Inside the Timeless Charm of Ho Xa Headquarters: A Century-Old French Colonial Gem in the Heart of Saigon

Occupying 2,769 square metres at the bustling intersection of Ham Nghi and Huynh Thuc Khang Streets, the building features a classic colonial layout with a ground floor and two upper storeys, all covered with distinct red-tiled roofing. Its pale yellow façade, a hallmark of French colonial structures, mirrors other prominent civic buildings constructed during the same era.

What truly distinguishes this building is the meticulous attention to detail in its design. From base to rooftop, narrow vertical grooves run along the façade, contributing to the visual rhythm and elegance of early 20th-century architecture. Its wooden louvre windows—fitted with iron bars for both security and ventilation—are still largely intact, filling the corridors with natural light and air circulation.

Inside, the original staircases remain robust, adorned with artistic wrought-iron balustrades, while ventilation openings on the top floors offer cool breezes, a thoughtful design for Saigon's tropical climate.

Balancing Modern Development and Heritage Preservation

Currently managed by the Vietnam Railways Corporation, the building serves as the office space for the Saigon Railway Transport JSC and other railway departments. However, the national railway operator has proposed plans to demolish the heritage building and replace it with a high-rise office complex, arguing that preservation could hinder its development strategy.

In contrast, the HCMC government strongly advocates for its protection, calling for a plan that integrates the site’s historic value with urban planning objectives. The city envisions the Ho Xa Headquarters as an architectural highlight next to the Ben Thanh Metro Station, which is currently under construction underground. The building could serve as a railway heritage museum, enhancing public understanding of the city’s transportation history.

Why Preservation Matters

As Metro Line 1 nears completion, city planners argue that keeping the Ho Xa Headquarters would not only anchor the modern metro system in a historic context but also provide a recognisable surface landmark for passengers seeking the underground station. It presents an ideal opportunity to merge the past and present in a way that benefits both locals and tourists.

Conclusion

With its century-old charm, rare architectural features, and strategic location, the Ho Xa Headquarters is more than a railway office—it is a living monument to the city’s colonial past and transportation legacy. As Saigon continues to evolve, preserving this remarkable structure would ensure that future generations can still walk through history while stepping into the future