While various people around the world still assume Ho Chi Minh City is an underdeveloped city, it is actually the economic heart of Vietnam with skyscrapers and modern architecture. However, despite its energetic and bustling vibes, this city also possesses numerous historic sites to embrace its painful yet filled with pride history.
Ho Chi Minh City (abbreviation HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and the former capital of the Republic of Vietnam. In the past, the city used to be a small fishing village inhabited by Khmer people, Cambodia before becoming a land ruled by the Nguyen dynasty in 1698, then being conquered by the French colonials from 1950 to 1975. Following the Fall of Saigon in 1975, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City. However, the old Saigon moniker is still used by both Vietnamese and foreigners in a dear way. Being a city embracing both traditional and modern beauty, HCMC is an ideal destination of interest for every generation with different characteristics.
If you are young, active, and prefer lively destinations, there are countless places of entertainment for you in this fast-growing dynamic city. Being known as the “Nonsleep City” of Vietnam, the streets are always a jumble of street markets, shops, pavement cafes, stands-on-wheels, and vendors selling wares spread out on sidewalks. At night, there are various night food stalls, 24/7 cafes, walking streets, etc. for you to enjoy the nightlife. It’s simply impossible not to be infected by its exhilarating vibe.
And if you prefer religious and historical places, HCMC is also a perfect destination for you! Notre Dame Cathedral (Nhà thờ Đức Bà) is an old architectural monument, which is much enchanting. Incense Thien Hau Pagoda is dedicated to Lady Thien Hau, the sea goddess, who left two giant turtles to keep an eye on things in her absence. Besides, you should also visit some fascinating museums of the city, such as the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, the Museum of Vietnamese History, the Revolutionary Museum, and the War Remnants Museum. Especially, do not miss out on the Independence Palace, the place that marks the date Vietnamese citizens were freed from the war.
Despite its quite recent past, Ho Chi Minh City nevertheless possesses diverse impressive buildings, demonstrating a harmonious combination of Vietnamese, Chinese, and European cultures. After more than 300 years of development, Ho Chi Minh City displays many ancient architectural constructions, famous vestiges, and renowned sights. It is remarkable for its perfect blending of traditional national values with Western cultural features.
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