Ho Chi Minh City facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ho Chi Minh City Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh Saigon (Sài Gòn)
Municipality (special)
Landmark 81 Ho Chi Minh City Hall Saigon Opera House Bến Thành Market Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon Independence Palace
Seal
Nicknames:  Thành phố mang tên Bác (lit. The city bearing the name of Uncle Ho) The Pearl of Far East (historical) Paris of the Orient (historical)
Motto(s):  Paulatim crescam (historical) Meaning: Little by little we grow
Ho Chi Minh City Location in Vietnam Show map of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Location in Southeast Asia Show map of Southeast Asia Ho Chi Minh City Location in Asia Show map of Asia
Country	Vietnam
Region	Southeast
Founded	1698
Change of name	1976
Founded by	Nguyễn Hữu Cảnh
Named for	Ho Chi Minh
Districts	16 urban districts, 5 rural districts and 1 sub-city
Government
• Type	Municipality
• Body	Ho Chi Minh City People's Council
Area
• Municipality (special)	2,095.39 km2 (809.03 sq mi)
• Metro	30,595 km2 (11,813 sq mi)
Elevation	19 m (63 ft)
Population  (2023)
• Municipality (special)	9,456,700
• Rank	1st
• Density	4,513/km2 (11,690/sq mi)
• Urban	7,344,000
• Rural	2,112,700
• Metro	22,552,900 (1st)
• Metro density	737/km2 (1,910/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Saigonese
GRDP (Nominal)
• Municipality (Special)	US$ 68.1 billion (2023)
• Metro	US$ 133.1 billion (2023)
Time zone	UTC+7 (Indochina Time)
Postal code	70xxx–74xxx
Area codes	28
ISO 3166 code	VN-SG
License plate	41, 50–59
HDI (2020)	0.795 (2nd)
International airports	Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Rapid transit system	Ho Chi Minh City Metro

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), also known as Saigon, is the biggest city in Vietnam. About 10 million people lived there in 2023. The city is famous for its many rivers and canals, including the large Saigon River.

Ho Chi Minh City is a special kind of city in Vietnam. It has 16 city districts, five rural districts, and one sub-city. It is the biggest financial centre in Vietnam. The city makes a huge part of Vietnam's total economy. In fact, its wider metropolitan area is one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia.

For a long time, people in this area used water transport a lot. Different groups lived here over centuries. The French took control in the 1800s and made Saigon their capital. After Vietnam became independent, Saigon became the capital of South Vietnam. Later, it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1976. This was to honor Ho Chi Minh, a famous leader. Even today, many people still call it Saigon.

Since the 1990s, the city has grown very fast. It has become modern and helped Vietnam's economy recover after the war. It is now a major hub for international trade.

Ho Chi Minh City is a key place for business, learning, and fun in Vietnam. It has the busiest international transport hub in the country. Tan Son Nhat International Airport handles almost half of all international visitors to Vietnam. The Saigon Port is one of the busiest in Southeast Asia.

The city is also a popular place for tourists. You can visit places like the Independence Palace, Landmark 81 (Vietnam's tallest building), the War Remnants Museum, and Bến Thành Market. The city is also known for its narrow alleys and lively night life.

What's in a Name? The Story of Ho Chi Minh City's Names

The area where Ho Chi Minh City stands today has had many names. The first known settlement was called Baigaur by the Chams people. Later, the Cambodians called it Prey Nokor, which was a small fishing village.

When the Vietnamese took control in 1698, they officially named it Gia Định. This name was used until the French arrived in the 1860s. Then, it became known as Sài Gòn, or Saïgon in French.

Why is it Called Ho Chi Minh City?

The current name, Ho Chi Minh City, was given after Vietnam was reunited in 1976. This was to honor Ho Chi Minh, the former leader of North Vietnam. His name means "enlightened will" or "light bringer."

Even though the official name is Ho Chi Minh City, many people still use the informal name Sài Gòn every day. There's a small difference: Sài Gòn often refers to the city center, especially District 1. Ho Chi Minh City refers to the entire area, including all its urban and rural districts.

