Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it is still known locally, is one of the most extraordinary cities in Asia. With a population of close to eight million people, this booming free-market city is ablaze with life.

It is a city of amazing contrasts: elegant new international hotels, exclusive restaurants and bars side-by side with roadside noodle stalls, street children and vociferous cyclo drivers. It is said that there are four million motorbikes and scooters in the city and the battle for road space in rush hour has to be seen to be believed. Bustling, booming, crowded and noisy – all words that barely scratch the surface of the addictive and often mesmerising chaos that is Saigon.

And yet within the madness are pockets of tranquillity and calm. Grand colonial era buildings and boulevards, parks and rivers and an array of cuisine served from roadside cafes to high end restaurants.

Excellent shopping is possible in the city’s two huge markets and stores. As well as city tours, it is also possible to take half day trips to the famous Cu Chi tunnels of the Viet Cong. In order to understand Saigon amd where its residents are coming from, it really does make sense to combine the tunnels with the War Remnants Museum. Further afield, the city can be used as a base for excursions to the Mekong Delta, where the mighty Mekong River concludes its winding journey from Tibet. We generally suggest tours to Cai Be, away from the main tourist route which really give you a feel for this wonderful region.

The Caravelle is where Graham Green write the 'Quiet American' and it has history, glamour and romance, though for out and out luxury, the Park Hyatt is the best hotel in Saigon.