An overview of Sai Gon city (Ho Chi Minh city)

Since 1976, Sai Gon has been called Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Sai Gon City. It is located 1,730 kilometers south of Hanoi. It is both the first city in the country and the economic heart of Vietnam.

This pearl of the Far East, renowned for the vitality of its licit or illicit trade, had to adapt brutally to the change of regime in 1975. The southern capital never agreed to be renamed to Ho Chi Minh City.

A special atmosphere

Since the liberalization policy, it is making up for the lost time. As soon as you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be very impressed by the traffic which shows a dense activity. As in a moving anthill, motorbikes, scooters, bicycles, buses, cars, and trucks brush against each other in an incessant sound ballet.

Jeans and a cap have replaced traditional clothing and the girls are dressed in the latest Japanese fashion.

The difference between the North and the South is remarkable, it is more flagrant than ever. Indeed Hanoi is considered a conservative and traditional city while Sai Gon provokes by its modernity and its apparent carefreeness.

You will find here a detailed article on the difference between Hanoi and Sai Gon: here!

Gastronomy

Tasty and affordable: Vietnamese gastronomy is accessible on every street corner. The city is full of “street-food” addresses or restaurants where traditional and Western specialties take center stage. Shellfish, spring rolls, fried egg rolls, grilled meat and fish, vegetarian specialties based on rice of course… Frankly, you’re spoiled for choice! Mediterranean cuisine, and the French influence, sometimes give rise to original specialties such as camembert spring rolls.

Want to change? Opt for Thai and Indian cuisine, and Sunday brunch options at many brands. In short, you will inevitably find an address to your liking!

Sai Gon nightlife

Like all big cities, Ho Chi Minh City has succumbed to the trend of discotheques: essential places to enjoy the nightlife! DJs come from all over the world to liven up the night of the Sai Gonnaises and we often meet on rooftops to party while enjoying a breathtaking view of the city “by night”.

In a completely different genre, discover the incredible water puppets. Straight from the Asian tradition, this show allows you to discover the traditions and myths of Vietnamese culture through scenes of daily life. Played several times a day, it deserves that you make a small detour.

Do not hesitate either to push the door of the opera to attend one of the performances of the Vietnamese bamboo circus!

Architecture of Sai Gon

The city offers an extraordinary colonial setting, pretty pagodas, and moving museums that evoke the horror of war.

Sai Gon Airport

Located 7 km northwest of the city center, Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the largest in the country. The section devoted to international flights is recent. A bus station is located in front of the international terminal, several options are also available for you to take a taxi.

Sai Gon train station

Counters are open from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Ho Chi Minh City’s train station is one of the most important in the region. Connections by Reunification trains with all the coastal towns

to the North. Remember to book sleeper tickets at least three days before departure! Free wifi is available throughout the station. Shops and restaurants for all budgets on site.

For further

In order to tell you about the city of Sai Gon in detail, we have consolidated information on the history, sites, activities, and weather. Indeed, you can consult them by clicking on the different themes in the column on the right!

Enjoy your visit to Sai Gon!