saigon

Saigon, commonly known as Ho Chi Minh City, is the largest city in Vietnam by population and by economic importance. It is the southern commercial and financial hub, located in the southeastern region along the Saigon River. The city forms the core of a larger metropolitan area in the southeast and lies near the Mekong Delta.

The area originated as the historic settlement of Gia Định in the 17th century and developed under French colonial rule, leaving notable examples of colonial architecture. It served as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) from 1955 to 1975. After the reunification of Vietnam, the city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1976, though Saigon remains widely used to refer to the historic core and its districts.

The city is Vietnam's leading economic center with a large port system, manufacturing, finance, and services. It attracts substantial domestic and international investment and has a dense transportation network including Tan Son Nhat International Airport and a developing metro system.

The city is known for its mix of colonial and modern architecture, vibrant street markets, and diverse cuisine. Notable landmarks include the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the Saigon Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, and Ben Thanh Market. It also hosts numerous museums, universities, and cultural venues.

The city has a tropical climate with a rainy season roughly from May to November. The population is diverse, with a mix of ethnic Vietnamese and sizable immigrant communities from other parts of Vietnam and abroad.