Ho Chi Minh City (better known as Saigon) is the largest city in Vietnam. It was once known as Prey Nokor; an important Khmer sea port prior to annexation by the Vietnamese in the 17th century.

Under the name Saigon; it was the capital of the French colony of Cochin-china and later of the independent state of South Vietnam from 1955 to 1975. In 1976; Saigon merged with the surrounding Gia Dinh Province and was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City after Ho Chi Minh; Vietnam's great wartime leader (although the name Saigon is still commonly used).

The city center is situated on the banks of the Saigon River; 60 kilometers (37 mi) from the South China Sea and 1;760 kilometers (1;090 mi) south of Hanoi; the capital of Vietnam. Pictures From History