The largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Cityis a diverse and exciting destination. Formerly known as Saigon, some of the city's most popular attractions pay homage to the war and upheaval of the 20th century. However, Ho Chi Minh City’s history, both colonial and military, makes for a fascinating array of attractions and activities.
The city appeals to all age groups; parks and public spaces are superb and the French colonial architecture is a spectacular glimpse into the past that is both interesting and accessible. Of course, time marches on and today, the city is a hub of business and commerce where modern skyscrapers make for a skyline that is a perfect blend of old and new.
As you would expect in a city of this size, accommodation varies from the basic to the sublime. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated boutique hotel in the French section or a family-friendly hotel near major attractions, there are some wonderful options to suit every budget.
Ho Chi Minh City’s popularity as a backpacker destination is fast growing, with people flocking from all over the world to visit. The area between Bui Vien street and Pham Ngu Lao is close to the main bus station for new arrivals, and here is where you’ll find the most affordable hostels and guests houses. The hostels offer private lockers, plug sockets and usually, shared bathrooms. You can book from private dorms or single beds, and the length of stay can vary. Some hostels offer communal roof terraces where you can socialise and meet fellow travellers, particularly useful for people travelling alone. Others organised entertainment evenings so you can watch movies, listen to live music or eat together. It’s a great place to start if you’re travelling alone. The Backpacker district is exciting and noisy, perfect for those that want to be in the centre of the action.
Look for hotels in District 3 if you'd like to be close to some of the city's historical attractions. District 3 offers a more local, Vietnamese feel. It’s only ten minutes from the busy centre, but the pace of life feels slower, and you can expect a greater selection of local coffee shops and restaurants. This is a great area for those who want to escape the Western influence. District 2 is widely known as the expat district, but in recent years it has been transformed. Now you can find some great galleries, shops and food, just 20 minutes down across the Saigon river.
No trip to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without visiting Cholon, their Chinatown. With roots dating back to 1778, Cholon is of great cultural and historical importance. During the Vietnam War, Cholon was a black market for US soldiers trading American Army supplies. Now the Binh Tay market is busy and crowded and you can expect to find everything from Vietnamese silk to tropical fruit. Cholon is located on the west bank of Ho Chi Minh River in District 5.
If you’re looking for something a little finer, Ho Chi Minh City will not disappoint. Opulent hotels can be found, with some offering suites designed by Girogetti and Visionnaire, with glass-enclosed balcony showers opening onto decadent views of the city’s skyscrapers. Many of the luxury hotels have impressive spas with treatments designed for optimum relaxation. Many of the finest hotels can be found in District 1, but it has a completely different feel from the hostels where you’ll find backpackers. Try and choose a hotel with a rooftop bar to enjoy the panoramic view of the skyline.
With hotels to suit all tastes, Ho Chi Minh City is the up and coming place to be in southern Asia. And, of course, at BudgetAir, we can help you to find the most attractive deals on flights from almost anywhere in the world at any time of year.
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