Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is on the move! It's one of the fastest changing and growing cities of Southeast Asia with modern shopping complexes springing up everywhere, a skyline filled with construction cranes, and a joint venture between Japan and Vietnam to build the city's first subway/rapid transit system. 

It's great to see the people of Vietnam enjoying new amenities and infrastructure but people like me still want to see the old Saigon. Traditional culture, morning markets, non-touristy neighborhoods. 

The good news is there's still lots to see. Around Co Bac And Co Liang streets in District 1 they still have a traditional market and if you stay in one of the guesthouses in the neighborhood you'll feel very much like a local.

The other area that's still ripe with traditional shopping and culture is Cholon or District 5 and Binh Tay Market, a wholesale market that bustles everyday of the week. 

Cholon is where the ethnic Chinese community is based. Some say it's the biggest Chinatown in the world.   

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Video Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-travel-far-east-inspired-by-rick-steves-lonely/id890305531?mt=2