The capital of South Vietnam until 1975, Ho Chi Minh, known formerly as Saigon, has traditionally been a place of business and enterprise. Motorcycles vie with bicycle rickshaws for space on the roads and many of the colonial buildings which were synonymous with the Vietnam War such as the Rex Hotel, the Caravelle and the post office have all survived and add to the city's charm.

Cholon, or China town, bustles with activity and an hours drive away you can visit the Cu Chi tunnels which are just part of the huge labyrinth of underground passageways used by the Vietcong. Nearby is the Cai Dai temple, the centre of a religion unique to Vietnam where gods such as Victor Hugo are worshipped.