Ho Chi Minh City rises through old images and...

From a city in turmoil and hardship at the end of the war, Ho Chi Minh City has risen to become a major center of the country in many aspects, one of the few cities with consecutive double-digit economic growth rates over a long period of time.

Over the years, Ho Chi Minh City has made efforts to carry out movements and build many projects to develop the city sustainably and create a good living environment for the people. Many movements and projects have been carried out such as expanding traffic, upgrading urban areas, and building new rural areas.

The familiar images of old Saigon from the early years to the early 70s of the last century and the images of Ho Chi Minh City today, although not fully reflecting the changes and growth of the city, are enough to prove that the City named after beloved Uncle Ho is always breaking through and growing stronger every day.

People's Army Newspaper introduces to readers some images of old Saigon and images of Ho Chi Minh City in 2012 and 2025 from the same angle ( the photo on the left was taken before 1975, the photo on the right was taken in 2012 and the photo below was taken in May 2025 ) to clearly see the changes of the city.

Saigon – Hôtèl-de-ville Hotel (Dinh Xa Tay) in the early 20th century (top, left), Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee in 2012 (top, right) and Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee in 2025 (bottom photo).

Changes in front of the old Xa Tay Palace and Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee over time.

Old Nha Rong Wharf, Ho Chi Minh Museum - Ho Chi Minh City Branch today.

The old Independence Palace and the Reunification Hall through the ages.

Ben Thanh Market has not changed much over more than a century, but the streetscape and the market itself have become more spacious and modern.

Still retaining the structure and architectural lines of the French colonial period, the most obvious change in the photo of the City Post Office is the image of high-rise buildings in the background.

Dong Khoi Street, District 1, viewed from the direction of Notre Dame Cathedral. The only remaining structure today is the Catinat police station building (red tile roof on the left of the photo), the headquarters of the Southern Secret Service, with a system of cells that once held many famous revolutionaries of our country, now the headquarters of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City.

After some changes to the front under the Saigon puppet regime, the City Theater was restored and repaired to its original appearance.

The most obvious change is on both sides of the Saigon River, between District 1 on one side and Thu Thiem on the other. In the distance in the old photo (taken in the early 60s of the last century), behind Saigon Bridge is Thao Dien today.

Ben Nghe Canal, view from Calmette Bridge to Ong Lanh Bridge, on the right is Vo Van Kiet Street. Slums have been replaced by modern roads and high-rise buildings.

Le Loi Street, looking from the direction of the City Theater towards Ben Thanh Market.

Dong Khoi Street, in front of the City Theater.

Turtle Lake has not changed much, but the surrounding space has become more modern.

Dong Khoi Street, the section passing through Chi Lang Park, is now the administrative area of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, replacing the high-rise apartment building opposite the park.

Rex Hotel and Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee.

Behind Notre Dame Cathedral, view from Pham Ngoc Thach Street.

In the old photo is the Brink Hotel (Brink Residence), which the US Military Assistance Command in Vietnam rented as a place to stay for many high-ranking officers. In December 1964, Saigon Special Forces bombed and killed and injured many American officers and advisors. This is now the Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel.