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Tourist Information about Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as "Saigon" before the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1975, is now a bustling economic player in Asia, and the new economic center of Vietnam. From the time of Communist occupation in April 1975, the country's economic progress was in hiatus until recovery began in 1986 multinational companies from Europe and Australia started setting up business and pour in investments, thereby waking up the economy from deep slumber. The once-seedy cityscape is now a skyline of imposing skyscrapers that house world-class hotels, apartments, and local and international companies. But owing to the French conquest of Saigon in 1859, one can see remnants of French colonial buildings, broad boulevards, and French style architecture in some parts of the city. The integral link provided by the Saigon River to the sea, and the open air routes to the world have attracted agriculture, marine, gas, oil, and textile investments in the city. Additionally, an all-year round friendly climate makes the tourism a vibrant industry for the government. Among the sites worth visiting are the Historical Museum, Reunification Hall and the War Remnants Museum (formerly the War Crimes Museum). Shopaholics would find the best deals on native handicrafts and clothes. It is also a great place to just sit back and sip coffee in a street-side café and watch the city come alive right before your very eyes. One can also take a trip through history by taking a cyclo-tour to historical Notre Dame Cathedral and the former U.S. embassies. But what makes Ho Chi Minh City a lasting memory is the warmth and hospitality of its people, and the exciting city street life. While monks walk past modern shops and karaoke joints in the central district, the scene is made more interesting by the sight of young women, in traditional ao dais, riding motorbikes, scooters, bicycles on the streets, and the laughter of children whose smiles capture the warm and pleasant feel of the city. |
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