Is Ho Chi Minh City the Same as Saigon? What’s the Difference?

If you're heading to visit our land - Vietnam, you may feel confused as you hear both “Ho Chi Minh City” and “Saigon” used to describe the same place.

In fact, Saigon is the historic name, carrying memories of the past, while Ho Chi Minh City is the modern, bustling metropolis of today. You can use either name, and we locals will understand - you’ll hear both around the world.

In this article, we’ll explain why the city has two names and how this distinction can make your visit even more memorable.

Why the Confusion Between Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon Still Exist: Historical Background

Saigon is the former capital of southern Vietnam with hundreds of years of history, and is named after the Saigon River that flows through the city. For decades, Saigon had been the beating heart of southern Vietnam, the center of commercial and cultural life, and the name had become a symbol of the thriving, modern, international urban life.

And then there was the Vietnam War, and everything changed. When the country was unified in 1975, the government renamed the city Ho Chi Minh City after the revolutionary leader who had led North Vietnam and served as Vietnam’s first president after the nation became a whole. This transition was a great symbol of fresh beginnings and the end of a long war.

Although the official city name is Ho Chi Minh City, locals and visitors still lovingly refer to it as Saigon. This combination of names captures the city’s richly layered history—Saigon evokes the past, and Ho Chi Minh City stands for the country’s new beginning after the reunification. No wonder there’s still some confusion around the names today!

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The Reason Behind the Name Change: From Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City

In 1975, North Vietnam won, and Vietnam was unified as a communist country. In July 1976, Saigon was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the revolutionary leader who had been a central figure in Vietnam’s fight for independence, against both French colonial rule and American interference.

The name change was one part of the new government’s extraordinary effort to seal the end of the war and bring the country together. The new name was intended to symbolize the triumph of North Vietnam and the unity that followed from Vietnam's reunification.

But it wasn’t only the name that changed. Saigon itself was rapidly changed—its architecture, political and streets were all reshaped to reflect the values of the new regime.

Many residents and travelers still call it Saigon despite this. To them, these names bring up the city’s history as well as people’s personal history with them. Officially it is “Ho Chi Minh City". but in everyday life, “Saigon” feels like home.

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum is a memorial museum dedicated to Ho Chi Minh.

Is Ho Chi Minh City the Same as Saigon? The Current Reality

Yes, it’s true—Ho Chi Minh City is the official name, but there’s a lot more to the story than that. In all legal, commercial, and foreign affairs or international relations matters, the government uses Ho Chi Minh City.

But here’s the thing: Inside the city itself, to locals, parts of it are still called “Saigon”. particularly in its central part, such as District 1. This area of the city has well-known Vietnam attractions, such as Ben Thanh Market and Nguyen Hue Walking Street, so when talking about visiting these places, locals often refer to them as “Saigon”. It’s a great example of how both names live side by side in the daily life of the city.

For many, particularly people who experienced the war or recall when Saigon was the capital of South Vietnam, the name “Saigon” carries a lot of nostalgia and emotional weight. It’s a link to the city’s animated past of vibrant history and culture before reunification.

And so, while Ho Chi Minh City is the official name, both names are still used, depending on whom you are talking to and where you happen to be in the city.

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Why People Still Call It Saigon: Cultural and Emotional Connections

Even though Ho Chi Minh City is the official name, Saigon is still an important part of people’s hearts. That name was rarely used by many locals—particularly those who lived here before 1975—and they still call it by the name Saigon. To them, it’s more than just a name—it's a symbol of a vibrant time in history, a period of progress, prosperity, and Southern charm.

You’ll also see “Saigon” everywhere, from local businesses and products to events, and there is “Saigon Beer”, and many hotels, restaurants, and shops in Vietnam still retain the name with pride. It’s part of daily life here, which is why the name of Saigon is still so vital and current.

For many travelers, referring to the city as “Saigon” offers a more authentic or comfortingly familiar experience. The name conjures visions of bustling Vietnam street markets, delicious food stalls, and the rich cultural experiences that give this city its unique, colorful life.

Vietnam's street markets are crowded with tourists all year round.

Is Ho Chi Minh City the Same as Saigon for Tourists? More Insider Tips

For anyone on a trip to Vietnam, understanding the difference between Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon can really enhance the travel experience. Here are some helpful insider tips to know the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon:

Visit District 1: Locals refer to this area as Saigon, and it’s where you can find many of the city’s most popular attractions, including Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Opera House. It is a good place to get a sense of the lively heart of the city.

Use Both Names: Don’t stress too much about which name you use—locals will know what you mean whether you say “Saigon” or “Ho Chi Minh City”.

Street food (local cuisine): When visiting Saigon (or Ho Chi Minh City), don’t miss out on the street food! Grab a bowl of pho or a delicious banh mi from the street vendors. The food here is a very good representation of the culture and will make your visit unforgettable.

Cultural Tours: To learn more, what about booking a guided tour exploring the history of Saigon or the contemporary Ho Chi Minh City? It’s a great opportunity to explore how the city has changed throughout the years. Here we offer a trusted local travel service in Vietnam, dedicated to providing private car tour services, tailored to your budget and preferences at the best local prices.

District 1, located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, is very prosperous.

Conclusion

No matter which name you use, you are talking about the same location just under two different names. For many people, the name Saigon will always hold a special place, not only due to its great historical value but also purely for its nostalgia. The city’s official name is Ho Chi Minh City, however, which symbolizes the country’s reunification after the war.

Now that we’ve discussed how the names come from, let’s get into what makes Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon!) so unique—its sights, food, culture and much more! You are sure to have a memorable experience in Vietnam traveling!