A haven amidst the hustle. That’s Cau Mat Canal. Right here in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1. This wasn’t always a haven. Once a stagnant canal it was a truly awful place. A black then dull green open sewer. The stench was unbearable. Sewage rotting vegetation and stagnation created a terrible mess.
But Cau Mat Canal’s story is one of incredible transformation. It started as a river. The northern border of the city in fact. Then came the French. Their gunboat Avalanche attacked. They renamed the river Arroyo De L’Avalanche.
After the war with America things worsened. Squatters arrived. Over twenty years the river became a poisonous black water canal. The government acted. A $120 million plan was launched in 1993. Thousands of homes were demolished. Seven thousand to be exact. People were relocated. Proper sanitation was built.
Actual work began in 2003. Seventy kilometers of drains and culverts were constructed. Thousands of trees and shrubs were planted. Benches and fitness equipment appeared. By 2012 picnics were common. Businesses thrived. Cau Mat Canal was reborn.
Even today challenges remain. Water hyacinths are a constant problem. A team of workers collects fifteen tons daily. The plants are processed and removed.
But Cau Mat Canal is thriving. It teems with fish attracting fishermen in the evenings. It is a superb part of the city. A testament to what can be accomplished. A vibrant spot often overlooked by tourists. It’s a secret jewel. A place where the past and present intertwine. A place where you can truly experience the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. A must see.