Sai Gon

Ho Chi Minh City is also known by the familiar name Sai Gon. This is one of the largest and most developed urban areas in Vietnam. With a heroic history, diverse culture and rapid economic development, the city is a great destination for you to experience and discover new things.

Coming to Sai Gon, you will feel the dynamism and development of a modern city, as well as enjoy the special cultural and historical values. Formerly known as the "Pearl of the Far East", Ho Chi Minh City has long been the cultural, economic and political center of Vietnam. It is a convergence of many cultures, with diverse tourism products. It is a sleepless city with exciting entertainment activities day and night.

Saigon Bridge and Landmark 81 Building at night. Source: Wikipedia 

Traveling to this tourist destination, you can see high-rise buildings located close together, entertainment areas and busy shopping centers. But there is also no shortage of ancient villas and traditional markets that have existed for hundreds of years. In this article, Asia King Travel will give you more information to help you learn more about this famous tourist destination. 

History of Sai Gon

Originally known as Prey Nokor, the city came into being as a result of the Nguyen Dynasty's colonization of the South. The location was founded when Nguyen Huu Canh founded Gia Dinh Palace in 1698. To further their colonial exploitation, the French invaded Indochina, whereupon they founded Sai Gon City, which grew rapidly to become one of Vietnam's two most significant cities.

Along with Cambodia's Phnom Penh, this city was dubbed the "Pearl of the Far East" by the French among their colonies. The destination was also the capital of the Indochina Federation in the period 1887-1901 (later France moved the capital of the Indochina Federation to Hanoi). In 1949, this place became the capital of the State of Vietnam - a polity under the Indochina Federation and later the capital of the Republic of Vietnam.

Sai Gon was formerly known as the Pearl of the Far East. Source: Redsvn.net 

Since then, this city has become one of the important urban areas of Southern Vietnam. After the fall of the Republic of Vietnam in the events of April 30th, 1975, the Vietnamese territory was completely unified. On July 2nd, 1976, the National Assembly of a unified Vietnam decided to change the name of Sai Gon to "Ho Chi Minh City", after the first President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

Read more: Sai Gon Tour 1 day: Sai Gon River Cruise

Weather in Sai Gon

Sai Gon's tropical climate means it remains relatively warm throughout the year, with the wet season bringing occasional heavy rainfall and higher humidity, while the dry season offers more pleasant and comfortable weather for outdoor activities and exploration. Regardless of the season, its dynamic energy and captivating attractions make it an enticing destination for travelers seeking to experience the essence of Vietnam's southern charm.

Sai Gon's tropical climate means it remains relatively warm throughout the year. Source: Quy Nhon Group Tour 

Wet Season (May to October)

The wet season typically lasts from May to October. During this period, the city experiences heavy rainfall, high humidity, and occasional thunderstorms. July and August are the wettest months, with frequent afternoon showers. The temperatures during the wet season generally range from 25°C to 32°C.

Dry Season (November to April)

The dry season extends from November to April. This period is characterized by lower humidity and minimal rainfall. The weather is generally more pleasant and comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. December and January are considered the coolest months, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 34°C.

The City Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral... are architectural works with bold Western architecture in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Source: Le Anh Tuan

How to get there

By Air

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the primary airport serving the city and is the largest airport in Vietnam. It receives both domestic and international flights from various destinations around the world. Many major airlines operate flights to Sai Gon, making it easily accessible for travelers from different countries.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Source: ACV

By Land

If you are already in Vietnam, you can travel to Sai Gon by bus, car or train. Several long-distance buses connect this place with other major cities in Vietnam. The North-South Reunification Railway runs through the location, offering train services to Hanoi and other cities along the way.

What to eat in Sai Gon

Broken Rice

If you ask what is the specialty dish of Sai Gon, the answer is definitely broken rice. A plate of rice seems simple but can accompany locals in every meal, whether morning, lunch or dinner. The most special version is still broken rice with pork ribs, served with onion fat, pickles and a cup of sweet fish sauce.

Rice Noodle

Rice noodle is the common name of the most colorful dish in this attraction. Whether you step into a luxury restaurant or a popular noodle cart, this dish is still enough to attract you in many forms: bone noodles, braised beef noodles, Nam Vang noodles, rice noodles. squid noodles, satay noodles…

Rice noodle is the common name of the most colorful dish in Sai Gon. Source: Bao Lao dong 

Banh Mi

Banh mi is a very familiar and close dish to almost all Vietnamese. Especially in Sai Gon, when walking on the streets, you can easily see countless banh mi shops or banh mi carts. Because it is so familiar, few people think this dish is one of the specialties of Sai Gon.

Banh mi is considered one of the pinnacles of street food and have been listed in the top 10 best sandwiches in the world. Source: FPT Shop

The wonderful taste of banh mi is a combination of cold cuts, spring rolls, sausages, pate, pickles, onions, cilantro... and a very special sauce, all wrapped in a fragrant and crispy loaf of bread. Not only that, nowadays sandwiches are also combined with roast pork, meatballs and fish cakes,... each filling has a unique flavor but is delicious, nutritious, and cheap.

Conclusion

With dynamic, prosperous but equally poetic beauty, perhaps any traveler would like to travel to this tourist attraction once to fully explore this land full of love. Walking past skyscrapers, visiting ancient buildings, sitting next to street vendors and listening to stories of working people, you will see a luxurious but also warm Sai Gon. Contact Asia King Travel to get an unforgettable memory in Sai Gon.

Read more: Ho Chi Minh Tour 2 hours: Exploring Ho Chi Minh City on foot