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Ho Chi Minh City

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Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, was renamed in 1976 for Vietnam’s most beloved political leader, Ho Chi Minh. His mausoleum stands in Hanoi (see above), where he lies in state like many other Communist leaders. It is the largest city in Vietnam, located in the southeast portion of the country, on the Saigon River, near the South China Sea. During French occupation of Saigon, European influence was so evident (especially in the architecture, which remains to this day) that the city was known as “Paris in the Orient.” Ho Chi Minh City is home to a large contingent of Chinese.

Some of the attractions in the city include the Gallery for War Remnants, the Nha Rong Memorial House, the Ben Duoc Relic of Underground Tunnel, and the Municipal Theatre. The museums, listed here, are some of the finest in all of Southeast Asia: the Museum of History, the Museum of Revolution, the Museum of Southern Women, the Museum of Southeastern’s Armed Forces, and the Museum of Fine Art. Other theatres and opportunities for the performing arts include Ben Thanh Theatre, Hoa Bin Theatre, and Lan Anh Music Stage.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport, located about four miles north of the city, services Ho Chi Minh City. It serves as both a military and civilian airport. Motorcycles, which have been imported inexpensively, are by far the most popular mode of transportation in Ho Chi Minh City. Buses, Cabs, and Rickshaws are also common. The roads are generally in bad condition. Local travel, either by land or water, is fairy accessible from Ho Chi Minh City.

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