Destinations - Far East - Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon, is often referred to as “Vietnam’s Jewel” and the “Pearl of the Orient.” The official name change took place in 1976, following the reunification of the country. Located in the south of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the country’s largest city, with a population of more than six million people and over one million motorbikes. In its history feature the Khmer, the Vietnamese and the French, who were replaced by the Americans and a “Puppet Regime,” and finally the communists. Each one flattened existing structures and rebuilt them to please their own style.

Under the current government, the city is once more being rebuilt.Whole blocks are disappearing and replaced by concrete, steel and glass structures. Central Saigon, which is still the official name for the city center, shows evidence of the French colonial city it once was, with wide, tree-lined boulevards, sidewalk cafйs and elegant, French-colonial architecture.

The city is divided into two major sections: the municipal and historical districts of Saigon and Cholon or Chinatown, where the entrepreneurial talent and private funds are concentrated. Cholon appears to be the most populated and, in general, the most vigorous part of Ho Chi Minh City. It is well worth a visit for its bustle of activity and its pagodas, which are reputed to be the finest in the city.

Caution: Beware of pickpockets when leaving the port area. Carry ashore only what is necessary, leaving valuables and excess cash aboard ship in your in-suite safe.

View all the cruises that call at Ho Chi Minh City, Far East cruise destination

Companies: Hapag Lloyd Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Cunard Line, Peter Deilmann Cruises , Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, P & O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Fred.Olsen Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International,

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