Dong Khoi Street - 'A Witness to History'

When the French colonialists arrived in Saigon in 1859, this street already existed and was named Catinat (after a French general and French warships involved in the attack on Saigon) in 1865. The street was renamed Tu Do (Freedom) in 1955 and Dong Khoi after 1975.

Sketch by architect Dang Tuan Anh

In the early 20th century, this street was densely populated with Chinese and Indian businesses. The book "Nam Ky Phong Tuc Nhan Vat Dien Ca" (published in 1909 by Nguyen Lien Phong) describes it as follows:

" Especially Catina Street ,"

" The buildings on both sides of the street are clearly defined..."

This street is also described in detail in the famous novel L'Amant ( The Lover) , which was adapted into a film of the same name, nominated for an Oscar in 1993, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. The author, Marguerite Duras, lived here for many years.

Sketch by architect Phan Đình Trung

This street is lined with many famous landmarks. At the beginning of the street is the Majestic Hotel (which is still in operation today). Right at what is now Lam Son Square is the oldest and most luxurious hotel in Vietnam, the Continental Hotel (inaugurated in 1880), the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House (inaugurated in 1900), the Givral café (a familiar meeting place for politicians , intellectuals, and artists since the early 1950s), and the Caravelle Hotel (where many international news agencies were headquartered).

Street view from the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House - a sketch by architect Phan Dinh Trung.

Corner of Dong Khoi and Ngo Duc Ke streets - sketch by architect Tran Thai Nguyen

Majestic Hotel at the beginning of Dong Khoi Street - sketch by architect Bui Hoang Bao

Heritage buildings on Dong Khoi Street - sketches by architect Bui Hoang Bao

At the corner of Dong Khoi and Ho Huan Nghiep streets, in 1863, was the headquarters of the Denis Frères Company (one of the largest trading companies in Indochina during the French colonial period, exporting its first shipment of 250 tons of rice from Saigon to France).

Sketch by architect Bui Hoang Bao

View of the Grand Hotel from Dong Khoi Street - painting by architect Phung The Huy

A view of the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House from Dong Khoi Street - a sketch by architect Phung The Huy.

Sketches by artist Tran Binh Minh

At the corner of Dong Khoi and Dong Du streets, in 1890, there was once Courtinat - one of the first department stores in Saigon.

Sketch by architect Tran Xuan Hong

Sketch by architect Hoang Dung

Sketch by architect Hoang Huu Dat

Sketches by architect Linh Hoang

Currently, Dong Khoi is one of the most luxurious streets in Ho Chi Minh City.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/duong-dong-khoi-chung-nhan-lich-su-185250301203734642.htm