The Name Saigon: Where Did it Come From?

The name Sài Gòn likely comes from the Khmer words ព្រៃនគរ (Prey Nokôr) or ព្រៃគរ (Prey Kôr). These words might mean "forest city" or "cotton tree forest."

Early Vietnamese writings from the 1700s show the name written with Chinese characters that sound like "sài" and "côn." This shows how old the name is.

Food Culture: A Taste of Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is known as one of the best food cities in the world. Many people think it's Vietnam's most exciting food city. Because people from all over Vietnam have moved here, the food culture is very diverse.

Some dishes started in the city and are very famous. These include cơm tấm (broken rice) and ốc (snails). You can find amazing food everywhere, from fancy restaurants to small street stalls.

History: How Ho Chi Minh City Grew

Early Settlements and Vietnamese Arrival

The first known settlement in this area was a temple built around 400 AD. In the 11th century, the Champa people had a settlement called Baigaur here. Later, the Khmer Empire took over and renamed it Prey Nokor. It started as a small fishing village in a forest.

Vietnamese people began to move to this land in the 1600s. This happened partly because a Vietnamese princess married the King of Cambodia. This made it easier for people to travel between the two areas. The King of Cambodia even gave the Prey Nokor area to the Vietnamese lords.

In 1623, the Vietnamese set up tax stations in Prey Nokor. This area was a wild jungle but was important for trade between Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. This period, from 1623 to 1698, is when Saigon really started to form.

Nguyễn Dynasty Rule and French Influence

In 1698, a Vietnamese noble named Nguyễn Hữu Cảnh was sent to set up Vietnamese government here. This officially made the area part of Vietnam. He is often given credit for helping Saigon grow into a major settlement.

Later, in 1788, a leader named Nguyễn Ánh took control of the city. He used it as a base to fight against his enemies. A large fortress, called Gia Định, was built around this time. The French later destroyed this fortress in 1859.

The French Colonial Era: "Pearl of the Orient"

In 1862, the city was given to France. The French planned to turn it into a big city for their colony. They built many French-style buildings in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These included a botanical garden, the Norodom Palace, Hotel Continental, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Bến Thành Market.

In 1865, the first newspaper in Vietnam, Gia Định Báo, was started in Saigon. During this time, Saigon became known as the "Pearl of the Orient" or "Paris of the Extreme Orient." This was because of its beauty and importance.

In 1931, Saigon and a nearby area called Cholon were combined into one region. The name Cholon was later dropped. Saigon's population grew from about 256,000 in 1930 to 1.2 million in 1950.

• Saigon during the French colonial era
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  The Siege of Saigon in 1859 by French and Spanish forces.

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  Map of Saigon in 1881.

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  French soldiers at a barrack in Saigon in 1930.

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  Japanese soldiers entering Saigon in 1941, during World War II.

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  Saigon on fire after air attacks from US Pacific Fleet planes in 1945.

Republic of Vietnam Era and the Vietnam War

In 1949, Saigon became the capital of the State of Vietnam. In 1954, Vietnam was divided into North and South. Saigon became the capital of South Vietnam. It was officially named Đô Thành Sài Gòn ("Capital City Saigon") in 1956.

Saigon was the main center for money, industry, and transport in South Vietnam. In the late 1950s, the economy grew quickly. However, by the 1960s, the city faced economic problems. Its population grew very fast, reaching 3.3 million by 1970.

During the Tet Offensive in 1968, communist forces tried to capture the city but failed. On April 30, 1975, Saigon was captured by North Vietnam. This ended the Vietnam War.

• Saigon during the Republic of Vietnam era
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  The Independence Palace in 1967. It was the home and office of the President of South Vietnam.

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  The Saigon Opera House from Tự Do Street in 1967.

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  A street view of Saigon in 1968.

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  The StanVac building, an example of modern Vietnamese architecture from that time.

