Saigon is a rather new city. In the 15th century there was not much else than swamps here. In the 17th century a small town was formed. At the end of this century a local government was formed. Due to its strategic location, the city grew rapidly. At the end of the 18th century the town became officially a city.
In the 19th century the French invaded the city. They stayed here for a century. That is why many monuments and buildings have a European look. In 1954 the French were defeated. Some years later, Vietnam was splitted in two. Many citizens of North and Central Vietnam migrated to Saigon.