Ho Chi Minh City history

Founding and First Mentions

The origins of modern Ho Chi Minh City trace back to a small fishing settlement and trading post originally known as Prey Nokor. The official starting point in the city's history is generally considered to be 1698. It was then that General Nguyen Huu Canh, sent by the rulers of the Nguyen dynasty, established an administrative structure here, laying the foundations for the future metropolis and solidifying the Vietnamese presence in the Mekong Delta.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of the settlement into a prosperous city, long known as Saigon, was driven by a number of strategic reasons:

• Geography: Its favourable location on the banks of the Saigon River, close to the South China Sea, secured the city's status as a vital port and transport hub.
• Trade: The city became a natural gateway for the export of rice and other goods from the fertile Mekong Delta, attracting merchants from all over Asia.
• Administrative Centre: The construction of the Gia Dinh Citadel in the late 18th century strengthened the political and military significance of the city in the south of the country.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning of its development, the city formed as a "melting pot" of cultures. A crucial role in the economy was played by the formation of the Cholon district (Big Market), where a large community of Chinese merchants settled. This proximity fostered the rapid development of crafts and commerce.

The synthesis of local Vietnamese traditions, Khmer heritage, and the enterprising spirit of Chinese merchants created a unique atmosphere of openness and dynamism, which remains the hallmark of Ho Chi Minh City to this day.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1698: General Nguyen Huu Canh establishes the Gia Dinh prefecture, which is considered the official founding date of the city.
• 1790: By order of the future Emperor Gia Long, the Citadel of Saigon is erected, designed with the participation of French engineers.
• 1859: French troops occupy the city, beginning an era of colonial influence and large-scale architectural restructuring.
• 1862: Saigon officially becomes the capital of the French colony of Cochinchina, gradually acquiring the appearance of the "Paris of the East".
• 1880: Construction of the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is completed, becoming one of the main symbols of the city.
• 1914: The famous Ben Thanh Market opens, remaining a centre of trade and tourism to this day.
• 1931: The administrative merger of Saigon and the Chinese trading district of Cholon into a single metropolis takes place.
• 1954: Following the Geneva Accords, the city becomes the capital of South Vietnam.
• 1975: On April 30, the Vietnam War ends, paving the way for the reunification of the north and south of the country.
• 1976: The city is officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honour of the leader of the Vietnamese national liberation movement.
• 1986: The implementation of the "Doi Moi" reform policy launches a period of rapid economic growth and modernisation of the city.
• 2010: The opening of the Bitexco Financial Tower skyscraper symbolises a new stage in Ho Chi Minh City's development as a modern financial hub.
• 2021: Thu Duc City is officially established in the eastern part of the metropolis, designed to become the innovation hub of Vietnam.

Stages of Metropolitan Transformation

The development of Ho Chi Minh City is a story of continuous adaptation and growth. From a colonial port to a futuristic hub, the city has passed through several key stages that have shaped its unique appearance:

• Architectural Europeanisation (Late 19th Century). The French administration implemented a master plan that turned chaotic development into an orderly system of wide boulevards and parks. The appearance of iconic buildings, such as the Opera House and the Central Post Office, forever secured the city's reputation as the "Paris of the East" and defined its cultural landscape.
• Economic Symbiosis with Cholon (1930s). The administrative merger of Saigon's administrative centre with the Chinese trading district of Cholon became a powerful driver of development. This union not only expanded the city's boundaries but also created a unique multicultural environment where crafts and international trade flourished.
• "Doi Moi" Renewal Policy (From 1986). Vietnam's transition to a market economy became the main catalyst for modern prosperity. Opening borders to foreign investment and encouraging private enterprise turned Ho Chi Minh City into the country's financial capital and one of the most dynamically developing cities in Asia.
• Era of High-Rise Construction (2000s — Present). The beginning of the 21st century was marked by a radical change in the skyline. The construction of skyscrapers, such as the Bitexco Financial Tower and the record-breaking Landmark 81, symbolises the city's economic power and the transition to modern, world-class dense urbanisation.
• Infrastructure Breakthrough and Metro (2010s). The launch of large-scale projects, including the construction of the first metro line and the modernisation of transport interchanges, is aimed at solving traffic issues. This marks the city's transition to a more complex and technologically advanced model of urban mobility management.
• Creation of the Innovation City Thu Duc (2020). The unprecedented decision to merge the eastern districts into a "city within a city" (Thu Duc) aims to create a Vietnamese "Silicon Valley". This project prioritises high technology, education, and science, defining the metropolis's development vector for decades to come.

Architectural Appearance: A Dialogue of Eras

The architecture of Ho Chi Minh City is a visual chronicle of its history, where every layer of urban planning reflects the spirit of a specific time. The city represents an eclectic mix, where elegant French villas stand adjacent to ancient pagodas, and austere modernist buildings from the 1960s are reflected in the glass facades of futuristic skyscrapers.

Colonial Classicism and Eclecticism (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)

The period of French presence radically changed the layout of the city. Narrow streets were replaced by wide boulevards, and wooden structures gave way to monumental stone buildings. This style is often called "Indochinese," as European canons were adapted here to the tropical climate.

