Ho Chi Minh City: An Introduction
Originally a vast forest of malarial swamps and marshes, Saigon was named Prei Nokor by the Cambodians, who inhabited it during the Angkor era. In the 18th century, it was renamed Saigon by the Vietnamese Nguyen emperors, who claimed it as their own.
After spending some time under French control, Saigon was liberated in 1975, completing the reunification of Vietnam and heralding the city’s final name change (so far) to Ho Chi Minh City. This honoured “Uncle” Ho, the revolutionary leader who coordinated Vietnam’s 20th century push for independence, although the city is still frequently called Saigon by residents and visitors alike.
A long-established hub of trade and commerce for Asian merchants, Ho Chi Minh City is now also the focus for international investment opportunities. Vibrantly modern, much of its colonial charm remains nonetheless lovely, and easy to see.
Classical European buildings have been converted into apartment complexes, office buildings and up-market hotels. The huge General Post Office, designed by M. Eiffel, and the Notre Dame Cathedral, stand side-by-side with glinting high-rise department stores, all surrounded by luxury cars and modern developments.
Ho Chi Minh City is home to some of Vietnam's best eateries, be they curb-side at Ben Thanh Market, or one of many fine dining establishments, or something comfortably in between. This city has an energy you won't find anywhere else in Vietnam, and in our opinion it’s an essential stop on any tour of the country.
The famous Rue Catinat of Graham Greene’s Saigon may be called Dong Khoi Street nowadays, but it’s still the swankiest street in the city, overflowing with boutique shops, art galleries, and excellent restaurants. Greene stayed here, at the opulent Hotel Majestic, when he was a Saigon resident. He reputedly enjoyed its rooftop bar, where you can watch the sampans winding up and down the Saigon River.
A city so great, they named in twice. Well alright, that’s not quite true. But Ho Chi Minh City, a.k.a. Saigon, is fantastic. Don't be thrown off by negative rumours and hearsay; your visit to Vietnam simply isn't incomplete without a night or two in the country's economical hot-spot.