Ho Chi Minh
Geography
Ho Chi Minh City, the larggest commercial city in Vietnam, is in the core of Mekong Delta, formerly known as Saigon. It is not only commercial but also a scientific, technological, industrial and tourist centre. Many rivers are batthed the city like arroyos, canals, and the biggest river is Saigon River. The Saigon Port was established in 1862, accessible to ships weighing up to 30,000 tons, a rare advantage for an inland river port.
Climate: There are two distinctive seasons: the rainy season is from May to November, and the dry season is from December to April. The annual average temperature is 27oC. April is the hottest month and December is lowest. Weather is warm all year.
History
Merchants from countries as China, Japan and many European countries would be upstream the Saigon River to reach up the islet of Pho, a trading centre. The Cho Lon market was merged with Saigon in 1874, forming the largest city in the Indochina at that time. It was celebrated as the Pearl of the Far East for many years. After the reunification of the country, the 6th National Assembly in its meeting of the 2nd of July, 1976, has officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City. The history of city relate closely with the struggle for the independence and freedom of Vietnam.
Tourism
Ho Chi Minh City is today well-known as a busy commercial and tourist centre in Vietnam, attracting numerous of visitors to Vietnam. This city has various attractions such as Ho Chi Minh Museum, formerly known as Dragon House Wharf, Cu Chi Tunnels, War museums, History Musseum, ancient temples and Buddhist pagoda, etc.…. Recently many tourist areas are invested such as Thanh Da, Binh Quoi Village, Dam Sen Park, Sai Gon Water Park, Suoi Tien, Ky Hoa…., which draw a large number of tourists
Ho Chi Minh City possesses various beautiful buildings, displaying a characteristic combination of Vietnamese, Chinese and European cultures. These include Nha Rong (Dragon House Wharf), Quoc Tu Temple (National Ancestors Temple), Xa Tay (Municipal Office), Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre as well as many pagodas and churches (Vinh Nghiem, Giac Lam, Phung Son pagodas…). After more than 300 years development, Ho Chi Minh City presents many ancient architectural constructions, famous vestiges and renowned sights. It is remarkable for it harmonious blending of traditional national values with northern and western culture features.
Transportation
Ho Chi Minh City is the main junction for train, roads, water, and air transportation systems for domestic trips and foreign destinations.
Roads: Ho Chi Minh City is 1,730 km from Hanoi, 99km from Tay Ninh, 30 km from Bien Hoa (Dong Nai), 70km from My Tho, 125 km from Vung Tau, 168 km from can Tho, 308 km from Dalat, and 375 km from Buon Ma Thuot. The City has National Highway 13 which connects Vietnam with the rest of Indochina
Train: Thong Nhat express train connects Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, via many provinces in Vietnam.
Air: Tan Son Nhat International Airport, 7 km from centre of city, is one of the biggest airports with many domestic and international flights.