• Neo-Romanesque Style: The brightest example is the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. Its red brick, imported from Marseille, and two tall bell towers reference medieval European architecture, creating a unique contrast with the Asian surroundings.
• Gothic and Renaissance: Elements of Gothic architecture are clearly manifested in the Tan Dinh Church (known as the "Pink Church"), combining Baroque decorations and Gothic arches.
• Beaux-Arts and Colonial Style: The People's Committee building (formerly the City Hall) and the Opera House demonstrate the luxury of the French Third Republic with rich decor, columns, and statues.
• Gothic and Renaissance Mix: The famous Central Post Office, designed with the participation of Gustave Eiffel's workshop, combines Renaissance features on the exterior with the engineering aesthetics of metal structures inside.

Traditional Eastern Architecture

In contrast to the European centre, the Cholon district (Chinatown) has preserved the spirit of the old trading city. Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese temple architecture dominates here.

• Pagoda Style: Characterised by curved tiled roofs, rich wood carving, and ceramic decor. The Thien Hau Pagoda and the Jade Emperor Pagoda are classic examples where architecture serves sacred purposes, creating an atmosphere of solitude amidst the bustling metropolis.

Vietnamese Modernism (1950–1970s)

In the mid-20th century, a unique style formed in the city, adapting the principles of Western modernism to local conditions. Architects began to use concrete, sun-shading grilles, and geometric forms.

• Tropical Modernism: A landmark building of this era is the Reunification Palace (formerly the Independence Palace). Architect Ngo Viet Thu masterfully combined modern materials with principles of Eastern philosophy and Feng Shui. Open corridors and stone grilles in the form of bamboo ensure natural ventilation.
• Residential Development ("Shophouses"): The narrow and tall "tube houses" of this period often feature modernist facades with geometric patterns and terrazzo, which became a recognisable feature of the city streets.

Modern High-Tech and Postmodernism (21st Century)

Today, Ho Chi Minh City is growing rapidly upwards, forming a new skyline that symbolises Vietnam's economic power. Modern districts, such as Thu Thiem, are designed according to the principles of sustainable development and the "smart city" concept.

• Symbolism in Glass and Concrete: The Bitexco Financial Tower skyscraper, shaped like a lotus bud (Vietnam's national flower), has become an icon of postmodernism, combining cultural codes with advanced technologies.
• Supertalls and Futurism: The Landmark 81 tower, inspired by the image of a bamboo bundle, represents the pinnacle of modern engineering thought and dominates the city, highlighting Ho Chi Minh City's aspiration towards the future.

Distinguished Figures of Ho Chi Minh City

The history of the city is inextricably linked with the names of commanders, cultural figures, and reformers who shaped its unique appearance and character.

• Nguyen Huu Canh (1650–1700) — General and Administrator
  Considered the founding father of the city. In 1698, by order of the Nguyen dynasty rulers, he established the Gia Dinh prefecture (future Saigon), creating the first administrative structure and laying the foundation for Vietnamese settlement of the Mekong Delta.
• Le Van Duyet (1764–1832) — Commander and Viceroy
  An outstanding statesman who governed the southern region (Cochinchina) in the early 19th century. Under him, the city became an important trade and military centre. His rule was distinguished by religious tolerance and support for trade, and his mausoleum in the Binh Thanh district is still revered by residents today.
• Ho Chi Minh (1890–1969) — Political Leader and Revolutionary
  Although born in central Vietnam, his connection to the city is symbolic and fateful. It was from here, at the Nha Rong Wharf, that young Nguyen Tat Thanh (the future Ho Chi Minh) set sail for France in 1911, beginning his long journey in the struggle for the country's independence. In 1976, Saigon was renamed in his honour.
• Alexandre de Rhodes (1591–1660) — Missionary and Linguist
  A French Jesuit whose activities in the region laid the foundations for the creation of "Quoc Ngu" — the modern Vietnamese writing system based on the Latin alphabet. This cultural heritage played a key role in the modernisation of education and culture in the city and the entire country.
• Marguerite Duras (1914–1996) — Writer and Playwright
  Born in a suburb of Saigon (Gia Dinh) during the era of French Indochina. The atmosphere of the colonial city in the 1930s is vividly captured in her famous autobiographical novel "The Lover" (L'Amant), which was awarded the Goncourt Prize and brought the city fame in world literature.
• Graham Greene (1904–1991) — Writer and Journalist
  An English classic author who lived and worked at the Hotel Continental Saigon in the early 1950s. Here he wrote the novel "The Quiet American", which became one of the most famous works about 20th-century Vietnam and accurately conveys the spirit of the city at that time.
• Trinh Cong Son (1939–2001) — Composer, Poet, and Artist
  One of the most significant figures in 20th-century Vietnamese music. He lived and created in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City for most of his life. His lyrical songs about love, the human condition, and peace became the "voice of a generation" and remain incredibly popular in modern Vietnam.
• Vo Van Kiet (1922–2008) — Politician and Reformer
  As the leader of the city in the post-war years, and later the Prime Minister of the country, he became one of the main architects of the "Doi Moi" (renewal) policy. His efforts contributed to transforming Ho Chi Minh City into the modern economic locomotive of Vietnam.