Post-Vietnam War and Today

In 1976, after Vietnam was unified, the city of Saigon was combined with nearby areas. It was renamed Ho Chi Minh City to honor the late Communist leader. Since then, the city's administrative areas have changed many times. For example, in 2020, three districts were combined to form a new municipal city called Thủ Đức.

Today, Ho Chi Minh City is a major manufacturing and business hub in Vietnam. It is considered an "attractive business hub." The city is also classified as a "Beta" city by a global research network, meaning it's an important world city.

Geography: Where is Ho Chi Minh City?

Population density and elevation above sea level in the city (2010). Ho Chi Minh City is at risk from sea level rise.

Ho Chi Minh City is in the southeastern part of Vietnam. It is about 1,760 kilometers (1,094 miles) south of Hanoi. The city center is about 5 meters (16 feet) above sea level. The suburbs are a bit higher, around 16 meters (52 feet).

The city shares borders with several provinces. It also has a short coastline of 15 kilometers (9 miles) on the East Sea. The city covers an area of about 2,095 square kilometers (809 square miles). This is about 0.63% of Vietnam's total land area.

Flooding Challenges

Ho Chi Minh City is very vulnerable to the effects of climate change, especially flooding. During the rainy season, several things can cause floods. These include high tides, heavy rains, lots of water in the Saigon River and Đồng Nai River, and the land sinking. Experts say that a very big flood could cause 23% of the city to be underwater.

Climate: Hot and Humid

The city has a tropical climate, which means it's hot and humid all year. The average humidity is high, between 78% and 82%. The year has two main seasons:

• The rainy season: This lasts from May to November. It gets about 1,800 millimeters (71 inches) of rain each year, with about 150 rainy days.
• The dry season: This lasts from December to April.

The average temperature is about 28°C (82°F), and it doesn't change much throughout the year. The hottest temperature ever recorded was 40.0°C (104.0°F) in April. The lowest was 13.8°C (56.8°F) in January. The city gets a lot of sunshine, usually between 2,400 and 2,700 hours per year.

Administration: How the City is Organized

Ho Chi Minh City Hall is where the city's government works.

Administrative divisions of HCMC's urban districts and municipal city
1–12. Districts 1 to 12 excludes District 2 and District 9 (Part of city of Thu Duc).
13. Bình Thạnh
14. Bình Tân
15. Gò Vấp
16. Phú Nhuận
17. Tân Bình
18. Tân Phú

Ho Chi Minh City is a special municipality, like a province in Vietnam. It is divided into 22 smaller areas:

• 5 rural districts (large areas, mostly countryside)
• 16 urban districts (smaller areas, mostly city)
• 1 sub-city (a new type of city area, like Thủ Đức)

These areas are then divided even further into towns, communes, and wards. For example, on January 1, 2021, District 2, District 9, and Thủ Đức District were combined to form the new municipal city.

Demographics: Who Lives in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is the most crowded city in Vietnam. In 2009, its population was over 7.1 million people. This was about 8.34% of Vietnam's total population. By the end of 2012, the population was about 7.7 million. In 2019, the city had over 8.9 million people living in the main city area. Its larger metropolitan area had over 21 million people.

The city's population is growing very fast. Experts believe it could reach 13.9 million by 2025. People who live in Ho Chi Minh City are often called "Saigonese."

Ethnic Groups in the City

Most people in Ho Chi Minh City are ethnic Vietnamese, also known as Kinh people. They make up about 93.52% of the population.

The largest minority group is the Chinese (Hoa), who make up about 5.78%. The area called Cholon (in District 5 and parts of other districts) is home to the biggest Chinese community in Vietnam. They speak different types of Chinese, like Cantonese and Teochew.

Other smaller ethnic groups include the Khmer and Cham. There are also many people from other countries living in Ho Chi Minh City, like Koreans, Japanese, Americans, and Filipinos. They often work as expatriates, especially in Thủ Đức and District 7.

