Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam named after the late communist leader Ho Chi Minh, who led the nation against both France and the U.S.A. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has been historically a political and administrative centre of Vietnam. Today Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is a rapidly developing, dynamic, and the economic capital of Vietnam. It is perhaps the heart and soul of Vietnam. The bustling industrious centre of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam also harbors the ancient traditions and culture of Vietnam and bears the influences of French colonial rule. Life in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam resides in the city streets, markets, shops, pavement cafés and vendors selling their goods on the sidewalks. Besides soaking in the rich culture and ethos of Vietnam on the streets, the visitors are also offers a number of tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. Some of these are - Emperor Jade Pagoda (Phuoc Hai Tu or Chua Ngoc Hoang) This is a place of worship and an excellent example of a Chinese temple. The temple is an ancient architectural extravaganza with elaborate woodcarvings and sculptures depicting local deities. - Market of Cholon The ancient Chinese quarter of Cholon or Chinatown is the best place in Ho Chin Minh City, Vietnam to observe the hustle and bustle of trading. - Notre Dame Cathedral Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, this French built twin tower cathedral occupies scenic Paris Square. It has been a familiar landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam since 1880s and is one of the major Vietnam tourist attractions. - Cu Chi Tunnel This is the underground tunnel built and used by the Viet Cong during both French-IndoChina War and the Vietnam War. It took 25 years to construct this tunnel and it stands today as a symbol of struggle of the Vietnamese people in one of the most famous battle grounds of Vietnam War. - War Remnants Museum One of the most famous tourist attractions in Vietnam, this museum bears witness to the sufferings of the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War in the 1960’s and 1970’s. It has on displays various artifacts and photographs documenting the events during this period Several other attractions of Vietnam tourism resides in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam namely the Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Central Post Office, Zoo and Botanical gardens and the Cho Ben Thanh Market.