Gazing upon Vòng Xoay Giao Long, can you hear the faint echoes of brass bands? This roundabout, once known as the “Willow Roundabout,” stands at a crossroads of history and memory in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s more than just a traffic circle. It’s a testament to Saigon’s evolving identity. Vòng Xoay Giao Long sits at the intersection of Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street and Le Loi Street. This location held significance even before the roundabout existed. An 1880 urban map shows the Charner-Bonard roundabout and its fountain gracing this very spot.
Vòng Xoay Giao Long wasn’t always adorned with willows. Its earliest incarnation was octagonal, featuring a stage. French brass players filled the air with Western melodies on weekends and holidays. Author Vuong Hong Sen, in his book “Saigon in the Past,” details how these performances introduced Western music to the city’s public life. This marked a cultural shift, blending European influences with the local Vietnamese landscape. In 1942, the stage gave way to a circular fountain. Willows were planted in 1970, giving the roundabout its beloved nickname.
The willows weren’t merely decorative. They held a deeper meaning, reflecting the principles of feng shui. The roundabout, positioned in front of the People’s Committee edifice, was believed to ward off bad luck. The combination of trees and water was thought to purify the air and promote positive energy. Vòng Xoay Giao Long became a cherished gathering place. People strolled along its edges, captured memories with friends, and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere.
The four buildings surrounding Vòng Xoay Giao Long each boast their own rich history. The People’s Committee building, designed in 1909, showcases European architectural principles. It overlooks the historic Bach Dang Wharf. The Saigon Tax Trade Center, formerly known as Charner, stood prominently at the corner of Nguyen Hue and Le Loi streets. Nearby, the Saigon Opera House, built in 1901, adds to the area’s historical tapestry. These landmarks, along with Vòng Xoay Giao Long, bear witness to the city’s transformation over the decades.
In 2014, Vòng Xoay Giao Long was demolished to make way for the metro station system. The decision sparked mixed reactions. While some embraced the city’s modern development, others mourned the loss of a cherished landmark. The roundabout, however, has not been forgotten. Plans for its restoration are underway, fueled by a desire to reconnect with the city’s past. This revival promises to bring back not only a physical structure, but also the memories and emotions it evokes. Vòng Xoay Giao Long, once a hub of music and social life, will once again grace the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Its return symbolizes the enduring spirit of Saigon, where history and progress intertwine.