Saigon’s nightlife is a lot livelier than the nation’s capital; however, it still lacks the energy of other South East Asian cities such as Bangkok. There are plenty of bars and pubs to choose from, but drinks prices and clientele vary considerably from venue to venue.

Bia hoi is the local brew and drank by the pitcher along the street. This is a cheap and cheerful way to sample the local culture over a cold and refreshing beer. These street side outfits open up late afternoon and attract locals by the dozen. There is always a good atmosphere and it may provide an opportunity for some jovial banter with locals.

Backpacker style cafes and bars are great places to meet like-minded travellers. There are often drinks promotions such as Happy Hour, and many pubs have pool tables. These budget haunts are great places to pick up hints and tips for future travel ventures.

There is a chic bar culture is Saigon characterized by trendy upmarket western style bars which are frequented by the city’s most fashionable residents. Cocktails and drinks at such venues are often tempting and delicious; however, the price list will undoubtedly be less appetizing.

One of the highlights of any visit to Saigon is sampling the wide variety of cuisines on offer. It is possible to find almost every popular international cuisine in the city, and restaurants offer a very high standard of service.

Another joy of Saigon dining is the value for money; however, this is constantly changing due to the constant rise of food prices and living coasts. Finding bargain food is becoming more of a challenge, although most meals still cost a fraction of the price back home in the west.

Pho is a staple in Vietnamese diet; locals can be found hunched over a bowl of this meaty noodle broth at any time of day. Pho can be found on almost every street and is well worth a try while travelling in Vietnam.

International food is plentiful, and is usually authentic. From Japanese sushi to American style burgers, diners can satisfy their every craving. Saigon has a wide selection of French restaurants, including a number of elegant options.

The wide variety of food on offer in Saigon reflects the diverse nature of the city. The European influence is particularly dominant, and western visitors are often pleased to find delicious coffee and French bread in abundance.

Saigon is well equipped for its annual influx of tourists. A wide range of accommodation is on offer in the city, with rooms to suit every budget and preference. Saigon’s hotel districts are divided by pricing, with the most expensive five star outfits close to the Saigon Opera House.

At the other end of the scale, Saigon’s budget digs can be found in Pham Ngu Lao, which is in district 1. A network of lanes and alleys are home to a crop of cheap and cheerful guesthouses catering for Saigon’s budget travellers.

It is possible to find a basic, clean and secure rooms for around US$6. If you don’t find a room immediately, don’t fret, accommodation is plentiful in this area. Sometimes taking time to check out guest houses off the beaten track is worthwhile. There are some hidden gems along the narrow streets leading off the main drag.

If you see a lady dressed in a blue uniform and a ‘tourist rooms’ badge, you are in luck. These guides can lead you to a reputable guesthouse with vacancies immediately, saving you the hassle of asking around. Guesthouses are usually quite safe, but always keep your door locked and avoid rooms near busy roads where traffic may disturb your rest.

There is a good selection of accommodation available in Saigon, and most guests feel satisfied with the standard of service and value for money. As always, the more you are willing to fork out, the more trimmings you will enjoy.

Some of the city’s best budget and mid-range hotels are located in the are surrounding Ben Thanh Market. Streets such as Le Thanh Ton and Ly Tru Tong are peppered with reasonably priced hotels. Hotels in this area usually offer a fair sized, clean, secure room with air conditioning and a wireless internet facility.

Some Saigon hotels are based in colonial mansions; these grand structures add an air of elegance to any stay. Hotels situated on busy thoroughfares aren’t recommended unless they have double glazing, as the noise from the road may interrupt your peace.

The most lavish accommodation choices are located in close proximity to the Opera House. An array of plush hotels provides the most elegant suites in Saigon, along with a long list of in-house facilities. New developments are constantly springing up, and some of the hotel industry’s big names are represented.

Hotels in Saigon cater for every type of traveller and budget. Most of the city’s accommodation is centrally located, offering easy access to amenities.

Saigon’s accommodation offerings are as varied as its culinary scene. Regardless of your budget or preference, you will have no problem finding a suitable solution. Most hotels and guest houses offer a high standard of service for a reasonable price.

Backpacker accommodation is mainly concentrated around Pham Ngu Lao, which is a short distance from Ben Thanh Market. The narrow lanes and snaking alleys are dotted with quality guest houses, and it is always worth checking a few before settling on one.

The area surrounding the Ben Thanh Market is home to some reasonably priced hotels which would fall into the midrange category. Here you can find a clean, secure room with wireless internet and air conditioning for US$25-35.

For more indulgent travellers, the city’s range of five star resorts should satisfy your needs. Luxury hotels are constantly springing up, and include all the big names in the business such as Sheraton, Hyatt and The Caravelle. Most of these plush outfits are dotted around the Opera House.

The night scene in Saigon is livelier than Hanoi, but still a lot tamer than other South East Asian cities such as Bangkok. There are plenty of watering holes to choose from, as well as a selection of clubs and live music venues.

Saigon may be best known as Vietnam’s commercial centre, but it also boasts its fair share of cultural sights and attractions. Museums allow visitors to gain greater insight into a country or city’s past. Saigon’s museums reveal the turbulent times the city has experienced throughout its history.

