With a population of 5½ million people Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam, although it isn’t the capital. Unofficially still known as ‘Saigon’, it is also sometimes referred to as HCMC. While it is the country’s busiest city, the tree-lined streets are wide and you can walk around the city for hours looking at life go by.
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View all guides »War remnants museum and Chuchi tunnels a must, other than that Ho Chi Minh City is a hell hole. Do not go out alone at night. Corruption, extortion and the threat of violence prevail here, and that includes the police.
Insider Tip:If you have to go don't stay for too long.
Having travelled through Asia and having den lots of touristy and cultural things, Ho Chi Minh just seemed like another big city with too many mopeds!! Trip to the tunnels was really good (although 2 hours away completely worth it) and had a really good evening at a karaoke bar with a private room.
Insider Tip:Do a half day trip to the tunnels
It is not as interesting as Hanoi, but worth going especially for people not used to oriental culture.
Insider Tip:Be careful of pickpockets! Their are quite prevalent near the Ben Than Market.
Saigon is awesome! everyone is very friendly, and the city is very lively There is a lot to do and learn here.
Big, dirty city. This was the only city where people were dishonest ... the motorcycle drivers / "rickshaw", waiters, etc. for example when you are arriving at a museum or temple "taxi people" tell you that the place is already closed. You bargain prices and after you agreed on a certain money they later on change it again and you have to start discussing. Cuchi tunnels are nice but not that nice, for me Egypt tutankamon's tomb are much better!
Insider Tip:If you are not very fun of vietnam's war I strongly recommend you to skip this city
Northern Vietnam presents visitors a sharp contrast of things to do. Hanoi, the capital, is a lake-filled city, Haiphong is a smaller, more industrial version and Halong Bay, one of the most beautiful and tranquil bays in the world. As Hanoi is the transportation hub of the country, you are bound to visit here if you are going to Vietnam.
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