Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as Saigon. It is one of Vietnam's liveliest cities and a hub for commerce and culture. This place has all kinds of classically elegant French buildings that were left behind from the colonial period. You will feel almost as if you are in Paris. Apart from the sightseeing tours of places like the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the Ho Chi Minh City City Hall and the Municipal Theatre, you can witness more grand French-style architecture off the beaten path by visiting the Central Post Office and mail a post card. At the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum you can learn about Vietnam's more recent history, take a boat trip along the Mekong River, or enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee in an old French-style café. Phạm Ngũ Lão Street is very quiet and peaceful during daylight hours. Once night falls, however, this place comes alive. Not only an excellent place to enjoy the city's nightlife, it is also a favorite place for backpackers to stay.