Nowhere does one feel the dynamic changes occurring in Vietnam more than in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. This city rightfully exists in most people's minds as an exciting, exotic part of the lure of Southeast Asia. The reality of Vietnam's largest city is not disappointing!

Despite an estimated seven million residents when all of the transients are counted, the central urban districts will give you the feeling of a small, intimate city. However, in the nearby rural districts that make up approximately 90 precent of the nearly 2,000 square miles covered by the city, rice paddies and the tranquility of the timeless countryside surround you.

The myriad rivers, canals and ditches that cross the city not only add charm but also contribute to the extensive traffic jams in the endless flow of motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles. While the traffic can be intimidating to visitors it is a sight never to be forgotten.

The center of the city with many of the tourist attractions is known as District 1. Stretching away from the promenade overlooking the river with its numerous ferries and ocean-going ships are several of the wide boulevards that put most of the major attractions within an easy walk or cyclo ride from the major hotels in this area (Rex Hotel, Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon and the Saigon Prince Hotel). Many of the more interesting museums are nearby, including the former Presidential Palace, now known as Reunification Palace and famous for the 1975 pictures of the tanks crashing through the gates. Across the street is the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City which along with the History Museum near the City Zoo will entertain you with the unique art form of Vietnamese water puppets.

Among the new large office buildings of this area you will find upscale modern shopping (Diamond Department Store and Saigon Center). Tourists will delight in browsing on Dong Khoi Street, running from the Saigon River to the famous and beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral, completed in 1883. Nearby is one of the city's most beautiful buildings, the French colonial-style General Post Office. Dong Khoi and the adjoining small streets are where you can wander through the many shops offering local handicrafts, find Western books (Bookazine) or relax in the many fine restaurants featuring Vietnamese traditional fare or cuisine from around the world

Nguyen Hue Boulevard runs from the riverfront to the classic European-style City Hall that today is the HCM People's Committee Building for the city administration. Where Dong Khoi Street meets Le Loi Boulevard sits the beautiful Municipal Theatre, the classic opera house built in 1900, where frequently you will see wedding couples posing for photos. Moving east past the shops along the broad boulevard of Le Loi you will come to the Ben Thanh Market, one of the most popular and large markets in the city, where you can find almost anything available in Vietnam and have the opportunity to try your bargaining skills.

Passing the New World Hotel Saigon takes you into the area frequented by backpackers. This is centered on De Tham Street and many budget hotels (Hai Duong Hotel and Hai Ha Guesthouse, for example) and restaurants (such as Kim Cafe and Cappuccino) can be found here.

District 5 is the former town of Cholon (big market) and is the center of the Chinese community. The Binh Tay market covers much of the district and here you will find everything from traditional Chinese herbs and medicines to whatever you could imagine needing for sewing and tailoring. Nearby is the Cha Tam Church where President Diem took temporary refuge after being toppled from power in 1963.

Adjacent to District 1 is the quieter District 3 with many beautiful French architectural-style homes. Visit the War Remnants Museum and some of the most beautiful and interesting pagodas, including Xa Loi Pagoda and Chua Vinh Nghiem.

Ho Chi Minh City is a major seaport with ships coming 70 miles up the Saigon River from the sea. Immediately across the bridge from the riverfront area of District 1 is the main port area, which also features the Ho Chi Minh Museum in an historical customs house with many of the late leaders artifacts.

North of the city is the large district of Cu Chi, much of which was totally devastated during the American War in a vain attempt to eliminate the guerillas living in tunnels beneath the ground. Today the vegetation and agriculture has returned and there are fascinating tours offered of some of the Cu Chi Tunnels that have been preserved. Continue north and you will arrive at the town of Tay Ninh and the very interesting Cao Dai Temple, home to the religion of the All-Seeing Eye and its colorful daily ceremonies.