Official Language:
Vietnamese
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Currency:
Dong
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Population:
Approxiamtely 6 million people call Ho Chi Minh City home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam covers two different climatic zones: the moderate climate zone in the North of the country and the tropical climate zone in the South. The moderate northern zone has two seasons, winter from November to April, and summer from May to October. The tropical South of the country has three seasons: the cold season from November to January, the hot season from February to April and the rainy season from May or June to October. The Southeast Asian rainy season from June to early November is similar to that of the Philippines and the South China coast of Hongkong, it is commonly struck by typhoons. The average January temperature is 27°C (81°F). The Average July temperature is 29°C (84°F) with an annual rainfall of 1983mm (78 inches).
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PORT: Cruise ships dock at the Ben Nghe Pier. This is approximately a half-mile from the city center. Pedicabs are available for hire outside the port gate.
Ho Chi Minh City, still referred to as ‘Saigon’ by locals and visitors is located in the south of Vietnam. Situated on a large bend in the Saigon River (the Saigon River flows through the east of the city). it is now considered the economic centre of the country. The Communist government took control of Vietnam in 1975. The official name change from Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City took effect in 1975. Ho Chi Minh City lacks the charm and elegance that Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi has. Streets are busy with plenty of waterside activity. The skyline of the city reflects the tall skyscrapers, dramatically different then what the city was 10 years ago. There are many wonderful historic sites, museums, and shops. There is much to do and see in this wonderful, friendly city.
Following the decades of unrest, Ho Chi Minh City has enjoyed 25+ years of peace. Saigon became the capital of the French colony of Cochinchina, the southern part of present-day Vietnam, in 1862. The French then extended and rebuilt the city. Wide boulevards and delicate architecture is still exist today. Defeated in battle during 1954 and ending in Vietnam being divided in two, Saigon became the capital of the Republic of South Vietnam. Immediately afterwards the Communist North Vietnam, under the leadership of its president, Ho Chi Minh, began the attempt to overthrow the South Vietnamese government. Americans stepped in and brought the ‘Vietnam War’ global notoriety with an attempt to prevent a Communist takeover. The North did succeed in 1975 and the whole of Vietnam then came under Communist rule from Hanoi. This resulted in Massive inflation causing poverty to follow. In 1986 the government introduced doi moi, the Vietnamese equivalent of perestroika. This relaxed the hold on the people and allowed them to run their own businesses.
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Attractions |
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Botanical Gardens:
Located at the end of Le Duan Boulevard. This is a 130-year-old gardens that offers a very nice collection of orchids and other flowers. The small zoo has a number of endangered indigenous animals and other exotic exhibits from overseas.
War Crimes Museum:
Photographic exhibits show the history of the Vietnam War. The courtyard features a collection of war material, with US tanks, choppers and bombs.
Cu Chi Tunnels:
Visitors can enjoy a short video that traces the history of the tunnels, their origins, construction and design. A military guide will explain with the use of the tunnels, and display some of the tools and weapons that were utilized by the guerrillas. The majority of the tunnel complex has been open and ventilated so that visitors can experience the underground meeting rooms, kitchens, hospital and sleeping areas.
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More Information |
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