Top 10 Most Iconic Songs About Ho Chi Minh City

In March 1976, thousands of young people from the city, wearing the green uniforms of volunteer youth workers, spread out across areas still heavily littered with unexploded bombs, to reclaim land, build irrigation systems, and create new rural regions.

Among them, one person, caught in a moment of longing for the city, shared the 'longing' that many of the youth felt. Nguyễn Nhật Ánh wrote 'The City of Love and Longing,' reflecting on the deep emotions: 'From the moment the green shade of the old trees appeared, standing there, allowing me to write poetry… The path we walked, now a hundred years old, we passed it so many times, yet the nervousness of holding hands remains.'

Composer Phạm Minh Tuấn read this poem at a time when many young people were leaving the city to fight on the Southwest border. The emotions of the poem not only reminded him of his days in the forest but also deeply resonated with the 'longing' of those who had left the city. This connection sparked the inspiration to create a melody that perfectly conveyed this sense of yearning.

Performed by Cẩm Vân, 'The City of Love and Longing' continues to move listeners, especially those who, when far from home, hear the familiar melody and are instantly transported back to the city.

Ho Chi Minh City is not only known for its wide, bustling streets, but also for its quaint corners and narrow alleys, deeply intertwined with the personal memories of youthful love. These are the places where teenagers used to meet after school, share a bowl of ice cream or save up to buy each other a flower by the roadside. The innocent and sweet love stories that once bloomed here fade quickly, and whenever one unexpectedly passes through these familiar corners, the simplicity and warmth of the place stir up nostalgic emotions.

Memories flood back with the old tree-lined streets, the small familiar café, and the path once shared by two people, though now the other is long gone. These fleeting, unfinished stories still linger, with the street corner bearing witness to it all. A debut composition by composer Trần Minh Phi, 'The Gentle Street Corner' is a song that blends cheerful energy with a bittersweet sense of longing for times past.

This song was composed by Phạm Tuyên, based on a poem by Lệ Bình. With its lively, catchy melody, 'The City of Ten Seasons of Flowers' has become a beloved nickname for Ho Chi Minh City. The song paints a picture of a city in constant motion, with nature always evolving, thriving with '10 seasons of flowers,' '10 seasons of changing leaves,' '10 seasons of bearing fruit,' accompanied by the 'swirling swallows' and the 'sweet sounds of birds singing.'

'The City of Ten Seasons of Flowers, trees with ten seasons of changing leaves
Flowers with ten seasons of bearing fruit, sweet sounds of birds singing
The City of Ten Seasons of Flowers, swallows flying in ten seasons
The golden apricot petals stir in the morning’s melody
Thrilling verses of poetry, thrilling notes of music
The city named after the great leader, the city of ten seasons of flowers.'

'The City of Ten Seasons of Flowers, spring arrives in every corner
Radiant smiles bloom, lively after every shift
The City of Ten Seasons of Flowers, building in all ten seasons
Standing strong, ready for tomorrow’s song
Thrilling verses of poetry, thrilling notes of music
The city named after the great leader, the city of ten seasons of flowers.'

In this city, people are always eager to work and give their best to create a brighter future. Everywhere, there are 'radiant smiles, lively after every shift,' and new verses and melodies created to celebrate the vibrant life.

The powerful vitality of this song is almost impossible to fully explain. It’s a song whose artistic value can only be described as exceptional, beautiful both in its lyrics and melody, and its music and words sparkle, transcending the boundaries of Ho Chi Minh City to reach the entire world. The song continues to resonate, commemorating the liberation of Saigon, 45 years of peace, and the melody that lives on with time.

'This spring has come to our homeland…' The opening lines of the song were born along with the rapid march of the liberation army during the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign in the spring of 1975. Composer Xuân Hồng wrote the song as his unit advanced toward Saigon. The song was completed after the composer and his team arrived in Saigon and experienced the joy of the entire country 'bathed in flags' and the overwhelming happiness that brought tears of joy to their eyes.

The song was quickly embraced and spread across radio and television, in performances by both professional artistic troupes and local cultural groups, all celebrating Saigon’s liberation and the reunification of the country.