Religions in Ho Chi Minh City

As of 2009, the city recognizes 13 religions. About 1.9 million residents identify as religious. The two main religions are Buddhism and Catholicism.

• Buddhism has the most followers, with over 1.1 million people.
• Catholicism is second, with over 745,000 followers.

Other religions include Caodaism, Protestantism, Islam, and Hòa Hảo. Many people in the city also do not believe in God, which is called Atheism.

Economy: The Heart of Vietnam's Business

The city is the main economic center of Vietnam. Even though it's only a small part of the country's land, it has a large share of Vietnam's population and economy. In 2005, it contributed 20.2% of Vietnam's total GDP (Gross Domestic Product). It also accounted for 27.9% of industrial output and 34.9% of foreign investments.

In 2009, the average income per person in the city was $2,800. This was much higher than the country's average of $1,042.

Key Economic Areas

Saigon Port is one of Vietnam's major ports and one of the busiest in the world.

Hi-tech Park, in District 9, is one of Vietnam's two national hi-tech parks.

The city's economy includes many different industries. These range from mining and seafood processing to farming, construction, tourism, finance, and trade. The service sector makes up the largest part of the economy (51.1%). Industry and construction are also very important (47.7%).

Ho Chi Minh City is part of the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road." This is a big trade route that connects China to Europe by sea.

The Quang Trung Software Park is a special area for software companies. It's about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from downtown. It has software businesses and internet companies. It also has a school for software training. Companies here get good facilities, fast internet, and tax benefits.

Along with the Hi-Tech Park in Thủ Đức, Ho Chi Minh City wants to become an important high-tech city in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. This helps the city become a place where other countries can get work done, similar to India.

Many businesses in the city work in high-tech, electronics, processing, and light industries. They also work in construction, building materials, and farm products. Crude oil is also a big part of the city's economy.

Many international companies invest in the city. For example, Intel has invested about $1 billion in a factory here. More than 50 banks and about 20 insurance companies are also in the city. The Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange, Vietnam's first stock exchange, opened in 2001.

The city also has many markets, supermarkets, shopping malls, and beauty centers.

City Growth and New Developments

Ho Chi Minh City has many skyscrapers due to rapid growth. The Landmark 81 is the tallest building in Vietnam.

With a population of over 8 million people, Ho Chi Minh City needs more public buildings and services. The city government is working to build new city centers. Two big projects are the Thủ Thiêm city center in District 2 and the Phú Mỹ Hưng Urban Area in District 7.

Phú Mỹ Hưng is a new city center that has international schools like Saigon South International School and RMIT University. It also has a large boulevard and a new trade center called Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre. These projects are helping the city grow and become more modern.

Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has many large shopping malls and plazas. Some of the popular ones include:

• Maximark
• Lotte Mart
• AEON Mall
• SC VivoCity
• Saigon Centre
• Diamond Plaza
• Big C
• Crescent Mall
• Vincom Centre
• Bitexco Financial Tower
• Landmark 81

In 2007, about 3 million foreign tourists visited the city. This was about 70% of all tourists to Vietnam. By 2017, Ho Chi Minh City welcomed 6 million tourists. It is the second most visited city in Vietnam by international tourists.

Cityscape: Buildings and Green Spaces

Architecture: A Mix of Styles

Ho Chi Minh City has many interesting buildings with different styles. You can see a lot of French influence from the colonial era, especially in District 1. Famous French colonial buildings include the Ho Chi Minh City Hall, Saigon Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and Bến Thành Market.

The city also has buildings inspired by Chinese architecture, especially in Chợ Lớn. The Thien Hau Temple, built around 1760, is one of the oldest historic buildings still standing.

During the time of the Republic of Vietnam, modern Vietnamese architecture started to appear. The Independence Palace is a good example of this style.

Parks and Gardens: Green Oases

Tao Đàn Park is one of the biggest and oldest parks in Ho Chi Minh City.

Even though the city has many buildings, it also has several large parks. One of the biggest and most popular is Tao Đàn Park, located near the Independence Palace. Other parks in District 1 include September 23rd Park and 30/4 Park.

