| WHY GO |
| Swelling interest in travel to Vietnam is about to give rise to a wave of tourist development, but for the time being, visitors can still enjoy the country's innocent charm, exquisite food and beautiful coastline, as well as the chaotic energy of ebullient Ho Chi Minh City. Nothing prepares you for the city at rush hour: the crush of scooters and motorcycles is mind-boggling, a daily drama played by a cast of thousands. Above the streets, large billboards advertise everything from washing powder to beer. The city formerly known as Saigon may be named after the Communist leader Ho Chi Minh, but its spirit is more Richard Branson. While there are plenty of cultural stops, the city's main attractions are its restaurants, bars and shops. New boutiques are popping up all over the city, driving a new fashion dynamic. The city also claims to have the best food in the country, and it deserves this title for its version of pho, the noodle soup most commonly served at breakfast. |
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