Southern Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly Saigon, was the US base during the Vietnam War and since the country’s unification has transformed into a thoroughly modern, thriving metropolis. The somewhat less modern capital, Hanoi, runs at a noisier pace, with its lively Old Quarter full of winding lanes.
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Are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City the same?
Hanoi is located in northern Vietnam and is home to pristine temples and expansive lakes, while Ho Chi Minh City, at the southern end, attracts travellers looking to learn more about Vietnam’s rather bleak recent history.
What is Saigon called now?
Ho Chi Minh City
On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese troops captured Saigon, and the city was subsequently renamed Ho Chi Minh City.
Is Saigon bigger than Hanoi?
Both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi can feel overwhelmingly busy, but the former definitely has the upper hand; it’s the largest city in the country and a thriving hub of commerce. On top of that, it has a population of 8.4 million and an estimated 7.4 million motorbikes.
Do people in Vietnam still call it Saigon?
Vietnam’s former capital has not one, but two names: Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon.Officially, the southern metropolis’s name is Ho Chi Minh City, and has been for many years, but there are still a number of locals and visitors alike that call it Saigon.
What is Hanoi now called?
Hanoi has been the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam since 1976.
Hanoi.
| Hanoi Hà Nội | |
|---|---|
| Largest district by population | Hoàng Mai District (2019 census 506,347) |
| Website | www.english.hanoi.gov.vn |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| Official name | Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long – Hanoi |
Should I visit Hanoi or Saigon?
Hanoi is better preserved & has a lot more to see during the day; Saigon has friendlier people and much better nightlife & a wider choice of restaurants. Worth spending some time in both.
Is Vietnam still divided?
Yes, it is divided when it comes to geography.When it comes to matters of geography, Vietnam is divided into three. The Northern part of Vietnam, the Central part, and further down is the Southern part. Now, when it comes to dialects, there are more than three.
What was the capital of Vietnam before Hanoi?
Saigon
List of historical capitals of Vietnam
| Capital | Period | Era |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | 1945–1976 | Democratic Republic of Vietnam |
| Saigon | 1945-1954 | Indochinese Federation |
| 1946–1949 | Autonomous Republic of Cochinchina | |
| 1949–1955 | State of Vietnam under French military presence |
Is it illegal to say Saigon in Vietnam?
In fact, the city’s District 1 officially remains Saigon.
So, yes, it is unlikely to offend anyone.
Why was Hanoi important in the Vietnam War?
In August 1945, following the Japanese surrender, the Viet Minh under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh seized power in Hanoi, and the city was established as the capital of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.During the Vietnam War, the bombing of Hanoi by the United States in 1965, 1968, and 1972 caused massive damage.
Is Hanoi or Saigon cheaper?
Is Hanoi or Saigon cheaper? Saigon and Hanoi are both extremely cheap cities.
What months are monsoon in Vietnam?
The rainy season runs from October to early December with almost half the annual rainfall falling in October and November. Dalat, in the central highlands, is wet from June to October making outdoor pursuits problematic.
What was Vietnam called before 1956?
Names of Vietnam
| hide | |
|---|---|
| 1887–1954 | Đông Dương (Bắc Kỳ, Trung Kỳ, Nam Kỳ) |
| from 1945 | Việt Nam |
| Main template | |
| History of Vietnam |
What happens if you call Ho Chi Minh City Saigon?
About Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Today
If the locals are living in the city, they will interpret “Saigon” as “District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City”. But if the locals come from other regions and not living in the city, they will associate “Saigon” as “Ho Chi Minh City”.
What language is spoken in Vietnam?
Vietnamese
Is Hanoi Hilton still standing?
The prison was demolished during the 1990s, although the gatehouse remains as a museum.
Is Vietnam still communist?
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a one-party state. A new state constitution was approved in April 1992, replacing the 1975 version. The central role of the Communist Party was reasserted in all organs of government, politics and society.
Is Christianity allowed in Vietnam?
Christianity was first introduced to Vietnam in the 16th century. Christian foreign missionaries are not allowed to proselytize or perform religious activities without government approval.Vietnam nowadays, however, has been sending missionaries overseas.
When should I avoid Vietnam?
Summer: Unless sunning yourself on the central coast beaches is the only thing on your Vietnam itinerary, we’d suggest avoiding visiting the country during the summer months of June – August as you’ll have a much harder time with the weather.
When should you not go to Vietnam?
March, April and May are the best times to visit Vietnam’s central highlands as conditions are a lot milder as opposed to the much more stifling heat suffered in the south of the country, where it can reach 40°C Tropical cyclones usually occur in the eastern coastal regions from around May to November, so travel to
