Do people still call HCMC Saigon?

Officially, the southern metropolis’s 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. The importance of these two differing titles goes back to the Vietnam War, which ended not so long ago in 1975.

Is Saigon and Ho Chi Minh the same?

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.

What is Saigon called today?

Ho Chi Minh City
The current official name, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, first proclaimed in 1946, later adopted in 1976. It’s abbreviated TP.HCM, and translated as Ho Chi Minh City, abbreviated HCMC, and in French as Hô-Chi-Minh-Ville (the circumflex is sometimes omitted), abbreviated HCMV.

How far is it Hanoi to HCMC?

Distance between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is 1137 kilometers (707 miles).

Is it offensive to say Saigon?

It’s offensive to some northerners to use Sài Gòn, and offensive to some southerners to use Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh. But on the whole, most Vietnamese won’t be offended by either, and will often use them interchangeably themselves.

Which is better Hanoi or Saigon?

Hanoi tends to favour more conventional dishes, so if you’re looking for authentic Vietnamese food, this city is the place to go. However, if you’re after a mix of both traditional dishes and intriguing fusion cuisine, Ho Chi Minh City offers a greater variety of both.

Is Ho Chi Minh City Safe?

Ho Chi Minh is a relatively safe city to travel to. Its main source of income is tourism, so the tourists’ safety is their number one concern. The street crime is more common in cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.

How long does it take to ride from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh?

It is much cheaper than a flight ticket and more comfortable than taking long road trips being cramped in a small car or bus. 1718 kilometer railway trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh takes about 32-37 hours.

Do Vietnamese prefer Saigon or Ho Chi Minh?

I’m Vietnamese and here’s the fun fact: “Ho Chi Minh city” is the official name of the city but Vietnamese people rarely call that name, we prefer Saigon.