What do locals call Ho Chi Minh City?

Saigon: The Enduring Echo in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling metropolis, was once known by a different name: Saigon. This French-influenced moniker persists in Vietnamese daily life, particularly among the southern residents and those living abroad.

Saigon’s origins can be traced back to the 18th century, when it was a small fishing village. As French colonization took hold, the city transformed into a major colonial hub, earning its characteristic French architecture and culture. The name “Saigon” was officially adopted in 1879 and became synonymous with this vibrant metropolis.

In 1975, after the Vietnam War, the city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the iconic revolutionary leader. However, the old name continued to reverberate throughout everyday life. For many locals, Saigon remained a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era.

Today, both names coexist harmoniously. Ho Chi Minh City serves as the official designation, while Saigon persists as an affectionate nickname, especially among the older generation and those with deep roots in the city. Street names, businesses, and even conversations are often punctuated with the familiar syllables of “Saigon.”

This enduring attachment to the former name reflects the city’s complex history and the intertwined legacies of different eras. Saigon may no longer be the official name, but it lives on as a symbol of the city’s past, present, and enduring spirit.

As visitors explore Ho Chi Minh City, they will encounter a vibrant synthesis of these two names. The grand boulevards and colonial architecture of “Saigon” stand alongside modern skyscrapers and bustling markets embodying “Ho Chi Minh City.” And in the everyday lives of its residents, the echoes of Saigon continue to resonate, a testament to the city’s resilience and the indelible mark of the past.