Polish those binoculars, tie those walking shoes and cinch up that fanny pack, because in this bustling city of 9 million people, there's a lot to see.
From its French-colonial origins to its war-torn past, history is a constant presence in Ho Chi Minh City. One popular attraction is the Tunnels of Cu Chi, where adventurous visitors have the chance to descend into a real network of Viet Cong tunnels (fortunately widened for the Western physique). The dated but stirring War Remnants Museum serves to remind visitors of the terrible legacy of war, while a visit to the Reunification Palace offers a glimpse into the last days of the South Vietnamese regime.
Shoppers will be in paradise in Ho Chi Minh city, where one vibrant market is just a quick cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) trip from another. Cho Ben Thanh is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its wide variety of offerings, from dishware to produce to imitation perfume. And if you work up an appetite, be sure to indulge in the signature Vietnamese dish pho (noodle soup), a special breed of which is served up daily at the Pho Binh Noodle Shop.
Those looking to escape the city limits can find themselves floating past islets and tropical orchards on any number of Mekong Delta Tours, or sliding down 25-foot sand dunes on rented carpets on a trip to the dunes, Red Canyon and Fairy Stream.
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