Ho Chi Minh City

Commonly referred to as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the heart and soul of modern Vietnam and is both recapturing the glory of its past whilst moving rapidly into the 21st century.

Stunning colonial architecture and historic landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace and the Central Post Office, stand proud of a remarkable history, whilst modern skyscrapers rising beside the traditional narrow alleyways, begin to transform the city.

Divided into 24 districts, traffic chokes the tree line streets whilst the locals merely go about their daily business.

Districts one, three and five is where most of the action takes place with fine restaurants, rooftop bars, shops selling imported luxury goods and a recent surge of café culture.

For those looking for a bargain, head to Ben Thanh Market along with Saigon Square.

Home to the chilling yet captivating War Remnants Museum, a trip to the south is not complete without discovering the Cu Chi Tunnels, built and inhabited by Viet Cong.