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Saigon
Saigon
If every town had a symbol, Saigon’s would undoubtedly be the motorcycle. Streets once swarming with bicycles now resound to the buzz of more than three million flying to and fro across the city.
Teeming markets, pavement cafés and centuries-old pagodas stand in the shadow of gleaming, sleek skyscrapers whilst ramshackle wooden fronted shops selling an intoxicating array of silks, spices and hand made furniture jostle for attention with glamorous boutiques, lavish hotels and gourmet restaurants.

Renamed Ho ChiMinh City in 1975, yet still called Saigon by most, this lively city boasts an electric energy that is almost palpable.To the untrained eye Saigon can seem chaotic and bustling but let yourself relax and fall prey to the hidden charms of one of Asia’s most eclectic cities.

Amidst all this growth Saigon has not forgotten its past and the ghosts of yesteryear live on in the churches, temples and palaces that abound here. Chau Quan Am Temple was founded in 1816 and this atmospheric Chinese temple features extraordinary gilding and beautiful carvings, for a small donation saffron-robed monks will show you around. Giac Lam Pagoda dates from 1744 and is filled with gilded statues and colourful wall panels that depict amongst other things, the path to enlightenment and the agonies that will befall those condemned to hell.

The Fine ArtsMuseum is housed within the decaying grandeur of a French colonial building and is home to a diverse collection of art.Modern pieces sit alongside classic and abstract while in the garden elderly gentleman sip iced tea and exchange stamp collections. Explore the deserted halls of the Reunification Palace, the striking modern architecture is a stark contrast to the eerie sensation as you wander through a building that is preserved almost as it was on the last day of the Republic of Vietnam in 1975. Nearby, the Cu Chi Tunnels, an elaborate underground network of tunnels and chambers dug with simple tools and bare hands during the 1940’s becoming legendary during the conflict with America, are an all too chilling reminder of recent history.
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Saigon fact file
Best times to go:
Typically the best time to travel the whole country is between October and March although this is high season and therefore also the busiest time to travel.
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Climate:
The climate varies considerably from region to region and is dictated by two monsoon seasons.  The winter monsoon between October and March and summer monsoon between May and October.
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