic and open city. Within its bustle, however, its vivid history and brilliant tradition are still shining.
The main business section of the city is Dong Khoi quarter in District 1 where you can find the best hotels from classic ones such as Rex, Continental to the most luxurious like Sheraton, Caravelle…In the past few years many new hotels have been built, providing a large accommodation supply, particularly the top class. The most recommended hotels are also scattered in District 1, where the best restaurants, shops, supermarkets, theatres are located.
There are a lot of places in Sai Gon worth a visit including Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum of Principal Opera House. Other attractions are also worth a day drive.
Shopping lovers can find hand-made souvenirs or clothes from cheap to expensive. Although Sai Gon is usually a base to start or finish your trip, it’s worth a cyclo trip down to China Town in District 5 or along Sai Gon river.
Motorbikes are the main means of transport on the streets. Young and modern girls are often seen on scooters, wearing sunglasses with western styled fashions. Schoolgirls go on bicycle wearing white Ao Dai (traditional long dress). Junctions are controlled by coloured lights, just to slow down the flow of traffic, it looks chaotic and dangerous, but in fact it’s not.
Most state offices, restaurants and shops open from 8.00 until 16.30, with 1 hour close for lunch break. Some restaurants, bars and clubs open overnight.
There are only 2 seasons in Sai Gon, dry and rainy seasons. Rainy season starts from May to November, however it’s hot throughout the year.
Source: http://lotussiatravel.biz/destination/vietnam/saigon-vietnam/ho-chi-minh-city-saigon/
Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon) bears different names. The French figuratively put it “Pearl of the Far East”. During Vietnam-American war, locals named it “Saigon” while Chinese immigrants called it “Cho Lon” (meaning “Big market”). After national unification in 1975, Vietnam Communist government officially renamed it “Ho Chi Minh City”, but “Saigon” is still commonly used.
Unlike Hanoi with its slow and reserved lifestyle, Ho Chi Minh City is a modern, dynamic and open city. Within its bustle, however, its vivid history and brilliant tradition are still shining.
The main business section of the city is Dong Khoi quarter in District 1 where you can find the best hotels from classic ones such as Rex, Continental to the most luxurious like Sheraton, Caravelle…In the past few years many new hotels have been built, providing a large accommodation supply, particularly the top class. The most recommended hotels are also scattered in District 1, where the best restaurants, shops, supermarkets, theatres are located.
There are a lot of places in Sai Gon worth a visit including Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum of Principal Opera House. Other attractions are also worth a day drive.
Shopping lovers can find hand-made souvenirs or clothes from cheap to expensive. Although Sai Gon is usually a base to start or finish your trip, it’s worth a cyclo trip down to China Town in District 5 or along Sai Gon river.
Motorbikes are the main means of transport on the streets. Young and modern girls are often seen on scooters, wearing sunglasses with western styled fashions. Schoolgirls go on bicycle wearing white Ao Dai (traditional long dress). Junctions are controlled by coloured lights, just to slow down the flow of traffic, it looks chaotic and dangerous, but in fact it’s not.
Most state offices, restaurants and shops open from 8.00 until 16.30, with 1 hour close for lunch break. Some restaurants, bars and clubs open overnight.
There are only 2 seasons in Sai Gon, dry and rainy seasons. Rainy season starts from May to November, however it’s hot throughout the year.
Source: http://lotussiatravel.biz/destination/vietnam/saigon-vietnam/ho-chi-minh-city-saigon/
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