Known more commonly by its former name of Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city, where it’s all happening at once! The city is a whirling concoction of noise, motorcycle fumes, sizzling street side food stalls and an excited buzz of chatter from crowded pavements. The combination is at first perhaps a little daunting but instantly infectious. 

The first hurdle you will need to overcome is crossing the roads without stopping like a rabbit in headlamps! Motorcycles appear to be driving at you from all directions but the drivers are used to avoiding pedestrians so as long as you maintain a steady pace and never step back you’ll soon be crossing roads like a local. 

As with much of Vietnam, there is a haunting emphasis on war torn days with attractions such as the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace. Both are fascinating if not quite gruesome. The latter has been left largely unchanged since the day before Saigon fell to the North and remains a kitsch throwback to bygone days, with a plethora of vintage furniture, telephones and radio equipment. 

Saigon River is another source of constant activity, with boats plying their trade as well as taxi rides to various stop off points along the river bank. Try one of the rooftop bars of a riverside hotel for a prime viewing spot of the river action. 

Ho Chi Minh City really comes alive at night time, lit up and raring to go, it is a melting pot of locals and travellers all combining to chow down on local delicacies and noodle soups, Vietnamese beer, followed by throwing a few moves on one of the club dance floors. There are night markets too selling everything from cheap clothes to fine lacquered bowls, the quality ranging from the good to the bad and the downright ugly! 

From the French colonial architecture, to the goat’s head broth and the constant smiles, waves and hellos, Ho Chi Minh City breathes life to the full and will be sure to make an impact.