'Spring in Ho Chi Minh City' captures a vivid image of a glorious moment in history: the great victory of the Spring of 1975. It reflects the deep and sincere emotions of the people and the entire nation about the monumental victory: a victory that transformed spring into a 'heroic anthem, shining brightly for a thousand years, immortalizing the legacy of the people.'

Hà Anh Tuấn, a singer who began his career in Hanoi, has a deep connection with both Da Lat and Saigon. He once shared how he was moved by a photograph of a hardworking woman selling scrap materials in Saigon, who contributed numerous small bills to a free rice shop for the poor. From that moment on, Hà Anh Tuấn felt that his music should be grounded in such acts of kindness, which he sees as the true definition of wealth and happiness. The singer has performed the song 'Saigon, I Love You' as a tribute to the city that has inspired him in countless ways.

In the composition by Đức Trí, also a native of Saigon, the city is depicted in its most familiar, endearing form, with the warm morning sun, bustling markets, and beloved local cafés:

'We greet the morning sun, say hello to the familiar street, where people and traffic are always busy. The morning coffee feels joyful, the neighborhood is lively. We speed through, passing the bustling market, where people are laughing, chatting, and having coffee together...'

'I feel like singing this song: Saigon, I love you, this familiar street, where so many people I love live, and whenever I go away, I always miss it. Saigon, my city, with its cozy cafés that stay open late into the night, where we wander through the streets and sing together...'

Some people dislike coffee because of its bitter taste on the tongue, while others leisurely sip it, gradually experiencing the sweet aroma that lingers in the throat, eventually becoming addicted. 'Saigon iced milk coffee. Always the same, whether you've tried it or not. Saigon, with its tree-lined streets and benches. Always the same, rain or shine.' (Lyrics from 'Saigon Iced Milk Coffee,' composed by Hà Okio). And so, a cup of iced milk coffee or a morning coffee on the sidewalk has become a 'heritage' of the city's daily routine.

Coffee can be enjoyed anywhere across Vietnam, but here in Saigon, people often invite each other with the phrase 'Let's go for coffee,' which sparks countless conversations. Perhaps that's why Hà Okio's 'Saigon Iced Milk Coffee' (2012) became one of the best songs about the city, as it taps into the essence of Saigon's spirit.

'Give me a cup of iced milk coffee, let me sit beneath the shady tree, and watch the road ahead, with people and life flowing by. Let me pause at a café by the street... Saigon iced milk coffee, always the same, whether you've tried it or not.'

A journalist once remarked that the melody of this song is as bright and cheerful as the sound of a spoon stirring in a cup of iced milk coffee. Iced milk coffee has become a 'specialty,' with its sweet, enchanting flavor uniquely Saigon's, leaving a deep sense of longing for those who have visited this Southern city.

Like many other regions, conquering Saigon means facing life's daily struggles, from earning a living to dealing with hardships that often make survival feel overwhelming. In these moments, people feel vulnerable, especially those who have left their hometowns, wondering who they can rely on.

There's a song that reflects this: 'Saigon, Weak and Who Can Lean On?' The song tells the story of the struggles of Saigon's people, clearly depicted in its music video. It captures the sentiments of nearly 9 million people navigating the complexities of life. Saigon is a city full of life yet sometimes tumultuous. This song offers a perspective filled with the emotions of young people searching for success and their own identity.

Moreover, the creation of this song has an interesting backstory. According to its author, Huỳnh Quốc Huy, the inspiration came one afternoon when he was out of money. He rode his bike around Saigon, observing the diverse lives around him, reflecting on his own journey, and wrote this song.

The song 'Saigon Is Beautiful' was composed by Y Vân and first published in August 1965. With its lively cha-cha-cha rhythm, it mirrors the vibrant pace of Saigon’s daily life. The cheerful melody, easy to sing and remember, made the song an iconic representation of the city. Originally titled 'Saigon,' it became widely known as 'Saigon Is Beautiful' due to the memorable last line that expresses admiration for the city.

It is believed that the inspiration for 'Saigon Is Beautiful' came from a moment when Y Vân stood by the Saigon River, watching the city bathed in the 'afternoon sun,' as people hurried by, with 'ao dai' fluttering everywhere. The bustling, lively atmosphere of Saigon, filled with people walking in unison, formed the backdrop for this unforgettable tune.

