Perhaps you’re asking yourself what makes Rach Ong Doi so special. Rach Ong Doi holds a unique place in Ho Chi Minh City’s story. To understand Rach Ong Doi fully, we must journey back to the early 20th century.
Locals recall that Rach Ong Doi and its smaller counterpart, Rach Ong Nho, were havens for bees. These waterways attracted swarms of bees. People came to harvest honey from their nests. This practice led to the names Rach Ong Lon and Rach Ong Nho which translate to Big Bee Canal and Small Bee Canal. Nearby was a bridge where people sold honey from the canal. It became known as Cau Mat or Honey Bridge.
Historical texts like the Dai Nam quoc am tu vi confirm these names. Ancient local chronicles translated Rach Ong Lon and Rach Ong Nho into Chinese characters. They were known as Dai Phong Giang and Tieu Phong Giang. Phong means bee. The Khmer people called Rach Ong Lon Pre KimPon Khmum Thom. Khmum means bee in Khmer.
Over time the names Rach Ong Lon and Rach Ong Nho evolved. Today many people mistakenly call them Rach Ong Lon and Rach Ong Nho. Local authorities have also created new names like Cau Rach Ong and Cho Rach Ong. But the correct names should be Cau Rach Ong and Cho Rach Ong. This is confirmed in Phuong Nhi’s photography from 2024.
Despite name changes Rach Ong Doi remains vital. A new Rach Dia Bridge opened in November 2024. It links District 7 and Nha Be District. This eases traffic. The new bridge replaces a 50-year-old steel bridge. It cost 512 billion VND. Luong Minh Phuc states that this bridge improves traffic between Ho Chi Minh City and Long An Province. Rach Tom and Rach Doi Bridges will open in 2025. They enhance traffic connectivity.
Rach Ong Doi’s story is about bees, honey and bridges. It is a vital part of Ho Chi Minh City’s history. It connects people and places. It stands as a testament to progress.