The conflict and collaboration between man and nature play out on the concrete edging the Saigon River—Sông Soài Rạp in the mother tongue. Amidst the rattle of scooters and the hum of barges, always flowing and ever moving, the river carves and reshapes life along its banks, across vintage alley houses and atop gleaming skyscrapers. The Sài Gòn known in history books is a fading memory, being rebuilt and replaced by the currents of trade and tides of industry. Spend five nights here, and be sure to hop on sleeper buses or puddle jumpers to explore nearby areas before they, too, are swept up by the progress of man and the forces of nature.

Landmark 81, District 1, Thuỷ Bạch Đằng Ferry Terminal, Saigon Central Post Office, HCMC Fine Arts Museum