City Name: Ho Chi Minh City
Where is it located?: Ho Chi Minh City is in southern Vietnam on the Saigon river near the Mekong Delta.
Why do people go there?: Once called Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, is Vietnam’s economic and cultural capital, the second most populous city in the country. Like other big cities in Asia, Ho Chi Minh City buzzes with daily activities – thousands of bicycle, squawking scooter and horns.
How do travelers get there?: Many travelers come overland into Vietnam from all the countries around it: China, Laos and Cambodia. Otherwise, Ho Chi Minh has an airport.
Currency: Dong
City Code: An Giang 76, Bac Can 281, Bac Giang 240, Bac Ninh 241, Ben Tre 75, Binh Duong 650, Binh Oinh 56, Binh Phuoc 651, Binh Thuan 62, Can Tho 71, Cao Bang 26, Da Nang 51, Dac Lac 50, Dong Nai 61, Dong Thap 67, Gia Lai 59, Ha Giang 19, Ha Nam 351, Ha Noi 4, Ha Tay 34, Ha Tinb 39, Hai Hung 32, Hai Phong 31, Ho Chi Minh 8, Hoa Binh 18, Khanh Hoa 58, Kien Giang 77, Kon Tum 60, Lai Chau 23, Lam Dong 63, Lang Son 25, Lao Cai 20, Long An 72, Minh Hai 78, Nam Ha 35, Nam Dinh 350, Nghe An 38, Ninh Binh 30, Ninh Thuan 68, Phu Yen 57, Quang Binh 52, Quang Nam 510, Quang Ngai 55, Quang Ninh 33, Quang Tri 53, Soc Trang 79, Son La 22, Song Be 65, Tay Ninh 66, Thai Binh 36, Thai Nguyen 280, Thanh Hoa 37, Thua Thien Hue 54, Tien Giang 73, Tra Vinh 74, Tuyen Quang 70, Vinh Long 70, Vinh Phu 211, Vung Tau 64, Yen Bai 29
Population: 86 million
Languages: Vietnamese 85%-90%, Chinese, Hmong, Thai, Khmer, Cham, mountain groups
Neighborhoods: District 1
Attractions: Giac Lam Pagoda, War Remnants Museum
Accommodations: Ho Chi Minh Hostels
Tourist Office: Vietnam Tourism Office
Off-the-beaten-path: Chu Chi Tunnels
Health Issues: Dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria, rabies, typhoid, tuberculosis
When to go: You can usually visit Vietnam year round, although expect an occasional shower, then hot sun, then a shower again.Generally speaking, if one part of the country is cold and wet, the other is hot and humid.
Common Phrases: Hello – Xin chao – seen chow; thank you – Cam on – Gahm un; Sorry – Xin loi – seen loy; Yes – Vang – vung; No – Khong – Khom
City Specific Events: Tet:January/February
How to get around?: Rickshaws and bicycles are a good way to explore the city. Otherwise, taxis and buses are you next best option.
Good to know: Vietnam is considered as the 13th most populated country worldwide.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Vietnam is the Ho Chi Minh City International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Vietnam travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
