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Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam's largest city and is the powerhouse driving the country's rapid economic development. Being the centre for trade in Vietnam, Saigon fairly hums with energy from dawn to dusk, and life in the second city is fast-paced, dynamic, cosmopolitan and exciting.
Architecturally, Saigon is eclectic in style. Restored colonial classics stand side-by-side with brand new developments which would be at home in any Asian megapolis, traditional temples in classical Sino-Vietnamese-style sit next door to sixties-style, American-influenced architecture, reminders of the massive US presence here during the American/Vietnam war, and the ubiquitous Stalinist concrete mostrousities that blight all major Socialist cities. As a travel destination, Saigon is justifiably popular and the city offers something for everyone. Business travellers and tourists can enjoy the opulence of luxury, five-star hotels - some restored classics and some brand-new developments. Backpackers will find a welcome in the travellers ghetto of Pham Ngu Lao, right in the centre of downtown, where guesthouse accommodation can be had for just a few dollars a night. Dining out is always a treat in Saigon and the city's nightlife is also wide-ranging and good value. Sightseeing and other leisure opportunities are plentiful and the city is a great place from which to explore the surrounding area, including the Mekong Delta, Cu Chi tunnels and Tay Son's eclectic Cao Dai temple. Golfers will find plenty of choice in and around Saigon, with three fully-fledged golf clubs within easy reach of the city centre plus an in-city 9-hole "pitch & putt" course and golf shops in all the major department stores and shopping malls. There are a number of golf tour operators based in the city all offering golf days to the local courses plus longer tours to Dalat, Phan Thiet, Vung Tau and beyond Saigon is the most popular destination in Vietnam for both business and pleasure and the city offers an insight to Vietnam and the Vietnamese seldom seen elsewhere in the country. To explore Saigon further, and for details of special deals currently on offer for ElephantGuide.com users, simply select your channel of choice and let The Elephant guide you.
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