Ho Chi Minh is an urban jungle, full of examples of historical architecture, vibrant neon lights, and a frantic city life. In Vietnam's biggest metropolis and business center, the buzz is heard all over: from the honking vehicles on the congested streets, to the ubiquitous peddlers (selling everything from native goods to street-food) to the thousands of passersby. As crazy as it may sound, it is this "hustle-and-bustle" fused with the signature Asian warmth and hospitality that draws people to Ho Chi Minh.
Located in the country's southern region, Ho Chi Minh City (then Saigon) became the royal capital of the French colony and was known as the "Pearl of the Far East." Years after, Saigon was caught between the warring North and South Vietnam, eventually succumbing to the former. Merging the city with the nearby towns resulted to Ho Chi Minh City, named after the great communist leader. This page of Vietnamese history is important and resonant that an entire musical, Miss Saigon, has been based on this former colonial capital as well as the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Today, people in Vietnam sometimes refer to the city as Saigon, though this is discouraged by city officials.
Ho Chi Minh takes pride on its numerous attractions that would introduce urban trekkers to a good feel of the local history, culture, and cuisine. An ideal place to start would be the different worship places such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Mosque, and the Xa Loi Pagoda. History and war, no doubt, have shaped the city and museums such as the History Museum (with its stunning Sino-French-influenced architecture, revered religious pieces, and the nifty gift shop) and the War Remnants Museum (the city's most popular gallery, especially among Western visitors) provide the actual footnotes to history books. Tourists reward themselves by enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere in Saigon Botanical Garden and try the Vietnamese snack of cha gio (springrolls, formerly served for royalty alone), with nuoc mam cham, a classic dipping sauce.