Saigon may be chaotic, complex, and fast-paced, but if we take a step back and look at it with an open heart, we can see the love and warmth it offers. If someone hasn't yet understood the charm of this city, they should stop by Bach Dang Wharf and listen to the words that Y Vân has dedicated to the 'Pearl of the Orient': 'Saigon is beautiful, oh Saigon, Saigon.'

Saigon may not be as romantic and poetic as other places, but it offers plenty of reflections. A young, dynamic, and bustling city, its fast-paced life sometimes makes people feel tired, longing to escape the noise and dust of its crowded streets. Yet, beneath all this, there is a deep, lasting love for the city.

When people think of Ho Chi Minh City, they often picture a lively and energetic place where life never seems to stop. This is the image of a young city.

Composer Trần Tiến shared that Saigon has changed him, providing endless inspiration for writing songs. 'The Young City,' 'The Melody of the Homeland,' and 'Round Footprints in the Sand' were all written here. He expressed his gratitude to this city, where he found happiness. Though Hanoi is his hometown, every return feels like reuniting with an old love. No matter where you live in the world, the key is whether you have love and people you cherish. Trần Tiến feels he represents those who have come to love this city, a youthful place full of open-minded, carefree people. From a thousand-year-old city to a 300-year-old one.

'The Young City' was written around 1981, a time when many young men and women from Saigon were heading to build new economic zones. Trần Tiến spontaneously composed this song after being invited to perform at an event. Using rock rhythms, he highlighted the country's optimism. The song's creation was so spontaneous that he only sang the lines 'My city is so young, do you hear them sing with hearts so young?' and finished writing the rest the next day.

In 'The Young City,' Ho Chi Minh City is portrayed as a vibrant, joyous place full of life, seen through the eyes of ordinary working people: a young girl, a worker, and a soldier. After a hard day’s work, they return home and cherish the simple happiness of everyday life. Their joy is genuine, quiet, and unassuming.

The song's lyrics are intimate, realistic, and free-spirited, much like the people of this city. We see a young woman brushing her hair, 'thinking something happy, laughing alone,' a worker with 'oil on his hands,' 'bare back facing the sea breeze,' 'looking at his faithful wife,' and a soldier 'missing his girlfriend, playing guitar alone.' Listening to Trần Tiến’s music, the audience sees the spirit of a young city rising higher. In this city, people live passionately, contribute, and love wholeheartedly.

'Do You Remember or Have You Forgotten' was chosen as the title for a collection of 50 love songs by Trịnh Công Sơn, published by NXB Trẻ in Ho Chi Minh City in April 1991. After the book was printed, copies were sent to Hanoi, where Thái Bá Vân, bedridden at the time, received a copy from composer Văn Cao. He commented: 'The music has a mysterious, profound magic that is consistently Trịnh Công Sơn’s style. It never feels limited or divided, always full of depth and metaphysical beauty, like a wistful, desolate meditation on human suffering and the meaning of life and hope. But his talent reassures us that the only way to express this world of bewildered restlessness is through art. Both art and we owe him our gratitude' (June 1991).

As for the song 'Do You Remember or Have You Forgotten,' Thái Bá Vân recalled: 'I first heard Trịnh Công Sơn perform it live at a family gathering in Saigon, perhaps in the summer of 1982, surrounded by familiar faces from that era, such as the poetess Mộng Tuyết, wife of the late poet Đông Hồ, and the elderly poet Bàng Bá Lân. The meal was prepared by Mrs. Vũ Hoàng Chương, a descendant of Hanoi’s literary lineage. That day, one person reacted strongly to the song, but Trịnh Công Sơn simply smiled, remained silent, and continued to play his guitar, singing: 'You’ve gone, but this place is still the same… The city still holds its dreams, still lives with passion, and flowers still bloom along the paths… Do you remember or have you forgotten.' Once again, I felt the gentle glow of a candle in every song of his, casting a haunting, mythical light over the face of our homeland, like the paintings of Georges de la Tour (1593-1652), whose works were only truly appreciated in the early 20th century.'

At the gathering, no one knew that Trịnh Công Sơn had written this song as a gift for Dao Ánh (who was in the U.S. at the time), and six months after the release of the 'Do You Remember or Have You Forgotten' collection, Trịnh Công Sơn sent a letter to Dao Ánh, describing the streets of Saigon as they were two decades ago and even sketching a portrait of himself from that time.