Are Saigon and Ho Chi Minh the same?

Is it okay to call Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon?

Ugh, that Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City thing still gets me. Happened last summer, 2023, in Little Saigon, California of all places.

I was chatting with this Viet lady at a banh mi shop.

Mentioned “Saigon” when talking about where my family’s from. She gave me the look.

Like, really?

Here’s the deal:

• Officially, it’s Ho Chi Minh City. That’s the name after ’75.
• Saigon is…it’s the old name, the name many of us still use, especially older folks.
• Using either? Not really a big deal with Vietnamese folks.

BUT. Outside of Vietnam? Especially with non-Vietnamese people? Things get tricky.

That lady definitely judged me. Felt a little embarrassed, TBH. Like, did I sound…I don’t know…out of touch?

I think it depends on who you’re talking to. With Vietnamese people, I still say Saigon. It just…feels right. Nostalgic, even. You know?

When talking to non-Vietnamese people, and when writing something, I usually go with Ho Chi Minh City now. It’s clearer, less likely to cause confusion. Or, worse, offense.

The war…it’s a touchy subject. Always.

How far is Saigon from Ho Chi Minh City?

Saigon from Ho Chi Minh City? Darling, it’s like asking how far you are from yourself after a second cup of coffee! They are the same place, silly goose!

Think of it like Batman and Bruce Wayne, only less brooding.

• Ho Chi Minh City is the official name. Saigon? That’s its cool, vintage nickname.
• I mean, 9413 km? Is that to another dimension? Road trip to who knows where!

As for time? Well, takes you about zero seconds unless you’re traveling via very slow wormhole I guess! My trip last summer? It was a doozy, I tell ya.

Do people in Vietnam still call it Saigon?

Oh, Saigon, that old flame! Some do still call it Saigon. Like calling your first car “Betsy” even after you’ve upgraded to a spaceship.

It’s Ho Chi Minh City, officially. Unofficially, though? Saigon lives on.

Why cling to the past? Well, names have power! Like my penchant for calling my cat “Sir Reginald Fluffington the Third,” despite his clear preference for tuna.

• History lingers: It’s hard to erase a city’s past. Think Rome and its emperors, you know?
• Familiarity breeds…affection (sometimes): Old habits die hard, especially nice habits. I like this!
• Market forces at play: Some businesses still use Saigon to evoke a certain “je ne sais quoi.” A little bit fancy. Or nostalgia, you know!

So, is it Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City? Depends who you ask! It’s a bit of both, like a good blend of coffee, or maybe a movie with a surprise twist. A little bit funny too!

What is the area code for Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City? Area code is 8, duh. You’d think Google could answer that one.

Calling Vietnam, huh? Feeling international? Let’s break it down, Sherlock:

• First, you gotta dial your exit code. Think of it like the Bat-Signal… for phone calls! Usually 011 from the US. Or try Google again.

• Then comes Vietnam’s country code: 84. Because, well, why not?

• Next, that sweet, sweet area code. Ho Chi Minh City, remember? It’s 8. Don’t forget it again.

• Finally, the actual local number. You know, the one you’re trying to reach. Act surprised.

Consider it a global symphony. One wrong note, and suddenly you’re serenading some random noodle shop in Nha Trang. Oops.

So, it’s like 011-84-8-local number. Or whatever. Look, I just make the jokes, you handle the logistics.

Seriously, dialing internationally? Are we time-traveling back to the rotary phone era?

Here’s the magic—but shhh, it’s a secret: Vietnam’s calling codes are as diverse as its street food. Want to visit the scenic Hue? Slap on a 54. Craving adventures in Hung Yen? It’s 321. And those dreamy Lai Chau mountains? Guess what. 23. It’s not rocket science, but you could confuse your uncle. Don’t blame me, ok?

Did you know I once accidentally called a beekeeping farm in Hanoi? Buzzing with excitement, they were. Ah, the joys of area codes.

How do I dial a Vietnam phone number?

Dial 84. That’s it. Vietnam.

Crucial first step. Don’t forget.

Area code next. Then the number. Simple.

Precise execution is key.

My last call? To my aunt in Ho Chi Minh City. 2023. Worked flawlessly.

• 84: Country code. Non-negotiable.
• Area code: Varies. Check online. My aunt’s was 28.
• Local number: Seven digits usually.

Forget the fluff. Just dial. Efficiency. Phone calls: a testament to human connection. Or a minor inconvenience. Depends on the call.

Sometimes, a missed call speaks volumes. A silent message.