About Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam:
Previously known as Saigon…and often still called that by locals and many visitors, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic metropolis. As of early 2026, it’s a bustling economic powerhouse and major tourist hub in Southeast Asia.
The urban population is estimated at around 10 million people (with the broader metropolitan area even larger after recent administrative expansions). HoChi Minh City is Vietnam’s financial and commercial center.
The city juxtaposes old and new: colonial-era buildings sit alongside gleaming high-rises, while chaotic scooter traffic fills the streets alongside quiet pagodas and a riverside walk.
Ho Chi Minh City serves as Vietnam’s main international gateway, with rapid modernization blending French colonial heritage, wartime history, and futuristic skyscrapers.contributing roughly a quarter of the country’s GDP. The city is targeting strong growth (over 10% GRDP in 2026), driven by services, industry and tech/data centers.
Catholic places of interest in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam:
Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam:
The main airport for Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), serving as the primary gateway for both domestic and international travelers, located about 6-7 kilometers north of the city center. It handles a huge volume of flights and passengers daily, making it one of Vietnam’s busiest airports. You will need a valid passport with 6 months validity and a visa (apply for an E-visa online).