Vietnam Saigon Has Successfully Put Behind Its Turbulent Past

Globetrotters are amazed by the sheer natural beauty and diversity of Vietnam and are keen to discover its tourist attractions. The apparently somnolent image of Vietnam conceals a myriad of attractions and excitements and Vietnam has become one of the top holiday priorities for the avid globetrotter. The country offers plenty of things to do and visitors can take in their fill of history and culture while at the same time live it up at its innumerable entertainment venues. Amongst its top tourist attractions is the city of Saigon and no travel to Vietnam is complete without sampling the city’s many delights.

Vietnam’s Saigon, has its origins in a non-descript fishing village when it was known as the ‘Pery Nokor’. In its present avatar, Saigon is one of hottest destinations for the history buff as well as the entertainment seeker. The city boasts of some marvellous architecture and has many beautiful boulevards and French colonial style historical buildings which are well-preserved and have become tourist attractions in their own right.

The Reunification Palace, State Bank Office, Ho Chi Minh City Hall, City Post Office, Municipal Theatre are some testimonies to the French occupation. Hotels with a rich history built during the French occupation can still be seen and include the Rex Hotel, Hotel Majestic and Hotel Caravelle. Saigon also has some grand museums like the War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City Museum and the Museum of Vietnamese History.

The Vietnamese film industry has its base in Saigon which is buzzing with hundreds of theatres and cinemas all of which are very active. In fact, the entertainment industry is responsible for the maximum revenue generated in the city. Other entertainment options in Saigon include visits to the Can Gio Eco Beach Resort which is hugely popular with tourists or the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The Suoi Tien Amusement and Tradition Park and the Dam Sen Tourist and National Park are also great for a relaxing break.

Saigon has become one of the most densely populated cities of Vietnam and has a thriving economy. It seems to have put behind its turbulent past, when it was the most affected place during the Vietnam War and has now become the financial capital of Vietnam. It is home to huge trade and business involving retail, technology, electronics and entertainment.

Although the city experiences some humidity throughout the year December is a very pleasant month for a visit. The wet season is best avoided as there are heavy downpours especially in May and November and it is less conducive to enjoyable sightseeing. Although taxis and buses are to be found in plenty, while in Saigon, don’t forget to sit atop a ‘Xichlos or Cyclos’ which is the most common form of transport in the city. Car rentals are also easily available in the city.

Vietnam is indeed an astonishingly beautiful country with its lakes, pagodas, placid villages and vibrant cities and Vietnam Saigon is certainly not to be missed on a holiday to this country.