The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest zoos and botanical gardens in the world. It has over 600 rare animals and about 4,000 types of plants, some over 100 years old.

Pedestrian Zones: Places to Walk and Gather

Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard was the first street in Ho Chi Minh City made just for walking. It opened in 2015 and is a popular place for people to meet. Many events happen here, like the annual flower festival during Tết (Lunar New Year).

Bui Vien Walking Street is also very famous. It's known as "Western Street" because many backpackers and tourists visit. It has lots of restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and bars with live music.

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  Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard

Transport: Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City

Air Travel

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is Vietnam's busiest airport.

The city has Tan Son Nhat International Airport, which is the largest airport in Vietnam. It handles over 15.5 million passengers each year. A new airport, Long Thanh International Airport, is planned to open in 2025. It will handle international flights, while Tan Son Nhat Airport will focus on domestic flights.

Train Travel

Ho Chi Minh City is a main stop for many Vietnam Railways train routes. The Reunification Express train runs from Saigon to Hanoi. However, train travel is not as developed as other types of transport.

Water Transport

The city's location on the Saigon River makes it a busy port. Many cargo ships use it, and passenger boats travel between Ho Chi Minh City and other places in Southern Vietnam and Cambodia. These include Vũng Tàu, Cần Thơ, the Mekong Delta, and Phnom Penh. The Saigon Waterbus also connects different parts of the city by water.

Public Transport: Buses and Metro

Metro System

The Ho Chi Minh City Metro is a new train system being built. The first line is expected to open by 2024. This line will connect Bến Thành to Suối Tiên Park. It is expected to carry over 160,000 passengers daily. More lines are being planned for the future.

Bus System

Public buses run on many routes throughout the city. You can buy tickets right on the bus. The city also has large bus stations for coaches that travel to and from other parts of Vietnam. The biggest is the Mien Dong Coach Station.

Private Transport: Motorbikes and Cars

The most common ways to get around the city are by motorbike, car, bus, taxi, and bicycle. Motorbikes are still the most popular. Taxis are easy to find and usually have meters. For short trips, you can use "xe ôm" (motorbike taxis). You can also book motorbike and car taxis using apps like Grab and GoJek.

A fun way for tourists to see the city is by cyclos (pedicabs). In recent years, more people have started using cars. There are about 340,000 cars and 3.5 million motorbikes in the city. This growing number of vehicles can cause traffic jams and air pollution. The government is trying to reduce motorbikes and improve public transport.

Expressways: Connecting the City

HCMC-LT-DG Expressway

The city has two main expressways that connect it to other provinces:

• The Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong Expressway opened in 2010. It connects the city to Tiền Giang and the Mekong Delta.
• The Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway opened in 2015. It connects the city to Đồng Nai and Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu.

Healthcare: Hospitals and Medical Care

The city has a well-developed healthcare system. There are about 100 government hospitals and medical centers, plus many international facilities and private clinics.

Some of the top medical places in Southeast Asia are in Ho Chi Minh City. These include the 1,400-bed Chợ Rẫy Hospital, the French-supported Institute of Cardiology, Prima Saigon Eye Hospital, and City International Hospital. Ho Chi Minh City is also a major center for medical tourism in Vietnam.

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  Chợ Rẫy Hospital is the biggest hospital in Ho Chi Minh City and Southern Vietnam.

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  Franco-Vietnamese Hospital in District 7.

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  City International Hospital is a well-known Women & Children Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

Education: Schools and Universities

Ho Chi Minh City has many schools and universities. Higher education is growing fast here. The city has over 80 universities and colleges with more than 400,000 students.

High Schools: Learning for Teens

High schools in the city cover grades 10 to 12. Some famous public high schools include Lê Hồng Phong High School for the Gifted and Trần Đại Nghĩa High School for the Gifted. There are also many private high schools that offer Vietnamese or international programs.

Universities: Higher Learning Opportunities

Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City is one of Vietnam's national research universities.

