Le Duan is one of the major thoroughfares in Ho Chi Minh City. It runs from The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens at the North Western end right through the heart of the city to the Reunification Palace at the South eastern end. Thos broad sweeping thoroughfare is named after Le Duan, who was secretary-general of the Vietnamese Workers Party, from 1959 until his death in 1986. He was a key figure for the North Vietnamese forces in the war with America.
History of Le Duan
The French named the street Norodom Boulevard, in honour of the Cambodia King, and lined it with Tamarind trees. In its early days the famous landmarks on the street were Hotel du General built in 1879 which is now now the French Consulate General. Later in 1902, the Conseil de Guerre was located on the site of the US Consulate, and the Hotel du Controle Financier built the same year. This was recently demolished to make way for the new “Lavenue Crowne” development. There was also a Protestant Chapel built in 1904which is now part of the District 1 Cultural Centre. In 1937 the Foyer du Soldat et du Marin was constructed. This is now now the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum.
Le Duan Today
On the street today you’ll find the Sofitel Saigon Plaza. The office tower adjacent is home to one of Saigon’s big hitters in the recruitment business. RGF Executive Vietnam specialise in placing exceptional candidates with the best positions available in Vietnam. Check out the website if you are interested in relocating to Vietnam or looking to improve your position whilst already here.
As the road approaches the intersection with Hai Ba Trung the recently renamed M Plaza, owned by Mapletreeknown as the Investments. Formerly known as the Kumho Asiana Plaza, it is home to the Intercontinental Hotel and the Hardrock Cafe.
Passing Ha Ba Trung you’ll find Diamond Plaza home to fashionable high street retailers on the right. By the roundabout here and looking to the left is the rear of the fabulous Notre Dame Basilica. For the last part of Le Duan the road runs through the middle of 30-4 Park. Named after the Reunification anniversary, it presents a glorious tree shaded respite from Saigon’s midday heat.
