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Saigon, a more endearing name for Ho Chi Minh City. #teamKlook, read through this article to find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Saigon on Google!
Saigon – one of Vietnam's most developed cities, a fascinating tourist destination with bustling streets, diverse culture, and a dynamic lifestyle that makes you forget your way back. In Saigon, you'll get lost in a shopping paradise, along with exciting and captivating entertainment activities, vibrant both day and night.
Let's quickly explore Saigon with Klook and get travel tips for a memorable journey!
Where is Saigon?
Saigon is the largest and most populous city in Vietnam, located in the southern part of the country. With a vast area, Saigon is situated in the transitional zone between the Southeast and Southwest, becoming a major transportation hub of Vietnam, connecting neighboring provinces and serving as a major international gateway in the Southeast Asia region.
Saigon Population - How Many People?
- The population of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) as of June 1, 2023, is nearly 8.9 million people, precisely 8,899,866 people. It is categorized by age groups as follows:
- Total population under 5 years old: 541,613 people.
- Total population from 5 to 11 years old: 830,175 people.
- Total population from 12 to 17 years old: 735,773 people.
- Total population from 18 to 49 years old: 4,881,971 people.
Saigon Area - How Much Is It?
Saigon covers a total area of 2,095.39 km² with a population density of 4,029 people/km². Consequently, Saigon maintains a certain position in various fields such as economy, education, healthcare, communication, sports, and entertainment.
Why is it called Saigon?
The name 'Saigon' has long been a mysterious and intriguing tradition, capturing the curiosity of many. Despite numerous studies, there is still no consensus on the origin of this name. Among several hypotheses, three theories are considered the most plausible.
1. 'Prei Nokor' (Town in the middle of the forest) in Khmer. This could be the reason why the name Saigon has its roots in the Khmer language, indicating a town nestled in a dense forest.
2. 'Tai-Ngon' or 'Tin-Gan' in Cantonese, pronounced as 'Thay Ngon' or 'Thi Ngon.' This theory suggests that the name Saigon originates from the Cantonese language, meaning 'Land of abundance and prosperity.'
3. 'Tây Cống' in Vietnamese Han, meaning 'West Confluence.' This is another theory about the origin of the name Saigon, related to naming based on gifts from the West.
The combinations of linguistic and historical factors have created a vibrant tapestry of this unique name for the city.
Who Named Saigon?
As mentioned above, the name 'Saigon' is derived from one word being read differently from another, and its exact origin is still undetermined.
According to the Chronicles compiled by Lê Quý Đôn in 1674, Nguyen Duong Lam, under the orders of Lord Nguyen, defeated the Cao Mien army and broke the 'Sai Gon Rampart.' This marks the first appearance of the term 'Sai Gon' in the historical documents of Vietnam.
Why Did Sai Gon Change its Name to Ho Chi Minh City?
After April 30, 1975, the city of Sai Gon and Gia Dinh province were merged into Sai Gon – Gia Dinh city. On July 2, 1976, the National Assembly decided to change the name from 'Sai Gon – Gia Dinh' to 'Ho Chi Minh City,' in honor of the first President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
How Many Districts are There in Sai Gon?
As one of the centrally governed cities, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city with 19 districts and 5 districts in the year.
Currently, Ho Chi Minh City is in the process of establishing a central city and four satellite cities, including Thu Duc in the East, Nha Be in the South, Hoc Mon in the North, and Binh Chanh in the West.
How Many Airports Does Sai Gon Have?
Currently, Sai Gon has Tan Son Nhat International Airport, officially known as Tan Son Nhat International Airport, under the Southern Airports Authority. It is the largest international airport in Vietnam in terms of both area and terminal capacity.
Tan Son Nhat serves as the main operating base for all Vietnamese airlines, the headquarters of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam, and the central management location for all civil airports in Vietnam.
Why is Sai Gon Hot?
Sai Gon falls within the tropical monsoon climate zone, so it doesn't experience distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Sai Gon only has two seasons: the rainy season from around May to November and the dry season from December to April.
During the dry season, Sai Gon experiences high temperatures and intense sunlight, making it scorching hot everywhere. To escape the heat, residents often travel to Da Lat, Vung Tau, or head north to enjoy more comfortable air.
Why Is Sai Gon Called the Far East Pearl?
During the French colonial period, Sai Gon was the administrative, economic, cultural, and educational center of French Indochina, earning the nickname the Far East Pearl (“La perle de l'Extrême-Orient'). Among the French colonies, Sai Gon was also known as the Little Paris of the Far East ('Le petit Paris de l'Extrême-Orient').
What to Do in Sai Gon?
The answer to the question “What to do in Sai Gon?” is simpler than you think. From morning till night, there's no shortage of fun activities, entertainment, and sightseeing suitable for all ages.
You can visit Ben Thanh Market in the morning, enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Saigon Skydeck, watch water puppet shows, have dinner on a cruise along the Saigon River, or savor fresh beer on Bui Vien Walking Street. If you have time, experience sweating it out in the Cu Chi Tunnels or explore the Mekong Delta. Exploring Sai Gon by motorbike is also a fantastic idea. With the Klook app in hand, you can discover even more, adding convenient and cost-effective new experiences to your journey.
What to Eat in Sai Gon?
Sai Gon is a melting pot of diverse cultures, resulting in a wide variety of cuisine that combines different flavors. If you're wondering what to eat in Sai Gon, let Klook suggest for you!
Did you know that Sai Gon is where baguette sandwiches first appeared in Vietnam? So, when in Sai Gon, you must try the unique and flavorful Sai Gon baguette. Sai Gon broken rice, with its special marination and grilling, stands out from other regions and is a must-try specialty. There are also countless types of sticky rice, snails, hotpot, sweet soup, ice cream, and a super enticing seafood buffet for you to indulge in.
Apart from restaurants and eateries, you must definitely choose a cool Sai Gon cafe for a remarkable check-in.
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So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and embark on an exciting journey to explore this beautiful and bustling Sai Gon! Hopefully, with the information Klook just shared, your upcoming Sai Gon travel will be more interesting and captivating.
