Definitions of Saigon. a city in South Vietnam; formerly (as Saigon) it was the capital of French Indochina. synonyms: Ho Chi Minh City. example of: city, metropolis, urban center. a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts.

Do Vietnamese people 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.

Is it illegal to say Saigon?

Yes, in most contexts. It’s totally okay for you to say “I’m going to Saigon” or ask someone “where should I go in Saigon.” They can be used interchangeably.