Do You Say Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City? Explore the Differences!

Visiting Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, the capital of southern Vietnam, can be an intriguing experience because some people refer to the large city as Ho Chi Minh City, while others call it Saigon. Even the airport code is SGN, yet the signs on the way to the city center proudly welcome you to Ho Chi Minh City. Why does this city have two names, and what is the history behind each of them? Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City: which one is correct?

Discover the intriguing history of this fascinating city and learn which name is most commonly used today.

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 16-08-2024

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1. What was Saigon called before? 

The city of Saigon, formerly known as Prey Nokor, was part of the Khmer Empire (modern-day Cambodia) from the 8th to the 12th century. At that time, the area was a desert-like region overrun by dense forests. The name Prey Nokor comes from the Khmer word "prey," meaning forest, and "nokor," a word of Sanskrit origin that means city or kingdom. Therefore, Prey Nokor can be translated as "forest city" or "forest kingdom."

In the 15th century, the Khmer Empire began to decline under repeated attacks from the Kingdom of Siam (modern-day Thailand). In 1620, a political marriage took place between Khmer King Jayajettha II and Vietnamese Princess Ngoc Van, daughter of a Nguyen lord. This was intended to help the kingdom gain support from the Nguyen lords in case of an attack from Siam. In exchange, the Nguyen lord asked the king to grant him the right to exploit the Prey Nokor region.

Thus, the region came firmly under Vietnamese administrative control and was renamed Gia Định.

In 1859, the French took control of the city and changed its name from Gia Định to Saigon. The city became the capital of French Indochina and was nicknamed the "Pearl of the Far East" by the French due to its prosperity under colonial rule. Although the exact origin of the name Saigon remains a mystery, some suggest that it may have derived from "Prey Nokor," with "Prey" gradually being pronounced as "Rai," then "Sai."

Similarly, "Nokor" could have been pronounced as "Kor," which might have become "Gon." This uncertainty around the origin of the name Saigon adds a certain mystique and intrigue to this city, which boasts a history of over 300 years.

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2. Why Did It Change Its Name?

Upon their arrival in Gia Dinh, later renamed Saigon, the French invested heavily in building colonial infrastructure. They left behind many structures imbued with their architectural style, which remain beautiful vestiges today. Among them are Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Opera House, and the Independence Palace, all located in District 1, the city's central area.

In a short time, Saigon became the commercial hub of the Southeast Asia region. But in 1955, the Vietnam War broke out, following the Indochina War against French troops. This war pitted the communist government of North Vietnam and its allies, the Viet Cong, against the government of South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam) supported by the United States.

Despite the war, this city remained the commercial capital of the new government of the Republic of Vietnam. American troops brought American culture to Saigon in their attempt to colonize South Vietnam. Influenced by multiple Western cultures, from the French to the Americans, this city shaped itself into a dynamic city with a lively and charming atmosphere, making it more modern and exciting than the current capital, Hanoi.

During the Vietnam War, the North's army and people gradually gained the upper hand over American forces. On April 30, 1975, after North Vietnam's victory, the South's government was overthrown, and the country was reunified. In 1976, under the new government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the national hero Ho Chi Minh, who had led the fight for the country's independence. This name change also marked the shift to a communist regime.

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3. Why Does the Name Saigon Remain So Popular?

The reason people continue to call Saigon by its old name despite the official name change is often asked. In reality, Vietnamese people have become accustomed to using Saigon because it is shorter and easier to remember than Ho Chi Minh City. Foreign visitors also prefer to use Saigon because it is more familiar and easier to pronounce. The city's residents do not take offense when visitors refer to their city as Saigon during tourist visits, although in political and commercial contexts, the official name Ho Chi Minh City should be used.

For the elderly in Saigon, the new name is difficult to accept because they grew up and lived in the city of Saigon before its name was changed. For them, "Saigon" evokes a bygone era when the city was considered the Pearl of the Far East. Saigon was ahead in terms of infrastructure compared to its neighbors Bangkok and Singapore during the time of French and American colonization.

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For today's youth, they prefer the name "Saigon" because it is short, easy to remember, and evokes a sense of closeness. For them, "Saigon" is much better than the long and complicated "Ho Chi Minh City."

In any case, both names, Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon, are used interchangeably throughout the country, without mentioning their origin. The former is often used officially and formally, while the name "Saigon" is more commonly used in everyday life.

>>>> Read more: Wonders of Ho Chi Minh City: An In-Depth Travel Guide

4. What Does This City Look Like Today?

Today's Saigon is still renowned for its vibrancy, but the elegant silhouettes of the past are still visible. With a well-marked character, it has managed to maintain its charm thanks to a successful harmony between Eastern and Western cultures. Today, it is the largest city in Vietnam and one of the most important economic centers in the country. It is an endearing city where towering skyscrapers, ancient temples, pagodas, and elegant colonial buildings surprisingly coexist.

The bustling streets of Saigon are a vibrant spectacle with scooters weaving everywhere, being the preferred mode of transport for decades. For an unforgettable experience in this city, consider venturing into its streets by scooter with a local guide.

The iconic tourist attractions of Saigon mostly date back to the 19th century. Among the famous sites not to be missed are the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon, the magnificent Saigon Central Post Office, the fascinating Reunification Palace, and the lively Cholon district.

Saigon's nightlife is also dynamic, with bars, clubs, and street performances, notably located in the famous beer street of Bui Vien in the central District 1 area. The city is also renowned for its cuisine, which reflects not only local specialties but also those of many different regions and cultures of Vietnam. Many of these dishes came to the city during colonization, adapting to Saigonese tastes to become traditional Saigon dishes.

Feel free to check out our selection of the best restaurants in Saigon, ranging from bustling streets to the city's finest venues for a unique culinary experience!

And You, Do You Prefer the Name Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City?

Our Final Words

Discover a city that bears two names filled with history: Saigon, renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1975. Despite this transition, both names are still widely used today. Whichever name is used, this dynamic city is full of cultural treasures and friendly people who will leave you with unforgettable memories. You'll be enchanted by the richness of its cultural diversity and the warmth of its residents. So come explore the city from every angle and let yourself be charmed by its unique ambiance!

>>> Learn more about the must-see sites in Ho Chi Minh City:

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