HO CHI MINH CITY

Ho Chi Minh City, still widely known by its earlier name – Saigon – is centuries old, and reflects its colourful history all throughout the bustling streets. Because the city has changed hands many times, amongst the Cambodians, French, Chinese, Japanese, and the locals themselves, the prevailing ambiance is a mix of European and Asian cultures.

Visit the Ben Thanh Market, one of Vietnam’s oldest marketplaces, and immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture, from cuisine to clothing and much more. It’s the perfect place to sample Vietnamese coffee and banh cuon, one of the most popular local dishes, usually eaten for breakfast, made with a mixture of meat, rice-based pastry and other local ingredients.

Indulge in banh xeo, or pancakes, along Dinh Cong Trang Street, known for its many pancake shops, and other local fare, along with the many eating establishments that cater to more Western tastes. Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh’s Chinatown, is very popular for its food and affordable shopping – if you want to sharpen your bargaining skills, this is the place to do it. And all throughout the area known as District 1 are opportunities for great deals in jewellery, silk goods and home accessories, among other things.

Ho Chi Minh City has a vibrant nightlife with countless bars, cafés and clubs to enjoy, which can be found across the city. Some of these establishments offer live local music, including Karaoke, which is very popular with locals.