Walking (or riding around in a cyclo) is the best way to absorb the sights and sounds of this dynamic city, as most places of interest are located in the central District 1.

A walk along the riverfront is an ideal way to enjoy the constant activity on the Saigon River, as small and large boats ply to and from the opposite bank. Alternatively, the rooftop bar of the Majestic Hotel gives the best bird's eye view of the river.

Dong Khoi Street, the main shopping street in the city, is crammed with gift shops, tailors, jewellers and restaurants. At one end of this street are Notre Dame Cathedral and the huge central Post Office, with its enormous portrait of the former president, Ho Chi Minh.

Just off this busy shopping area on Dong Du is the Saigon Central Mosque, an oasis of calm. The busy streets and river can be exhausting but a fast-paced cyclo ride to the Botanical Gardens is worth it, while the small pagodas in Cholon are symbols of tranquillity in an area frantic with commercial activity.

All attractions in District 1 are best reached on foot; other attractions further out should be visited by taxi or cyclo. There are currently no tourist passes in Ho Chi Minh City.

Saigontourist
49 Le Thanh Ton, District 1
Tel: (08) 829 8914.
Website: www.saigontourist.net

This is not a tourist office in the normal sense, as no such organisation exists. However, Saigontourist is government run and does have some information, although most literature relates to the tours it runs and the hotels it owns.