What is the difference between Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon?
Saigon was the former name of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Renamed in 1975 after reunification, Ho Chi Minh City is now the official name. However, "Saigon" persists in everyday usage, especially by locals referring to the city's central districts.
Is Ho Chi Minh City the same as Saigon?
Okay, so Saigon and Ho Chi Minh City… it’s kinda confusing. Technically, Ho Chi Minh City is the official name, right? That happened after 1975, post-war stuff.
Before that, everyone called it Saigon. I remember my grandma talking about her youth in Saigon; it felt different, you know? A whole different vibe.
Officially, it’s Ho Chi Minh City, period. But locals, especially older generations, still use Saigon, especially when referring to District 1, the heart of the city. Like, “Meet me in Saigon,” not “Meet me in Ho Chi Minh City.” Sounds clunky.
It’s like two names for the same place, existing side-by-side. Kinda weird, but that’s how it is. My uncle, who lived there until 2010, always said Saigon. Habit, I guess.
Saigon: Former name. Ho Chi Minh City: Current official name. Both are used.
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