Vietnams former capital has not one, but two names: Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon. Officially, the southern metropoliss name is Ho Chi Minh City, and has been for many years, but there are still a number of locals and visitors alike that call it Saigon.
Do Vietnamese still call Saigon?
I have no personal knowledge of this, but Wikipedia says: The former name Saigon is still widely used by many Vietnamese, especially in informal contexts. Generally, the term Saigon refers only to the urban districts of Ho Chi Minh City.
Is it illegal to say Saigon?
Yes, in most contexts. Its totally okay for you to say “Im going to Saigon” or ask someone “where should I go in Saigon.” They can be used interchangeably. But Ho Chi Minh city is the name for official use, says, when youre filling the visa or VAT refund forms. Either should be fine.
What is Saigon called right now?
The current name, Ho Chi Minh City, was given after reunification in 1976 to honor Ho Chi Minh. Even today, however, the informal name of Sài Gòn remains in daily speech both domestically and internationally, especially among the Vietnamese diaspora.
Is it Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon?
During the Second Indochina War (or Vietnam War) in the 1960s and early 70s, Saigon was the headquarters of U.S. military operations. Parts of the city were destroyed by fighting in 1968. On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese troops captured Saigon, and the city was subsequently renamed Ho Chi Minh City.
Is Vietnam still communist?
Government of Vietnam The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a one-party state. A new state constitution was approved in April 1992, replacing the 1975 version. The central role of the Communist Party was reasserted in all organs of government, politics and society.
What does Saigon mean in English?
• SAIGON (noun) Meaning: A city in South Vietnam; formerly (as Saigon) it was the capital of French Indochina. Classified under: Nouns denoting spatial position.
What is the other name for Saigon?
Ho Chi Minh City Saigon, or Sài Gòn in Vietnamese, was merged with the surrounding province in 1976 and renamed Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate the reunification of north and south at the end of the Vietnam War. The citys namesake comes from Ho Chi Minh, the communist revolutionary leader who is credited with uniting the country.
Whats the meaning of Saigon?
• SAIGON (noun) Meaning: A city in South Vietnam; formerly (as Saigon) it was the capital of French Indochina. Classified under: Nouns denoting spatial position.
Is Ho Chi Minh City worth it?
Absolutely its worth to see Ho Chi Minh city - one of the biggest and craziest cities in Vietnam beside Hanoi if you want to compare. Things to do : City Tour, Cu Chi tunnel, and Mekong Delta.
Is Vietnam a US ally?
As such, despite their historical past, today Vietnam is considered to be a potential ally of the United States, especially in the geopolitical context of the territorial disputes in the South China Sea and in containment of Chinese expansionism.
Is Vietnam a free country?
Freedom in the World — Vietnam Country Report Vietnam is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World, Freedom Houses annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.
What is Saigon known for?
Ho Chi Minh City (also still called Saigon) is famous for its pho (traditional Vietnamese noodle soup) and pork rolls. Often the best places are shops and stalls named after family members, such as Aunty or Chi (meaning sister) followed by a number representing their order in the family and, finally, their name.
What happened at Saigon?
The phrase the fall of Saigon refers to the takeover of the city by the Viet Cong two years later on 30 April 1975. The US was forced to abandon its embassy in the city and evacuate more than 7,000 US citizens and South Vietnamese by helicopter. The takeover forced the South Vietnamese to surrender and end the war.
Is Ho Chi Minh expensive?
Ho Chi Minh City is an incredible travel bargain compared to most of the rest of the world, though its also among the more expensive cities in Vietnam. Hoi An prices are strangely low for food and drinks and even hotels, and its a major highlight for most visitors to Vietnam.
Who is Vietnams closest ally?
Today the Philippines and Vietnam are economic allies and have a free trade deal with each other. Both nations are a part of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
Is Facebook blocked in Vietnam?
Vietnam has never banned social media companies, but in April this year, two sources at Facebook told news agency Reuters that their local servers were taken offline until they agreed to significantly increase the censorship of anti-state posts for local users.
Is Saigon safe at night?
As for streets, they are generally safe but some areas should be avoided, such as parts of Ho Chi Minh filled with clubs and bars that are usually filled with suspicious individuals. Sexual assaults and robberies are more probable in these places, so be cautious and avoid these places late at night.
Is Saigon worth visiting?
Absolutely its worth to see Ho Chi Minh city - one of the biggest and craziest cities in Vietnam beside Hanoi if you want to compare. Things to do : City Tour, Cu Chi tunnel, and Mekong Delta.
What happened to Vietnam after the US pullout in 1973?
What happened after the United States withdrew from the war? After the U.S. had withdrawn all its troops, the fighting continued in Vietnam. South Vietnam officially surrendered to communist North Vietnam on April 30, 1975. On July 2, 1976, Vietnam was reunited as a communist country, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.