Ho Chi Minh City, still widely called Saigon, is Vietnam's largest city. French colonial landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office stand among modern towers, markets and street food stalls.
Its museums and the Reunification Palace tell the story of the 20th century, and the city is the gateway to the Mekong Delta.
Best time to go
December–April is dry and sunny; May–November brings short, heavy afternoon showers. It is warm all year.
What it feels like
- French colonial streets and busy markets
- History at the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum
- Street food and city energy late into the night
A local's tip
Plan sightseeing for the morning; in the rainy season, showers usually come in the afternoon and pass within an hour.