Ho Chi Minh City, otherwise known as Saigon, is as fascinating as it is entertaining. There are a number of great activities to keep you busy, and wonderful historic sites, museums, and shops to keep you interested. The dining facilities and small groupings of stores are wonderful, and while portions of Ho Chi Minh resemble a bustling commercial center, other parts are quiet and agricultural. Some of the locals keep to themselves, subdued and caught up in their daily routine. Others will be the first to greet you, inviting you to the grand opening of their bar or restaurant. It is the tremendous diversity of Ho Chi Minh that makes it such a desirable tourist destination. There is so much to do and see, and it is an incredibly friendly city. The citizens will assist you almost without exception, and the city is relatively easy to navigate.

This exciting Asian city is a relatively new one, only founded in the 18th century. Chinese and Vietnamese merchants from the north settled Ho Chi Minh, as they were looking for political and economic freedom. The majority of the first inhabitants to the area were civil war refugees. It did not take long for Ho Chi Minh to become a powerful commercial center. Its location and abundance of natural resources made it a desirable location for trade and commerce. This is still the major commercial port in all of Vietnam. Five million people live in Ho Chi Minh, making it the largest city in the country. It is located on the Saigon River, and the atmosphere in and around the city is extremely engaging. The Chinese district springs up out of nowhere, and this is part of the charm of the city. Many of the best aspects of Ho Chi Minh are often stumbled upon un-knowingly. They just pop up and you are instantly transported into another dimension of fun and excitement. The food here is outstanding, and the nightlife exceptional. There are a couple of rather seedy portions of the city, but no more than anywhere else. Exercise the same caution as you would at home and you should be fine. Phan Thiet beach is great if you can make it out there, but if not, there is so much to do in this wonderful city that your time will constantly be occupied with delightful activities.