following the fall of Saigon in 1975, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City. However the old Saigon name is still used by both Vietnamese and foreigners, especially when referring to the most central part of the city to which most tourists flock. Although the capital of a united Vietnam is Hanoi in the north, Ho Chi Minh City remains Vietnam's main economic and financial centre.

Though Vietnam has been united since the conclusion of the Vietnam War, cultural differences arising from the division of Vietnam can be seen to this day. To this day, locals in Ho Chi Minh City tend to be more business-minded and less ideological than those in Hanoi in the north. In addition, Southerners also tend to be more hospitable towards Western visitors than Northerners. The Vietnam War remains a sensitive topic, and it is advisable not to bring it up in discussions with locals. Do not assume that all Vietnamese think alike, as many Southerners are still bitter about having lost to the North

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons. The dry season which is     from December to May. The most pleasant time to visit is from December to February when temperatures and humidity are lower. March and April are hot with temperatures that can reach up to 40°C (104°F). The wet season is long, usually beginning in May and ending in October is characterized by high temperatures and humidity. Cloudy weather is more common although periods of sunshine do occur during the wet season.

Get in

By plane

• TAN SON NHAT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SGN ^IATA Tân Sơn Nhất) (The airport is c about 8 km from the heart of the city.). is Vietnam's largest international airport. There are two terminals: the shiny, pleasant international terminal which took over all international flights from 2007, and the old but functional domestic terminal 200 m away. There is no duty-free shopping after you land - purchase such items at the airport from which you are departing to visit Vietnam. Both terminals have limited food offerings at high prices once you pass immigration on your outbound journey. 

Immigration and currency

Immigration protocols at the airport are very streamlined. It is no longer necessary for most passengers to fill in any immigration or customs declaration cards. (The latter may be necessary if you are intending to stay in Vietnam for a long period, or carrying unusual goods; the former is needed for visa on arrival). The baggage carousels are one level down from the immigration booths. You will need to have your checked-in and hand-carry luggage X-rayed before you leave the restricted area.

After you clear customs, you will find currency exchange booths to your right. The currency of Vietnam is the dong. Currency exchange rates at the airport are competitive, and it is preferable to change money here than at the backpackers area in the city which tends to have less favourable rates. Ask first if there's a commission, because this will add to the cost of changing money and nullify any rate advantage. There are two Citibank ATMs near the currency exchange booths. The withdrawal fee is 60,000 dong. Maximum withdrawal is 6,000,000 dong at one time. There is also a different ATM across the Citibank one's, but it is charging a percentage on top a fixed fee, which works out more expensively.

Getting to city centre

Take a taxi from a reliable company 

You can use taxi from muinehappytourvietnam service it's a tour company to get you where you want to go and as long as you show your destination address to the driver , you and the company providing taxi don't even have to exchange one word. This is the best option since it is cheaper than taking normal taxis.