The wide Saigon River, which takes a huge turn from the east of Saigon, links the city with the sea. The city with its essential French colonial character has showed its characteristic charm. The city's colonial villas, wide avenues and a lively cafe society remind you the days of French domination.
Over decades Ho Chi Minh City has experienced a spectacular change in its cityscape. The once low-rise landscape of the city's central area, District 1, is now marked with shining skyscrapers including high-rise apartments, international hotels and companies. This bustling, vibrant, industrial hub of the nation is the biggest city of Vietnam as well. Saigon is also the cultural center and economic capital of the country.
Ho Chi Minh City is a year-round destination and even the rainfalls of the rainy season (May to October) are over in a couple of hours, giving way to sun, the city feeling refreshed.