Ho Chi Minh City's skyline is changing dramatically as modern office towers rise along with Vietnam's economy. Many of the structures are new hotel projects; a hopeful sign of the coming tourism boom here.

Some Vietnamese and foreign tourism people are concerned, however, that the city's infrastructure may not be keeping pace with construction. Major power outages during the rainy season have been known to plunge District 1 into darkness for long periods. Many of the city's water and sewage lines are left from French colonial times.

While "planned city" developments like the Saigon South project will have far-reaching implications for the evolution of Ho Chi Minh City, much of Saigon's tourism and financial interests will remain in the heart of the city. Hopefully, foreign cooperation will help to remedy the city's infrastructure in the future.

In the mean time, establishment of a tourist police might signal international tour operators that Vietnam is prepared to welcome visitors in greater numbers.

While crime in Vietnam is extremely low compared to neighboring countries, visitors with emergencies currently find it difficult to get the help they need. On a recent visit, for example, I lost a very costly camera. (Actually, it was stolen due to my own carelessness.) I realized that a police report of some sort would be helpful with an insurance claim when I returned home. While the afternoon I spent at a local police station was one of the most fascinating experiences I have had in Vietnam, it was not one which most tourists will find entertaining. The officials were extremely helpful, but communication was challenging.

Many major cities have a tourist police which helps visitors deal with losses, health emergencies, and conflicts with shopkeepers. To join the ranks of major cities which depend on tourism, Ho Chi Minh City's tourism and police officials will need to consider new ways to insure that visitors enjoy the many wonderful things Vietnam has to offer.