7 Forsaken Mansions in Ho Chi Minh City: Echoes of the Chú Hỏa Dynasty
A prime piece of real estate, once the opulent residence of the legendary Chú Hỏa, the man dubbed the "King of Saigon Land" in bygone days, now stands abandoned in District 10 at 1 Lý Thái Tổ street. These grand mansions, nestled on a sprawling 37,000 square meter plot, have remained silent for years, a stark contrast to their vibrant past.
A Legacy Etched in Saigon's Skyline
This expansive estate, bordered by Lý Thái Tổ, Hùng Vương, and Trần Bình Trọng streets, facing the bustling Cộng Hòa six-way intersection, was a cornerstone of the Chú Hỏa family's immense wealth. They were part of the esteemed "Tứ đại gia" – the four great tycoons of late 19th-century Saigon: "Nhất Sỹ, nhì Phương, tam Xường, tứ Hỏa." A popular saying of the time, "đi tàu Chú Hỷ, ở nhà Chú Hỏa," perfectly captured their influence: Chú Hỷ commanded the region's shipping routes, while Chú Hỏa reigned supreme in real estate.
The Rise of a Real Estate Magnate
Chú Hỏa, whose real name was Huỳnh Văn Hoa, was a Vietnamese of Chinese descent, born in 1845. Known widely as Hứa Bổn Hòa, a phonetic transcription of his French name Jean Baptiste Hui Bon Hoa, he hailed from Fujian province in China. Despite tales of his humble beginnings as a scrap metal dealer, his fortune was primarily built through pawn brokerage and real estate ventures under the umbrella of Công ty Hui Bon Hoa.
In 1901, Chú Hỏa passed away suddenly in China at the age of 56. His three sons admirably stepped into his shoes, diligently expanding the family's impressive empire. As chronicled by Vương Hồng Sển in his 1960 book Sài Gòn năm xưa (Saigon of Yesteryear), the Hui Bon Hoa Company was a dominant force, owning a significant portion of Saigon's cityscape. In their zenith, it's estimated the family possessed over 20,000 properties across Saigon, Gia Định, and Chợ Lớn, offering apartments and buildings for rent.
Vương Hồng Sển lauded the Hui Bon Hoa family not only for their personal success but also for their substantial contributions to the economic prosperity and development of Southern Vietnam. Their philanthropy extended to donating land and funding crucial public works, including the Majestic Hotel, Saigon General Hospital, Từ Dũ Obstetrics Hospital, Minh Đức Secondary School, Phụng Sơn Pagoda (District 1), and Nguyễn Trãi Hospital (District 5).
To honor this remarkable family, the authorities of the time christened the road connecting Saigon and Chợ Lớn with the grand name đại lộ Hui Bon Hoa (Boulevard Hui Bon Hoa), now known as Lý Thái Tổ street. A 1936 report in the Diễn Tín newspaper detailed the installation of the street sign and the road expansion efforts.
A Mansion for Generations, A Legacy Continues
Chú Hỏa harbored a personal dream: to build a home large enough to house his entire extended family. Though he didn't live to see it realized, his descendants honored his wish and memory. In 1929, they constructed a magnificent mansion at 97 Phó Đức Chính street (District 1), which today stands as the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts.
Around 1950, further fulfilling the family's legacy, descendants erected a complex of eight distinct villas on đại lộ Hui Bon Hoa. The number eight, "bát" in Chinese, sounds akin to "phát," symbolizing prosperity, growth, and wealth. This serene enclave was intended as a retreat for family members after their daily endeavors, often referred to as "dinh Chú Hỏa" (Chú Hỏa's mansion).
From Quiet Outskirts to Historic Landmark
Unlike the bustling prestige of the Phó Đức Chính residence, the Hui Bon Hoa boulevard villas offered a more tranquil existence. At the time, this area was considered on the periphery of Saigon's center, over 2 kilometers from Bến Thành Market (District 1). The road itself, with three lanes, saw little traffic. As late as 1952, electricity and piped water were still luxuries in this vicinity, with most homes being humble ground-level structures.