The Museum of Vietnamese History is the best place to start. The museum houses an interesting collection of items which chart 2000 years of Vietnamese history.

The War Remnants Museum has changed its name from ‘Museum of American War Crimes’ to avoid offending visitors from the US. The display of explicit photos and instruments of torture illustrates the brutal and gruesome nature of the war.

There are a number of impressive art galleries in Saigon, which also allow visitors to delve deeper into the local culture and view popular art styles.

Lac Hong Gallery is located within the Fine Arts Museum and houses an impressive collection of abstract pieces. Galerie Lotus is teeming with innovative works by some of Vietnam’s best known artists.

Gallery Quynh not only showcases contemporary artworks, but serves as a centre for community-based educational programmes.

Breathing Eyes Photo Gallery captures the best photographic works of Vietnam and presents them in an inspiring exhibition.

Just walking down the street in Saigon is an experience in itself. The city at first seems like a chaotic nightmare, but it doesn’t take long for its charm to rise above the fumes of the motorbikes.

The city manages to blend old and new to create a unique and interesting façade. Gleaming new shops and boutiques stand next to ornate pagodas and colonial mansions. This contrast adds irresistable character to the city.

Just walking around and soaking up the energy and atmosphere of the city is a highlight of any trip to Saigon. The tantalising array of cuisines on offer also reflects how the city is becoming increasingly cosmopolitan.

Despite the modern developments and ever-growing commerciality, Saigon still remembers its past. Chinatown is home to hundreds of beautiful and orante pagodas, and the colonial Notre Dame Cathdral illustrates how the city has been strongly influenced by Europe during its history.

Saigon is also a family friendly city, and the abundance of fantastic water parks provides the ideal outlet for fun and enjoyment. They are also a welcome escape from the blazing midday sun.

Saigon is also a shopper’s paradise, and home to Vietnam’s largest market place. There are many unique items and bargains to be uncovered in Saigon’s shopping terrain. From bargain basket markets to swanky brand name boutiques, Saigon has it all.

Saigon is bursting at the seams with interesting sights and exciting attractions. Visitors to Saigon are relieved to find that most of the main attractions are within easy walking distance of each other. The traffic in the city is heavy and unruly, so negotiating transport and routes can be frustrating and sometimes nerve wracking.

All sight seeing tours of the city start at the Reunification Palace. This building is an iconic symbol of the city and appeared on international news around the world in 1975 when tanks crashed through the gates marking the end of the war. The expansive and traffic-free grounds are also a safe place to allow children to run around. Such spaces are difficult to find in Saigon.

The War Remnants Museum tells the gruesome and inhumane story of war. The collection of disturbing photographs and torture instruments depict the brutality inflicted on the Vietnamese during the war; however, it is a very biased display as there is no evidence of North Vietnamese Army crimes.

The Museum of Vietnamese History is well worth a visit; however, it is worth swotting up on the country’s history before viewing the exhibition.

The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the finest examples of classical Colonial architecture in Saigon. Every stone used to create this grand structure was flown in from France.

Once you have exhausted all the sights within Saigon, you can begin to explore attractions in the surrounding area. The Cu Chi Tunnels is the most popular daytrip from Saigon and can be visited as a half day excursion or full day trip.

Full day tours begin at the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, which lies on the Cambodian border. After lunch travellers visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels before returning to Saigon in the early evening.

The Cu Chi Tunnels consist of a network of approximately 250kms tunnels dug out by the Viet Cong during a 20 year period. The tunnels allowed the army to move freely without being challenged by the enemy force and even traced a route under enemy territory such as the Dong Du military base.

The tunnels were first built during the 1940s during the fight against the French, and during the sixties the Viet Cong reinforced them and extended their coverage in the war against America. America’s attempt to seek out the network of tunnels claimed many lives and caused much destruction. Crop yields are still poor in the area due to the chemical warfare.

Some of the tunnels have been widened in order to accommodate western tourists, and lights have been installed.

A tour of Saigon is a great way to gain insight into this fascinating city’s past and present. Visiting sights as part of an organised tour with a guide who is fluent in your language allows you to delve deeper and find out the answers to any questions you have about Saigon’s history.

Tours of the city usually last the whole day, as there are so many sights to cover. You will have a break for lunch, usually in a scenic spot, and your meal will be included in the price of the tour. Your ticket price will also cover any entrance fees at museums or attractions.

Tours usually start at the Reunification Palace, which is one of the city’s most important and iconic buildings. The War Remnants Museum is the next stop; this exhibition provides insight into the horrific and inhumane nature of the war.

The Notre Dame Cathedral is a fine example of classical Colonial architecture in the city, and every stone used in its construction was shipped from France. Afternoon visits include Giac Lam Pagoda, the city’s oldest pagoda and one of Vietnam’s finest. Cholon is always on the tour map; Saigon’s Chinatown is a vibrant area and home to many beautiful pagodas.

Both Binh Tay Market and Ben Thanh Market are worth a rummage, Binh Tay is the country’s largest market place and the lively Ben Thanh is worth experiencing even if you aren’t planning to buy anything.

Tours usually end around 1800 and transfer back to your hotel is usually included in the deal.