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The City
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Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City? The first used to be the first city of the French colony and the latter – the once-capital of the state of South Vietnam until the end of the war in 1975. Despite the historic connotations, you'll hear some locals still lovingly call it Saigon, while others rule in favour of the new name. Upon arrival, you’ll immediately be plunged into a lively street atmosphere, cadenced by over 3 million motorcycles, racing along sidewalks dotted with colourful fruit stalls.
Ho Chi Minh did not escape the war but it’s now a rapidly growing city. The nation’s economic heart has embarked onto important urban and education developments. Some 50 universities and colleges attract over 300,000 students. You will also find dozens of supermarket chains, luxury shopping malls and modern fashion centres. But Ho Chi Minh is also a city with a rich past: heavily influenced by the French in terms of culture and style, the city is still characterised by elegant boulevards and historic colonial buildings.
Ho Chi Minh did not escape the war but it’s now a rapidly growing city. The nation’s economic heart has embarked onto important urban and education developments. Some 50 universities and colleges attract over 300,000 students. You will also find dozens of supermarket chains, luxury shopping malls and modern fashion centres. But Ho Chi Minh is also a city with a rich past: heavily influenced by the French in terms of culture and style, the city is still characterised by elegant boulevards and historic colonial buildings.