Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the most populous city and municipality in Vietnam. As of 2025, it has a population exceeding 14 million people. The city's geography is characterized by various rivers and canals, with the Saigon River being the largest waterway in the region.
The city serves as Vietnam's primary financial center, possessing the highest gross regional domestic product of all Vietnamese provinces and municipalities; it contributes approximately one-quarter of the nation's total GDP. It is also the country's busiest international transport hub, featuring the Port of Saigon, which ranks among the busiest container ports in Southeast Asia, and Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport, which handles nearly half of Vietnam's international arrivals.
Ho Chi Minh City features a mix of historic and modern landmarks, such as the Independence Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Bến Thành Market, and the Bitexco Financial Tower. The city is also recognized for its distinctive alleys and vibrant nightlife areas, specifically the Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward and Bùi Viện street.