Saigon features a delectable blend of old and new. Crumbling old buildings sit next to gleaming modern complexes; while vintage Vespas buzz by amongst a swarm of shiny Hondas. It’s also an east meets west fusion, with new ideas and dreams born out of a newly flourishing economy.

The district of Cholon is home to Saigon’s Chinatown and was established in 1879. There are many interesting sights to see in this district including Binh Tay Market, Thien Hau Paogoda, Quan Am and the Cholon Mosque. Chinatown is a vibrant area of the city, well worth experiencing.

The Saigon Opera House is an elegant structure situated close to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the central post office. The 1,800 seat venue has undergone a programme of restoration and is now used for performances of opera, ballet, music and traditional dance.

Visitors to Saigon can attend mass in the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica. Built between 1863 and 1880, the cathedral is a charming example of Neo-Romanesque architecture.

The Reunification Palace was brought to the world’s attention in 1975, when footage was broadcast of Communist tanks breaking down the gates and a soldier unfurling a North Vietnamese flag from a balcony. Visitors can take a tour of the building including its intriguing basement tunnels.

Saigon Zoo is a fantastic attraction for all the family, featuring an array of wildlife and over 100 different types of animal. The zoo is situated close to the Reunification Palace and has a temple and museum on site.

The Revolutionary Museum charts Vietnam’s Communist-inspired struggle from the reigns of France and the USA. This stunning white Neo-classical building was constructed in 1885 and was used for various other purposes before becoming home to the museum in 1978.

Bikes and bustle

Get caught up in the heady buzz of Saigon, dizzy with the pace of a million motorcycles, and beguiled by the local girls cycling by in their flowing Ao Dai dresses. Southern Vietnam is captured in all it’s intriquing essence here.

Follow the history and culture of the city on this blog, from Re-unification Palace to the War Museum, with plenty of Asian and Indo-Chine architecture and character splashed across this guide. From the Cu Chi tunnels and Mekhong Delta, to endless pagodas and Com Pho shops, it’s all soon covered here.

It’s all part of a comprehensive travel guide, with hundreds of pages and dozens of pictures, which we are busy developing to help you plan you trip to Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam.

About Saigon
All the basic facts for tourists visiting the city plus top tips for the interpid traveller… more

What to do
Whether you want to shopping for gifts, indulge in some pampering, play sport or see the sights… more

What to see
All the top attractions listed in detail including tours and highlights for those short on time… more

Hospitality
Everything from cheap rooms in hostels to the best luxury hotels in town plus spa, restaurant and nightlife tips… more

Shopping
Whether you need to pick up a few essentials or a seeking out that perfect wedding present, we’ve got the inside scoop… more

Vietnamese Culture
This diverse and oft-misunderstood land is begging to be discovered by cultured visitors… more

South Vietnam
Guide to areas of the countries which are an easy leap away from Saigon for when the city gets too much… more

Getting here
All your transportation need taken care of in one simple section be it plane, train or taxi… more

Living here
Complete guide to everthing an expat is every going to need for long-term stays in saigon… more