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 Ho Chi Minh City called now?
Current Vietnamese name The official name is now Thành phố (meaning city) Hồ Chí Minh, often abbreviated TPHCM. In English this is translated as Ho Chi Minh City, abbreviated HCMC, and in French it is translated as Hô Chi Minh Ville (the circumflex is sometimes omitted), abbreviated HCMV.
What is the new name for Saigon?
On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese troops captured Saigon, and the city was subsequently renamed Ho Chi Minh City.
Can I wear shorts in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a conservative country, so its important to dress conservatively while traveling around the country. The dress code is a little more relaxed in major cities, but dont wear short-shorts, low-cut tops or revealling dresses to the local fish market. Save the skimpy attire for the beach – if you must.
What does the name Sài Gòn mean?
An etymology of Saigon (or Sài Gòn in Vietnamese) is that Sài is a Sino-Vietnamese word (Hán tự: 柴) meaning firewood, lops, twigs; palisade, while Gòn is another Sino-Vietnamese word (Hán tự: 棍) meaning stick, pole, bole, and whose meaning evolved into cotton in Vietnamese (bông gòn, literally cotton stick,
Is Ho Chi Minh City Safe?
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Ho Chi Minh City as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Despite this assessment, most visitors feel relatively safe. The level of crime is comparable to other cities of similar size throughout Asia.
Is Ho Chi Minh City 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.