Formerly known as the Vietnamese city of Saigon, in 1976 Ho Chi Minh City was borne upon merging with neighbouring Gia Dinh.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is Vietnam's most travelled airport handling approximately 12 million passengers each year and 50% of all Vietnamese air traffic. It is a hub for Indochina Airlines, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines.

The top historical sites and museums to visit include the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, and the Museum of Vietnamese History.

An enlightening excursion roughly two hours outside Ho Chi Minh City is the Cu Chi Tunnels. This intricate tunnel system was used by the Viet Kong to launch attacks during the Tet Offensive

It is relatively cheap and easy to move around the city with various car, motorbike, and cyclo taxis. However, be careful when moving around on foot. Crossing streets in Ho Chi Minh City is particularly difficult due to the overwhelming amount of vehicles.

The Cho Ben Thanh Market is a large market with tightly packed stalls selling a number of items ranging from pottery and jewellery to Cobra and Scorpion Whiskey, a Vietnamese specialty that must be seen to be believed.