The fall of Saigon was the capture of Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, by North Vietnam on 30 April 1975. The event marked the end of the Vietnam War and the collapse of the South Vietnamese state, leading to a transition period and the formal reunification of Vietnam into the Socialist Republic of Vietnam under communist rule on 2 July 1976.
A CIA officer helps evacuees up a ladder onto an Air America Bell 204/205 helicopter at 22 Gia Long Street on 29 April 1975.
Situation of South Vietnam before the capture of Saigon (lower right) on 30 April 1975
A U.S. Marine provides security as American helicopters land at the DAO compound
South Vietnamese refugees arrive on a U.S. Navy vessel during Operation Frequent Wind
Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, is the most populous city in Vietnam, with a population of around 9.3 million in 2023. The city's geography is defined by rivers and canals, of which the eponymously-named Saigon River is the largest. As a municipality, Ho Chi Minh City consists of 16 urban districts, five rural districts, and one municipal city (sub-city). As the largest financial centre in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has the highest gross regional domestic product out of all Vietnam provinces and municipalities, contributing around a quarter of the country's total GDP. Ho Chi Minh City's metropolitan area is ASEAN's 6th largest economy, also the biggest outside an ASEAN country capital.
Image: DJI 0550 HDR Pano
Image: Ho Chi Minh City, City Hall, 2020 01 CN 04
Image: Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, Vietnam (49579093048)
Image: Ho Chi Minh City, Notre Dame Basilica, 2020 01 CN 01