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Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, has long been considered the focal point of Vietnamese culture. Located in the south, it is Vietnam’s economic powerhouse.
Like many cities in Vietnam, Saigon did not escape the wrath of war. Since its beginning, Saigon has had quite a traumatic history, and there are many legends surrounding the birth of the city and the origin of its name. In the 15th century, this area was swamp, marshes and thick forest. By the early 17th century, a small township had been formed and, according to one theory, the name Saigon, or Sai Con, has its roots in the Khmer phrase Prei Kor, which means Kapok Tree Forest.
The name Saigon was used officially for the first time in 1698 when Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu sent Mr. Nguyen Huu Canh to this region to create various districts and form a government for this southern outpost. Because of its strategic location for trade and commerce, as well as its military importance, Saigon continued to grow and soon became a bona fide city. By 1772, Mr. Nguyen Cuu Dam had begun to fill in many of the city’s canals to form streets.
The name Saigon was used officially for the first time in 1698 when Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu sent Mr. Nguyen Huu Canh to this region to create various districts and form a government for this southern outpost. Because of its strategic location for trade and commerce, as well as its military importance, Saigon continued to grow and soon became a bona fide city. By 1772, Mr. Nguyen Cuu Dam had begun to fill in many of the city’s canals to form streets.
In the mid-19th century, the French joined forces with the Spanish and invaded the port city, destroying the fort. This event was the precursor to the long struggle between the people of Vietnam and France, leading to the historical defeat of the French in 1954. In the years after this victory, Vietnam was divided into two separate countries, with Saigon becoming the hub of resettlement for many people, particularly those from north and central Vietnam who emigrated south.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Saigon was bustling with commerce and business as the cultural centre and capital city of South Vietnam. Already heavily influenced by the French in terms of culture and style, the city had the air of a French provincial town, with a Vietnamese twist. Saigon was dubbed the “Pearl of the Orient” by the foreign press, and was alive with activities and a cultural diversity that rivaled any Asian city at the time.
After the fall of South Vietnam to communism in 1975, the city and many of its inhabitants were in a state of chaos and turmoil. In 1976, the new government renamed Saigon Ho Chi Minh City and shut its doors to the rest of the world. Although now recognised worldwide as Ho Chi Minh City, to the people of Vietnam, the city is still lovingly referred to as Saigon.
With a population of over 8 million people, Saigon is one of the densest urban areas in the world. On many streets, it is common to see houses with the ground floor converted into a business, while several families share the living areas on the upper levels.
A common mode of transportation just a few years ago, “cyclos” are becoming rare since being banned from many streets. Replacing them are fleets of taxis and “Honda ôm” – Japanese-made motorcycles that you simply wave down and hop on the back of to be transported anywhere in the city.
Unlike other cities in Vietnam, Saigon is very active at night. Music halls often play to sold-out local crowds and restaurants stay open late into the night. During the festive months, the city’s streets and sidewalks are dotted with colourful lights and decorations.
With its mix of colourful temples, colonial architecture, classy boutiques, gourmet restaurants, parks and art galleries, Ho Chi Minh City has something to offer everyone.
With its mix of colourful temples, colonial architecture, classy boutiques, gourmet restaurants, parks and art galleries, Ho Chi Minh City has something to offer everyone.