Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam's largest city, officially renamed from Saigon in 1976 after reunification.

Modern Ho Chi Minh is a bustling metropolis, where the past lingers in French colonial landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Central Post Office, and City Hall. Each district feels like its own micro-city with distinct rhythms and flavors.

As in other parts of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh thrives on its café scene. From sidewalk stools to sleek specialty cafés, coffee is a daily ritual here. Beyond coffee, the city blends traditional Buddhist temples with modern shopping malls and high-end dining, a mix of old and new at every turn.

On the streets, over seven million motorbikes create the city's famously chaotic traffic. The rule for crossing is simple: walk slowly and steadily, and the tide of bikes will flow around you.