Ho Chi Minh City
City guide · Southeast · Vietnam
Independence Palace · Bitexco Financial Tower
About Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is Vietnam's most populous city and its most major financial centre, contributing around a quarter of the country's total GDP. The city's geography is defined by rivers and canals, with the Saigon River as the largest. It is the busiest international transport hub in Vietnam, with Tan Son Nhat International Airport accounting for nearly half of all international arrivals and the Port of Saigon among the busiest container ports in Southeast Asia. The city is known for its alleyways and nightlife, most notably Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien Street, and harbors historic buildings and modern landmarks including the Independence Palace, Bitexco Financial Tower, Landmark 81 Tower, the War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market. Founded in 1698 and renamed in 1976, the city retains the informal name Saigon for its centre.
Who this destination fits
Highlights worth planning around
Strong fit
- Vietnam's most major financial centre with the largest gross regional domestic product
- Busiest international transport hub with Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Port of Saigon
- Rich in historic buildings and modern landmarks, including Independence Palace and Landmark 81 Tower
- Known for its vibrant alleyways and nightlife, especially Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien Street
Tradeoffs
- As the most populous city, it can be crowded and bustling
- The city's geography of rivers and canals may require navigation across bridges and ferries