Once romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City is still called Saigon by almost everyone who lives there. It is a modern city by Asian standards and has only been under firm Vietnamese control for a little more than 200 years. The city's character remains essentially French -- with wide boulevards, colonial villas, and a lively cafe society -- but also resolutely Asian. It has more of a cosmopolitan feel than Hanoi, although much of the old French colonial city is vanishing beneath the rapidly rising skyline and the sheer weight of recent history. Combined with this vivacious street life, the city's French influences have bred a charm all their own.

 

Night Life & Entertainment
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has some great nightlife and entertainment to chose from. tripwolf helps you find the best nightlife and entertainment in Ho Chi Minh City. Below we listed the best party nightlife, gay nightlife, dancing and nightclubs.

 

Shopping in Saigon
Antiques: Most antique shops are on Dong Khoi, Mac Thi Buoi and Ngo Duc Ke streets but for less touristy stuff visitors would be advised to browse the shops along Le Cong Trieu St. It runs between Nam Ky Khoi Nghia and Pho Duc Chinh streets just south of Ben Thanh market. Among the bric-à-brac are some interesting items of furniture, statuary and ceramics. Bargaining essential.
Clothing and silk: Many female visitors head straight for Dong Khoi St for Vietnamese silk and traditional dresses (ao dai). Also check out Ben Thanh market in Binh Thanh District.

 

What to see in Saigon City