Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), often still called Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest city and economic powerhouse. With a population exceeding 14 million, it’s a dynamic hub contributing roughly a quarter of the country’s GDP. Built around a network of rivers and canals – the Saigon River being the most prominent – HCMC is a major ASEAN economic center, offering a fast-paced environment and a distinctly modern feel.

The city’s history is complex, marked by periods of Cambodian, Vietnamese, French colonial, and South Vietnamese rule before unification in 1976. This layered past is visible in its architecture and culture. Today, HCMC is experiencing rapid development, attracting international business and a growing digital nomad community with its blend of affordability, connectivity, and a vibrant, entrepreneurial spirit.