When the French colonialists came to Saigon in 1859, this street already existed and was named Catinat by the French (after a French general and French warship that participated in the attack on Saigon) in 1865. The street was renamed Tu Do in 1955 and Dong Khoi after 1975.
Sketch by Architect Dang Tuan Anh
In the early 20th century, there were many Chinese and Indian shops on this street. The book Nam Ky phong tuc nhon vat dien ca (published in 1909, author Nguyen Lien Phong) described:
" Especially Catina Street ,
On both sides of the building, the streets are clearly defined...".
This street is also described in detail in the famous novel L'Amant ( The Lover , made into an Oscar-nominated film in 1993, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud). The author Marguerite Duras lived here for many years.
Sketch by Architect Phan Dinh Trung
There are many famous buildings on this street. At the beginning of the street is the Majestic Hotel (still in operation today). Right at Lam Son Square now is the oldest luxury hotel in Vietnam, the Continental (inaugurated in 1880), the City Opera House (inaugurated in 1900), the Givral Cafe (a familiar meeting place for politicians, intellectuals and artists since the early 1950s), and the Caravelle Hotel (headquarters of many international news agencies).
Street corner view from Ho Chi Minh City Theater - sketch by architect Phan Dinh Trung
Dong Khoi and Ngo Duc Ke corner - 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, in 1863, there was the headquarters of Denis Frères Company (one of the largest trading companies in Indochina during the French colonial period, exporting the first shipment of 250 tons of rice from Saigon to France).
Sketch by Architect Bui Hoang Bao
View of Grand hotel from Dong Khoi street - painting by architect Phung The Huy
View of Ho Chi Minh City Theater from Dong Khoi Street - sketch by architect Phung The Huy
Sketch by artist Tran Binh Minh
At the corner of Dong Khoi and Dong Du, in 1890, there was 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
Sketch 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
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