HCM City among Asia’s top places in 2023

A corner of Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: Fodors Travel/Shutterstock)

“The center of Vietnam’s economy and the country’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City’s 24 districts offer plenty to see and eat, from the buzzing District 1 with its cultural attractions to all the street food in District 4,” Fodor’s wrote.

Preserved historical sights include Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, a neo-Romanesque and Gothic cathedral built by French colonists in the late 1800s; Cu Chi Tunnels, used by guerrilla troops; and the War Remnants Museum, an often disturbing look at the atrocities of the decade-long war.

"The city’s skyline is ever-evolving, and though the traffic can be dizzying, there’s no shortage of cafes and watering holes for when you need a break from the buzz," the U.S travel site commented.

“In recent years, Ho Chi Minh City’s burgeoning food and drink scene has begun drawing visitors to stylish rooftop bars and street-side cocktail carts alike. Find European-inflected fine dining and banh mi stalls open late, and experience unparalleled coffee culture in hidden coffee shops - including iced coffee served from vendors’ tricycles.”

Fodor’s suggested “Browse the wares and snacks at Ben Thanh Market, walk along the Saigon River, or take a nighttime cruise for a chance to see the city in a different light.”

Ho Chi Minh City is always an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. Most recently, Booking.com said that the southern hub was in the top 15 most searched destinations by global travelers during the New Year holidays.

Among the 15 most searched for upcoming holiday destinations by travelers around the world, London (United Kingdom) and Paris (France) are the top destinations./.