Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Geography: Ho Chi Minh is the largest city in Vietnam and is located near the delta of the Mekong River and along the western bank of Saigon River.

National Symbols: A yellow, five-pointed star on red field

National Anthem: " Tien quan ca" (The Song of the Marching Troops)   

Language: Vietnamese

Area Comparison:  Vietnam is slightly larger than New Mexico

Distance from Pittsburgh: 13,284 km or 8,254 miles

Terrain: There is a low, flat delta in the south and north, central highlands but hilly and mountainous in the far north and northwest

Highest Point:  Fan Si Pan 3,144 m

Weather You Should Expect: Vietnam’s climate is tropical in the south, monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season May to September but there is a warm, dry season from October to March) 


Historical Fact: The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887. Vietnam declared independence after World War II, but France continued to rule until its 1954 defeat by Communist forces under Ho Chi MINH. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided into the Communist North and anti-Communist South. US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the government, but US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973.


Things to Do: Escape the hustle of the city and take a drive through the Mekong Delta and journey down the narrow tree lined canals on board a sampan.  See the Cu Chi Tunnels which were used by the Viet Cong army to control the area.  There is more than 250km of tunnels. Visit the Ben Thank Market and the Reunification Palace - almost untouched since 1975 - was originally known as the Presidential Palace.  The Notre Dame Cathedral sits in the center of Ho Chi Minh with two bell towers dominating the skyline. Also the Jade Emperor Pagoda is a sight to be seen! Xa Loi Pagoda is a multi-level pastel colored pagoda known for its tower and contains a relic of the Buddha.

Interesting Fact:  Ho Chi Minh was originally known as Prey Nokor, a main port of Cambodia. In the 17th century, the Vietnamese conquered the city and named it Saigon. After the fall of South Vietnam in 1975, Saigon became Ho Chi Minh, named after the Communist leader.


Everything You Need to Know About the Flag:

The flag is a red field with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center. The red symbolizes revolution and blood, the five-pointed star represents the five elements of the populace - peasants, workers, intellectuals, traders, and soldiers - that unite to build socialism.

What Time Is It There:

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