Ho Chi Minh City: From Fishing Village to Vibrant Metropolis

Several centuries ago, Ho Chi Minh City was just a small fishing village under the Khmer Empire. It wasn’t until the 17th century that Vietnamese and Chinese settlers arrived, and the city was named Saigon, after the river that runs through it. Renamed Ho Chi Minh City after the reunification of Vietnam in 1975, it is today the most populous city in the country, with more than 8 million inhabitants.

Over time, the city has grown denser, benefitting from its proximity to the Mekong Delta. Today, it is Vietnam’s economic engine, and its leaders aspire to turn it into a major Asian megacity, comparable to the city-state of Singapore.

Why is it interesting to stop in Ho Chi Minh City? Simply to feel and witness this constant dynamism, to reflect on the city’s transformations, and to compare the old with the modern!

Our English-speaking guides will take you through the city’s distinct districts – Vietnamese, Chinese, and French. Among the iconic landmarks you won’t miss on a one-day visit to Saigon are:

• Notre Dame Cathedral, built in 1880

• The Central Post Office, with its splendid iron framework designed by Gustave Eiffel (1886–1891)

• The Reunification Palace, built in 1868 and renovated in 1955

• The lively Ben Thanh Market, dating back to 1860

And this is only a glimpse of what Saigon has to offer!

Finally, let’s not forget that Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect starting point for journeys into the Mekong Delta or excursions to nearby provinces such as Cu Chi.