"Ho Chi Minh City - aka Saigon " a Ho Chi Minh City Travel Page by sunshinejo

I was very unsure what to expect from HCMC, especially as it was my first stop in Vietnam. To be honest, first impressions as I wandered around the city just a few hours after arriving weren't that great, it was very hot and sticky, it smelled and I was constantly hounded by people trying to sell me stuff or offer me a ride. However, the place soon grew on me and before long I came to love it.

HCMC has to be one of the best places in the world for people watching - there's always something going on there, and I find the locals so interesting. The way of life here is so completely different from anything that we're used to in the western world, I could never tire of watching the local people going about their daily business. When you think of all the terrible times this country has seen, and see the scars that they still bear, you really have to give the Vietnamese credit for their positive attitude and the warm welcome that they extend to visitors.

When I think of HCMC, the first thing that comes to mind are motorbikes - they are everywhere! Other memories include beautiful Buddhist pagodas, lots of markets selling fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, spices... The Notre Dame Cathedral, fresh bread and Vietnamese coffee for breakfast every morning and cafes set up on the sides of the street serving food to all the locals. Thinking of HCMC brings a smile to my face, it's definitly a place worth getting to know.