Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City? What You Call It Says a Lot About You

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 – Because You’ll Google It Anyway

➡️ 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: Why Is Northern Vietnam So Popular with Travelers?

The North of Vietnam offers breathtaking landscapes: the mountains of Sapa, stepped rice fields, thousand-year-old pagodas, and the Trang An region – often called “inland Halong Bay.” A dream for those seeking authenticity.

➡️ 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 – an iconic Vietnam experience.

➡️ 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, far from the tourist trail.

➡️ Why are floating markets so iconic?
Markets like those in the Mekong Delta or Phong Dien show daily Vietnamese life on water – exotic produce, lively trades, and colorful boats – pure Southeast Asian charm.

➡️ What’s the best time to visit Vietnam?
It depends:

• North Vietnam → Best in spring and autumn

• Central Vietnam (e.g., Hoi An) → Dry season: Nov–Apr

• Highlands → Summer can be surprising (and wet), but beautiful

➡️ Is Vietnam well represented on UNESCO’s World Heritage list?
Yes – Vietnam boasts several UNESCO sites: Ha Long Bay, the imperial city of Huế, Mỹ Sơn temples, and the old town of Hoi An. Cultural and natural gems worth exploring.

➡️ What’s the best itinerary for exploring Vietnam and Cambodia in one trip?
A classic Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary starts in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (formerly the Republic of Vietnam), includes the Mekong River Delta, and crosses into Cambodia to visit Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat near Siem Reap. You can also add Da Nang, Dalat, or the Cu Chi tunnels for a more complete experience.

➡️ Is Angkor Wat the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cambodia?
No. While Angkor Wat is the most famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Cambodia also offers Buddhist temples, ancient Khmer architecture, and countryside experiences that reveal more of its spiritual and historical richness.

➡️ How can I explore South Vietnam beyond the usual tourist spots?
In South Vietnam, consider day-trips to the Cu Chi tunnels, cruising the Mekong River, motorbike rides through the countryside, or trekking in the mountainous areas around Dalat. These regions offer authentic encounters with Vietnamese people and culture.

➡️ Can I travel to Vietnam and Cambodia by motorbike?
Yes, many travellers choose motorbikes to travel across Cambodia and Vietnam. You can ride from Danang down to Phnom Penh or even further into Burma, depending on visa regulations and road conditions. Tour operators sometimes offer guided cross-border motorbike itineraries.

➡️ What are some lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam?
Beyond Ha Long Bay, Vietnam is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites like My Son Sanctuary, the Imperial City of Hue, and the ancient town of Hoi An. These are essential stops for cultural enthusiasts visiting Vietnam.

➡️ Is it safe to travel to Vietnam in 2025?
Yes, travel to Vietnam is considered safe for most visitors. Like much of Southeast Asia, Vietnam is welcoming, especially in rural areas where Vietnamese people are known for their hospitality. Just be mindful of traffic and local laws.

➡️ What’s the best way to plan a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia?
Booking through a tour operator can simplify logistics, especially if your itinerary includes remote areas or border crossings. However, independent travellers can also navigate both countries with ease using local guides and transport apps.

➡️ Why is the Mekong River such a popular destination in Southeast Asia?
The Mekong River is a lifeline of Southeast Asia, flowing through Vietnam, Cambodia, and beyond. Cruising the Mekong lets you explore floating markets, rural villages, and river life – a unique experience on any Vietnam travel or Cambodia itinerary.

➡️ Can I do trekking in Vietnam or Cambodia?
Absolutely. In Vietnam, head to the mountainous north (like Sapa), or explore the central highlands near Dalat. In Cambodia, you can trek through remote Khmer villages or the forests near Angkor Wat.

➡️ What’s the historical significance of the Cu Chi tunnels?
The Cu Chi tunnels were a strategic stronghold of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Visiting them today offers deep insights into the resilience of the Vietnamese people and the history of the Republic of Vietnam.