As years passed and the surrounding areas flourished with new residents and bustling activity, the cluster of eight villas on the 3.7-hectare estate remained a distinctive presence.
Architectural Fusion and Urban Planning
These villas showcase French architectural influences, ingeniously adapted with modern flat-roof designs and stone-washed facades—a newly introduced material that replaced traditional brickwork. French architects thoughtfully incorporated elements suitable for the tropical climate, such as welcoming eaves, balconies, terraces, verandas, and picturesque gardens for each residence.
The design of these detached villas is representative of a significant architectural period in Saigon before 1975. Researcher Nguyễn Đình Đầu observed that this land parcel was strategically positioned as part of a continuous green belt and low-rise housing zone, stretching from Thị Nghè (Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens) through Lê Duẩn street, past the Independence Palace, and along Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai street towards Lý Thái Tổ. This planned green space was designed to harmonize with the natural geography, providing a vital historical and geographical asset for the city. The French planners envisioned an urban layout that opened towards the east, respecting Eastern customs, with this continuous green corridor and low-rise buildings allowing for cooling sea breezes to penetrate deep into the city center, refreshing the densely populated areas between Saigon and Chợ Lớn.
A Shifting Purpose: From Family Retreat to International Commission
While initially conceived as a peaceful sanctuary for the Chú Hỏa family, by 1954, the eight villas found a new, significant purpose. They became the headquarters for the International Control Commission, an organization established under the 1954 Geneva Accords. This body was tasked with overseeing the implementation of ceasefire agreements in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia following the First Indochina War. Its members represented India, Poland, and Canada.
In 1955, the Ngô Đình Diệm administration renamed đại lộ Hui Bon Hoa to Lý Thái Tổ, a name it proudly carries to this day.
From Government Guest House to Neglected Heritage
Following the events of 1975, the entire property was placed under the stewardship of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Records indicate that one villa suffered damage, leaving the seven existing structures. These were repurposed as the Government Guest House, hosting and facilitating the stays and work of high-level delegations visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
In 1996, following research by experts from the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Social Sciences and Humanities, the City People's Committee issued a directive identifying 108 architectural landmarks worthy of preservation, with this villa complex among them.
The seven villas were once slated for joint ventures, but these plans were ultimately abandoned due to regulatory non-compliance. In 2011, the Ministry of Finance approved their auction, a process that did not materialize. The property has remained neglected since 2017, with the structures within falling into disrepair. Residents of District 10 have repeatedly urged action, proposing options such as auctioning the prime land or developing it into commercial centers or luxury apartments.
A Path Forward for a Prime Location
Currently, the Ho Chi Minh City government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have agreed to transfer the management of the villa complex to the city. According to the Department of Finance, once the transfer procedures are finalized, the city authorities will devise a detailed plan for project implementation. Specific responsibilities have been assigned to relevant departments to prepare for the next steps.
Architect Khương Văn Mười, former Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Architects, who has provided expert advice on the site at the request of the city and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizes that any change in the functional use of this 3.7-hectare plot requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Firstly, District 10 faces a shortage of public green spaces. This triangular plot, pointing directly towards the Cộng Hòa intersection—a junction designed for a less populated era—presents an opportunity. Secondly, the principle of functional conversion should prioritize benefits for residents and address the community's unmet needs. Should preservation be the chosen path, the responsible parties must factor in the costs and ensure effective utilization.
Experts suggest dedicating more than half of the land, starting from the triangular tip, to green spaces and expanding the traffic intersection. The remaining land, dependent on the city's future urban planning, upcoming metro lines, and the needs of District 10, can then be developed with appropriate strategies.
Author: LÊ TUYẾT from the Southern Vietnam Cultural Research Group
