Tolin's 2024 World Cruise blog posts, Day 59 Mar 8, 2024, Saigon, Viet Nam, Scenic Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City ( HCMC ), commonly known as Saigon , is the most populous city in Vietnam , with a population of around 9.3 million in 2023. The city's geography is defined by rivers and canals , the largest of which is the eponymously-named Saigon River . As a municipality , Ho Chi Minh City consists of 16 urban districts , five rural districts , and one municipal city (sub-city). As the largest financial center in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has the highest gross regional domestic product out of all Vietnam provinces and municipalities, contributing around a quarter of the country's total GDP . Ho Chi Minh City's metropolitan area is ASEAN's 6th largest economy , also the biggest outside an ASEAN country capital. Since the early times, water transport has been heavily used by inhabitants in the area. New car storage after unload from transport ship Busses waiting for us to go on excursions; Saigon, an hour ride away. Shopping area right out o