Ho Chi Minh City History
Ho Chi Minh City went through a lot of naming and renaming through out the history, each of which witnessed the ups and downs of the "Diamond of the East" City.
1. Early History period:
Early history of Ho Chi Minh City was started with the Khmer people’s inhabitant. At this time, Sa Huynh culture was famous for its significant effect in their daily life. Lots of artifacts found during this period have a precious value for archeologists to learn about the ancestors living there.
2. Nguyen Dynasty period:
In 1623, Nguyen King sent a representative to King Chey Chettha II of Cambodia to ask for permission to build a duty court collecting duty there. Though there were not many people living there, the place was a strategic area in doing business among Thailand, Cambodian and Vietnamese businessmen. In 1679, Nguyen King – Nguyen Phuc Tan allowed some Chinese refugees to move into the place for safety reasons. In 1698, Nguyen King sent Nguyen Huu Canh to the place to set up Vietnamese administrative system here. In 1802, with the temporary victory against Tay Son troops, Nguyen Anh speeded up breaking the fresh ground at Saigon and built up a great deal of infrastructure here serving the battle and helping the people to settle down as well.
3. French Colonial period:
In 1859, the French troops invaded and got their control over Saigon (its name was Gia Dinh at that time). Since then, they concentrated on investing money to build up much more infrastructure serving the colonial purposes. Within a couple of years, Gia Dinh-Saigon was the center of commerce and business of the South East Asia area. The French also built lots of Western style building, such as: Ben Thanh Market, The Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Post Office. The French designs made Saigon a new face. Saigon was at that time known as “The Pearl of the Far East” or “Paris in the Orient”.
Photo : soha.vn
4. Saigon - Capital of South Vietnam:
The former Emperor Bao Dai King made Saigon the capital of the country. In 1955, the Republic of Vietnam was established in the Southern Vietnam. Saigon still remained its role as a capital city and the center of business and commerce of the new government. From 1960s to 1970s, the American troops conquered the Southern Vietnam and brought American culture to Saigon people. That is the reason why Saigon is somehow more modern and exciting than its current capital, Ha Noi.
5. Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City:
After the victory on April 30, 1975, Vietnamese government gained its liberty and independence from American troops. In 1976, under the new government – the Socialist Republic of Vietnam’s, Saigon was renamed as “Ho Chi Minh City” in honor of the national hero Ho Chi Minh.
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