Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City, is the largest city in Vietnam and the country's economic and financial center. It is located in the southern part of the country, along the Saigon River, near the Mekong Delta region.
Some key facts about Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City:
- Established in the 17th century, it was the capital of French Indochina from 1911 to 1945 and the capital of South Vietnam from 1956 to 1975.
- After the Vietnam War ended in 1975, the city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after the communist revolutionary leader.
- It is a major hub for commerce, finance, culture, and tourism in Vietnam. The city has a dynamic economy driven by manufacturing, real estate, trade, and services.
- The city has a vibrant urban landscape with a mix of French colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and traditional Vietnamese structures.
- Popular attractions include the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and bustling markets like Ben Thanh Market.
- With over 8 million residents, Ho Chi Minh City is the most populous city in Vietnam and one of the most populous metropolitan areas in Southeast Asia.
