In the heart of the Mekong Delta, Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City, is Vietnam's largest cosmopolis and its economic center. The nation's capital until 1975, Ho Chi Minh is a feast for the senses and one of Southeast Asia's liveliest cities. Beyond the urban bustle is the world of Old Saigon, complete with centuries-old pagodas, French colonial buildings, and ancient traditions.