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Saigon is often known as a modern, youthful, and bustling city, yet few realize that nestled in the city center is a serene escape that feels worlds apart from the vibrant noise of the streets. This peaceful haven, adorned with timeworn houses, offers a retreat where one can find solace. When exploring Saigon, visitors should venture into the Hào Sỹ Phường alley, a 100-year-old Hong Kong-style alley that preserves cultural traditions from centuries ago, giving Saigon a poetic charm.
The story of the 100-year-old Hong Kong alley in Saigon.
Saigon is a city that feels welcoming to everyone, making it a place where anyone can live and thrive. Over the centuries, Saigon has naturally become a home to many people of Chinese descent, who have made it their residence and livelihood for generations.
Savoring the taste of time in Saigon's 100+ year-old alley - Illustration image
Soft melodies of Chinese music fill the air in this space, dense with the scent of time. Elderly folks sit, sipping tea and engaging in lively conversations in Cantonese. This scene, so ordinary yet so striking, could easily be imagined as a setting from a TVB drama, not an alley in the heart of Saigon. It is this fascinating blend of cultures that has unintentionally created a unique, poetic Saigon, making it an enticing destination for domestic travelers seeking to experience and explore.
The Origins of Hào Sỹ Phường
While narrow lanes are a distinctive feature of Hanoi's ancient charm, Saigon is defined by its unique alleys. Each alley in Saigon carries its own cultural identity, distinct from the others, and Hào Sỹ Phường is a prime example, embodying the rich heritage of the Chinese community in Chợ Lớn.
There is an alley rich in Hong Kong culture right in the heart of Saigon - Illustration image
Hào Sỹ Phường has been around for over a century, becoming a cultural landmark for the Chinese community in Saigon. Many might find the name Hào Sỹ Phường curious and wonder about the story behind this alley. The name is derived from 'Hào' meaning chivalrous, 'Sỹ' from scholar, and 'Phường' which refers to a traditional Chinese market area. Together, it symbolizes a district where business thrives in a spirit of nobility and poetry.
The Origins of the Hào Sỹ Phường Alley - Illustration image
However, there is another interpretation of the name Hào Sỹ Phường, rooted in the occupations of the alley's residents. Regardless of the explanation, both interpretations align with the history and formation of the alley, as its inhabitants were once primarily laborers and workers.
A peaceful oasis in the heart of a bustling city
Whether interpreted one way or another, Hào Sỹ Phường has remained unchanged for over a century. What draws budget travelers to this alley is the chance to experience a 100-meter-long alley, home to around 50 families, where time seems to slow down.
The tranquil beauty of Hào Sỹ Phường alley - Illustration image
Here, time seems to move more slowly, in stark contrast to the fast-paced life typical of Saigon. People enjoy a life free from rush, pollution, and noise, even though it's just steps away from the main roads. Originally, the alley was home exclusively to Chinese descendants, but over time, some residents moved away and were replaced by Vietnamese families. This shift has created a vibrant mix of modern and traditional lifestyles, with houses that look similar on the outside but have unique and colorful identities on the inside.
Hào Sỹ Phường, a beautiful landmark in the hearts of Saigon residents and travelers - Illustration image
Over the course of more than a century, this alley has preserved its distinctive charm. When visiting Saigon, travelers to Hào Sỹ Phường will likely encounter the 'Ngũ phúc lâm môn' character on the doorsteps, along with traditional Chinese elements like the Thảo Địa and Thiên Quang altars, as well as a uniquely designed staircase system that sets it apart from the typical alleys found in Vietnamese neighborhoods in Saigon.
Through countless ups and downs, sun and rain, the homes in this alley have begun to show signs of wear. Roof tiles have been replaced by metal sheets, wooden doors have given way to iron ones, and Hào Sỹ Phường now faces the threat of demolition. This has left long-time residents feeling a deep sense of loss, yet the alley has fulfilled its purpose and will always remain a beautiful mark in the hearts of Saigon's people.
