Ho Chi Minh City, Economic center in southern Vietnam
Description
Ho Chi Minh City is a megacity in southern Vietnam that extends across numerous districts with several million inhabitants. Wide boulevards run alongside narrow alleys, canals wind through residential and commercial zones, while tall buildings stand next to low colonial structures and markets plus parks sit scattered between the streets.
History
The area served as a fishing settlement for centuries before French colonists took control in 1859 and transformed it into a trading hub. After the war ended in 1975, the city was renamed and grew into the largest urban zone in the country.
Culture
Street vendors cook fresh meals on sidewalks while people gather around low plastic stools to eat and chat. Temples and pagodas fill with locals lighting incense and praying quietly in front of altars.
Practical
The central district offers many hotels and serves as a good starting point for exploring surrounding neighborhoods. Motorbike taxis and buses connect different areas, though traffic gets heavy during morning and evening hours.
Did you know?
Beneath the urban area runs an extensive tunnel network that served as hideouts and supply routes during wartime. Some sections lie several meters underground and remain open for visitors today.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Vietnam).
Photo license: CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo license: CC BY-SA 4.0
This collection showcases the 25 most populated cities in Asia, ranked by their urban area populations. The Asian continent now hosts the largest human concentrations on the planet, with metropolises exceeding 10 million inhabitants regularly. From Shanghai with 24 million residents leading the...
Ho Chi Minh City's rooftop bars sit high above the busy streets, offering views of the city spreading out below. From these elevated spaces, you can see the mix of old and new buildings, traffic moving through neighborhoods, and the glow of neon signs at night. The bars are located in the upper...
Củ Chi tunnels
37.2 km
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
554 m
Independence Palace
738 mBlack Virgin Mountain
89.1 km
Dragon House
972 m
Bitexco Financial Tower
512 m
District 1
671 m
Tân Bình
5.7 km
Bến Thành Market
546 m
Gò Vấp
8.3 km
War Remnants Museum
1.2 km
Côn Đảo Prison
232.5 km
Cát Tiên National Park
80.4 km
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
1.4 km
Rạch Miễu Bridge
62.6 km
Christ of Vung Tau
65.2 km
Văn Miếu Trấn Biên
23.7 km
Giraffes
1.5 km
Suối Tiên Amusement Park
16.7 km
Jade Emperor Pagoda
1.9 km
22 Gia Long Street
322 m
Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
251 m
Thong Nhat Stadium
4.5 km
Vinh Trang Temple
58.3 km
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda
2.7 km
Tomb of Lê Văn Duyệt
3 km
Phu My Bridge
5.8 km
Sun World BaDen Mountain
86.8 km
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes