If Vietnam interests you, not only as beautiful beaches, clean sea and a comfortable rest, then visit Ho Chi Mines must be, as well as the capital of Vietnam - Hanoi. But if Hanoi, it is Vietnam rather last, then Ho Chi Minh, it is Vietnam future. The city is relatively young, just the 4th century (compared to the millenarily Hanoi, at all), and in it, the colonial interests of France of France have been strongly reflected, which has a strong influence of the Asian Economic, which began one and a half years ago. Historic buildings and alleys in the city center built by the French by the analogy with Paris, coexist with chic skyscrapers, restaurants, nightclubs and brothels on ul. Dong Hoy, which delivered the city by inheritance since the time of the Vietnamese war. And all this on the background of the beggar, but the original outlook, where the main population lives. It will not be an exaggeration to say that at the moment Ho Chi Minimi is actively strive to go around the infrastructure and economic power, such giants of Southeast Asia, such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok.
Alas, but it affects comfort in the city. Traffic is so mad that I have not seen such anywhere in the world, millions of scooters who move around the city in chaotic order, without observing the rules, markup and performing something unimaginable on the road. At the same time, it is necessary to pay tribute to their ability to control vehicles, the major accidents are not visible at all.
However, the fact that Ho Chi is a typical modern metropolis does not mean that there is nothing to see. There is! First, it is necessary to visit the historical center, where the planning of quarters and the building built by the French are preserved. By the way, those who were in Paris will find a lot of similar. Especially bright this feeling becomes after you see the Basilica notre-ladies, a complete copy of the Cathedral of France known to the whole world. By the way, the brick for basilica was specially brought here from Marseille, and the frescoes were made by the master of the province of Chartres. About France reminds the Opera House.
If you want to learn more about the realities of the war between Vietcong and the United States, it is worth visiting the caves of ki that are located in 40 kilometers from Saigon. These caves served for partisans and shelter, and a hospital and a means for the supply of products and weapons. Those who wish can try authentic food that they saved fighters from hunger, and the most aggressive can shoot from weapons of the time of war on a nearby shooting area.
Be sure to visit the largest Chinese quarter in all Vietnam, which is not far from the city center. In addition to the largest and most beautiful temple of Chua Quan AM, the place is great because it is a real labyrinth from shops, restaurants and entertainment institutions for adults. It is said that there are still well-known opumocurines, preserved from the times of French colonists.
Over the past 10 years, a lot has been done in ensuring the safety of tourists and citizens in Ho Chi Minh City, and now it is not the city that was at the beginning of the 90s, when he was considered the city of mafia clans. Explosions and disassembly, a la in our 90s, you will not see here. But this is not a reason to relax. Small thieves, pockets, fraudsters, this is the inevitable scourge of any megapolis, so it is not worth relaxing.
If we describe all the above, then you can conclude this kind. Interesting Vietnam as a country? Then without visiting Ho Chi Minh. Not particularly interesting? Then the resort zones and Hanoi are enough.