Ho Chi Minh is the place to be in for the history and cultural buffs. Attractions in the city that no traveler can afford to miss include:

Reunification Hall:Formerly the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam, the Reunification Hall is a restored five storey building that has more or less been lying untouched since the war of 1975. Travelers should not miss out on the recreation room with a circular sofa and war rooms in the basement.

War Remnants Museum:Earlier known as the Exhibition House of American War Crimes, the War Remnants Museum of today is housed in an assemblage of warehouses. The museum is a gruesome reminder of man`s cruelty during the war between Vietnam and America. The disturbing display inside include a real guillotine, war photographs, jars of deformed fetuses etc.

Saigon Square:The Saigon Square is a gathering place for the hip and young in the city. The square now houses some of the former Russian Market stores that are known for a great collection of T-shirts, jeans, watches, DVDs, shorts, slipper etc.

Museum of Vietnamese History:Located at Le Duan Street, the museum is a great place to witness a vast collection of Vietnamese antiquities. The botanical gardens outside the museum are the perfect place for a quiet lunch out with friends.

Everyone, from business travelers to backpackers, can easily find accommodation of their style and budget in Ho Chi Minh. Travelers can choose the best area to stay in according to their choice and purpose of visit.

District 3:The budget conscious travelers to Ho Chi Minh would love the concentration of inexpensive hotels in District 3. The French style architecture of the district attracts a great deal of foreign travelers every year. Few of the highly recommended hotels in District 3 include Evergreen, Sol Chancery Hotel,International and Epco Hotels.

Cholon (District 5):The Cholon area in District 5 is a favored place of the Chinese visitors to the city of Ho Chi Minh. Merchants and tourists from Hong Kong and Taiwan throng hotels like Arc en Ciel and Equatorial. Those wishing to stay a little closed to the downtown can opt for the Metropole Hotel.

District 1:The West End area in District 1 houses a large number of budget inns whereas the Dong Khoi area is home to a large number of upmarket lodging options. Kim Do and the Amara Saigon hotels are the best options for the luxury seeking travelers. These let the tourists experience luxury at an affordable cost.

A passport valid for at least one month after visa expiration is required by all nationals intending to visit Vietnam.

A visa is required by nationals of Britain, Australia, Canada, USA and other EU nations, except the nationals of Finland, Denmark and Sweden for stays of up to 15 days.

Being the dry season, December to April is considered to be the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh. It is also considered to be the hottest time but is preferred due to low humidity conditions and cooler evenings. Do partake in the celebrations during the Tet Festival in January.

Being close to the sea, Ho Chi Minh stays warm almost all through the year. Temperatures cool down a little December onwards till April, which is also the driest season in the city. Rains begin to fall in the beginning of May and become heavy from June to August. Ho Chi Ming is also prone to typhoons from July to November hence plan your trip accordingly.

Currency:The official currency used in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VCD). US dollars are the second most commonly acceptable currency in the country. It is possible to exchange foreign currency easily in larger cities like Ho Chi Ming and Hanoi at an exchange rate of about 2%.

Language:The official language of the country is Vietnamese. Other languages that are commonly spoken in administration and business circles are English, French, Russian, German, Spanish and Chinese.