Two Names, One City, a Thousand Nuances

To say “Saigon” is to speak with the heart.
To say “Ho Chi Minh City” is to follow the administration.
Between the two lies the soul of southern Vietnam.

Choosing a name for this city is about more than location. It’s a matter of culture, collective memory, language – even politics.

And for travelers exploring southern Vietnam, this linguistic dilemma becomes a mirror of their Southeast Asian journey – among imperial cities, ancient towns, ethnic minorities, and mountain rice paddies.

From Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City: A Historical Shift

Before the end of the Vietnam War, Saigon was the capital of a western-influenced South – a melting pot of Vietnamese cuisine, colonial charm, pagoda incense, and the echo of the old Indochina.

But in 1976, following the North’s victory, the city was officially renamed “Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh,” in honor of the revolutionary leader.

It was a political decision – aimed at unity, but also a symbolic erasure of an era.

💡 Quick tip: On train tickets or maps, you’ll often see “TP. HCM” – short for “Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh” or simply: “Ho Chi Minh City.”

In the Streets: “Sài Gòn” Lives On

Ask anyone in Phu Nhuan, Tam Bình, or a small village in the Mekong Delta:

They’ll tell you they live in Sài Gòn.

Even young locals, tourist guides, and families hosting homestays use this affectionate name.

It’s shorter, warmer, more local. It evokes morning markets, fish sauce on street corners, wooden boats on the Saigon River – and that vibrant Southeast Asian energy.

And Ho Chi Minh City? That’s Administration, Order, and Unity

“Ho Chi Minh City” is what you’ll find on passports, embassy forms, or official travel documents.

It’s a name loaded with symbolism: unification, revolutionary memory, state authority.
Respected, yes – but rarely spoken in daily life.

Saying “Ho Chi Minh City” at Bến Thành Market is like announcing your trek to “the karst caves of the South China Sea” – technically accurate, but way too formal.

Saigon: A Word That Refuses to Disappear

In the Vietnamese diaspora, especially in France and the US, Saigon is a city of memory. A refuge.

You’ll find it on restaurant signs, in travel stories, and in traditional songs.

It’s the name of departure, of exile, of riverside cruises and treks through Dao and Tho villages – a name that still breathes.

Even in UNESCO sites like Ha Long Bay, travelers talk casually about their “time in Saigon” – as if it were a parallel world to the “HCMC” printed on tickets.

The Traveler’s Dilemma: What Should You Say?

So what should you call it while traveling in Vietnam?

If you’re with a travel agency going from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta, you’ll hear both names.

In brochures: Ho Chi Minh City.
Over dinner with locals: Saigon.

👉 Honestly, switching between the two is the perfect balance.
You’re in a country of many layers – from the South China Sea to karst mountains, from Huế’s imperial palaces to the red Dao people of Sapa.

From Saigon to Ha Long Bay: One Country, Many Faces

You can’t understand this debate without seeing Vietnam as a whole.

The South: warm, commercial, cosmopolitan.
The North: traditional, historic, centralized.

And in between: karst caves, junk boat cruises, rice terraces, and ancient temples.

Names reflect this complexity. Like Angkor in Cambodia or Luang Prabang in Laos, words carry parallel meanings – between tourism, tradition, and collective memory.

Conclusion – Two Names, One Soul

“Saigon” or “Ho Chi Minh City”? It doesn’t matter – as long as the choice is conscious, respectful, and sincere.

Because this city embodies what’s most beautiful about contemporary Vietnam: its diversity, resilience, cultural pride, and ability to welcome travelers from all over, blending ancient influences and modern identities.

FAQ – Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Saigon, Halong Bay & Traveling in Vietnam

Is “Saigon” still an official name?

No. Only “Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh” is official. But “Saigon” is widely used in everyday speech, even in semi-formal tourism settings.

Is saying “Saigon” offensive?

Not at all. On the contrary – it’s often seen as warm, familiar, and authentic.

Can I use both?

Yes. Saying “Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)” is a safe and respectful middle ground.

On a trip, what’s best?

Use whichever fits the context. On a group tour from Hue to the Delta, you’ll hear both. Be adaptable.

Why is there still confusion?

Because names carry emotion, history, and culture. In a country like Vietnam, these layers run deep.

🌏 Bonus: Northern Vietnam & Beyond

Why is Northern Vietnam so popular with travelers?

The North offers breathtaking landscapes: Sapa’s mountains, stepped rice fields, thousand-year-old pagodas, and the Trang An region – often called “inland Halong Bay.”

What’s a Halong Bay cruise like?

Sailing through the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay means gliding between limestone islands, sleeping on floating boats, visiting caves, and soaking in mystical landscapes.

Halong or Along Bay – what’s the difference?

None! “Along” is just an old French spelling. Today, “Halong Bay” is the standard term.

Can I plan a custom trip to Vietnam?

Absolutely. Local agencies offer tailored tours – from ancient towns and mountain hikes to floating markets and Red River adventures.

Where to go off the beaten path?

Places like Bai Tu Long, Coc Ly, or isolated Northern villages let you meet ethnic communities and experience hidden Vietnam.

Why are floating markets so iconic?

They reveal daily life on water – exotic produce, lively trades, and colorful boats – pure Southeast Asian charm.

What’s the best time to visit Vietnam?

North → spring & autumn. Central (Hoi An) → Nov–Apr. Highlands → summer is wet but beautiful.

Is Vietnam well represented on UNESCO’s list?

Yes – with Ha Long Bay, Hue’s imperial city, Mỹ Sơn temples, and Hoi An’s old town among others.

Best itinerary for Vietnam & Cambodia?

Start in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, explore the Mekong Delta, then cross into Cambodia for Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat.

Is Angkor Wat the only UNESCO site in Cambodia?

No. Cambodia also offers other temples, ancient Khmer architecture, and countryside heritage sites.

How to explore South Vietnam beyond tourist spots?

Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong River cruises, Dalat trekking, and countryside motorbike tours.

Can I travel Vietnam & Cambodia by motorbike?

Yes – cross-border rides are possible with the right visas and guided tours.

Lesser-known UNESCO sites in Vietnam?

My Son Sanctuary, Hue Imperial City, and Hoi An Ancient Town.

Is it safe to travel to Vietnam in 2025?

Yes – generally safe, with extra caution in traffic and awareness of local laws.

Best way to plan a Vietnam–Cambodia trip?

Tour operators simplify logistics, but independent travel is also possible with local guides and transport apps.

Why is the Mekong River so popular?

It’s Southeast Asia’s lifeline, with floating markets, rural villages, and unique river life.

Can I do trekking in Vietnam or Cambodia?

Yes – Sapa or Dalat in Vietnam, remote villages or forests near Angkor in Cambodia.

Historical significance of the Cu Chi tunnels?

They were a key Viet Cong base during the Vietnam War, symbolizing resilience and strategy.