Some of the most important universities are:

• Vietnam National University: This is a very large university with many different schools.
• The University of Technology
• The University of Sciences
• The University of Social Sciences and Humanities
• The International University

There are also many private universities. One well-known private university is RMIT International University Vietnam, which is a campus of an Australian university.

Tourism: Exploring Ho Chi Minh City

Bùi Viện Walking Street has many hotels, coffee shops, and bars for tourists.

Many tourist attractions in the city are linked to the French colonial period and the Vietnam War. Most of these places are in District 1 and are close to each other.

Some famous buildings in the city center include:

• The Reunification Palace (Dinh Thống Nhất)
• City Hall (Ủy ban nhân dân Thành phố)
• Municipal Theatre (also called the Opera House)
• City Post Office (Bưu điện thành phố)
• Notre-Dame Cathedral

Historic hotels like the Hotel Majestic, Rex, and Caravelle hotels are also popular.

The city has many museums, such as:

• The City Museum
• War Remnants Museum
• Museum of Fine Arts

The Củ Chi tunnels, located outside the city, are also a popular historical site. For fun, you can visit the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Đầm Sen Tourist and Cultural Park, or Suối Tiên Amusement and Culture Park.

Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its food. You can find many restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese dishes like phở (noodle soup) or rice vermicelli. The "Backpackers' Quarter" on Phạm Ngũ Lão Street and Bùi Viện Street is a popular area for travelers.

Culture: Art, Food, and Media

Dragon dance to celebrate Tết Nguyên Đán in Ho Chi Minh City.

Museums and Art Galleries

Because of its history, the art in Ho Chi Minh City is a mix of Western and Eastern styles. Important places for art include the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts and many art galleries on streets like Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa and Trần Phú.

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  Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

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  Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History

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  War Remnants Museum

Food and Drink: Street Food Capital

Ho Chi Minh City has a strong food and drink culture. You can find many roadside restaurants, coffee shops, and food stalls. Locals and tourists enjoy delicious local food and drinks at good prices. The city is often ranked as one of the top five best cities in the world for street food.

Media: News and Entertainment

HTV, Vietnam's second largest TV network, is based in District 1.

The city has the most developed media in Vietnam. There are seven daily newspapers, including Sài Gòn Giải Phóng and Tuổi Trẻ (which has the highest circulation in Vietnam). There are also over 30 other newspapers and magazines.

The city has many printing and publishing houses, bookstores, and libraries. The main library has over 1.5 million books. Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV) is the second largest TV network in Vietnam. It broadcasts 24/7 on several channels. Many international TV channels are also available through cable networks. The Voice of Ho Chi Minh City is the biggest radio station in Southern Vietnam.

Internet access is growing fast, with millions of users. Mobile phone service is also very popular, with about 15 million phones in use.

Sport: Teams and Events

Thống Nhất Stadium is home to the V.League 1 football club Ho Chi Minh City F.C..

As of 2005, Ho Chi Minh City had many sports facilities. These included 91 football fields, 86 swimming pools, and 256 gyms. The largest stadium is the 15,000-seat Thống Nhất Stadium. The Military Region 7 Stadium was used for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup football tournament.

The city has several football clubs. One of the biggest is Ho Chi Minh City F.C., which has won Vietnam's top league four times.

In 2011, the city got a professional basketball team called Saigon Heat. They were the first international professional basketball team to represent Vietnam. They also play in the local Vietnam Basketball Association and have won the championship three times. Another professional basketball team, Wings, was created in 2016.

The city hosts many international sports events, such as the AFF Futsal Championship. Other sports like rugby, cricket, volleyball, and chess are also played here.

International Relations: Friends Around the World

Ho Chi Minh City is "twinned" with many cities around the world. This means they have special friendly relationships and work together on different projects.

Sister Cities

Cooperation and Friendship Agreements

The city also has cooperation and friendship agreements with other places:

See also

In Spanish: Ciudad Ho Chi Minh para niños