Ho Chi Minh City
The Ultimate Luxury Gateway

Ho Chi Minh City, still lovingly called Saigon by its 14 million residents, is a city of intoxicating contrasts. Sleek skyscrapers cast shadows over ancient pagodas; the roar of motorbikes mingles with the strains of traditional music; and the intoxicating aroma of street-side pho competes with the scent of French perfume drifting from a colonial-era hotel.

This is a city that never sleeps, yet possesses a deep, tranquil soul. It’s a place where every alley tells a story, every meal is a celebration, and every encounter feels like the beginning of a lifelong love affair. For the discerning traveler, Saigon offers an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and modern luxury, making it the essential gateway to Southern Vietnam.

From the opulent suites of Park Hyatt Saigon to the vibrant chaos of Ben Thanh Market, this guide will navigate you through the heart of this dynamic metropolis, curated with the refined eye of Chic Indochine.

Ho Chi Minh City’s story began as a small Khmer port known as Prey Nokor. In the 17th century, Vietnamese settlers transformed it into a trading hub. But the French colonial era, spanning from 1859 to 1954, sculpted its grand boulevards, neoclassical villas, and the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. The French called it “Saigon” — the Pearl of the Orient.

After 1975, the city was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City, yet the former name Saigon still lingers in the hearts of locals and travellers. Today, the city harmonises timeless heritage with ultra-modern skyscrapers, making it a must-visit destination for culture connoisseurs and architecture enthusiasts alike.

The transformation from a small fishing village to a bustling metropolis of over fourteen million people is a story of resilience, adaptation, and relentless energy. The city has survived wars, economic embargoes, and rapid modernization, emerging each time with renewed vitality.

Walking through its streets today, one can feel the layers of history beneath the surface — in the faded advertisements on old buildings, the French-era balconies now draped with satellite dishes, and the hidden alleyways that open into tranquil courtyards.

“To understand modern Vietnam, you must walk the alleys of Saigon — where a bowl of pho tells a story of resilience, and each French shutter whispers colonial elegance.”