Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, in southern Vietnam gained the world’s attention during the Vietnam War. Named after the Vietnamese Communist revolutionary leader who was prime minister (1945–55) and president (1945–69) of Vietnam, HCMC is also known for its French colonial architecture, including Notre-Dame Basilica, made entirely of red bricks brought from France, the neoclassical Saigon Central Post Office and the Opera House. Running thourgh the city is the Saigon river and the newly opened Loc Canal on which tourists can take gondola rides. Of course, a must see reminder of the War are the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 75-mile (121 km) long complex of connecting underground tunnels which were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat.