Thu Ngu Flagpole: A Historical Symbol by the Saigon River

Standing gracefully along the Saigon River for more than 159 years, the Thu Ngu Flagpole is one of the city’s oldest and most iconic landmarks. It has witnessed countless transformations of Saigon—from its colonial days to the modern, vibrant Ho Chi Minh City we know today.

Let’s travel back in time with Saigon on motorbike and rediscover the remarkable story behind this silent witness of history.

A Brief Introduction

Built in 1865 by the French, the Thu Ngu Flagpole was originally known as “Mât des signaux”—meaning “signal mast.” At the time, its main purpose was to guide ships navigating the Saigon–Gia Dinh waterways.

Today, the flagpole still stands tall on Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, right at the intersection of the Saigon River and Ben Nghe Canal, symbolising the enduring spirit of the city.

Architectural Features

The structure of the Thu Ngu Flagpole is divided into three distinct levels, giving it a solid and majestic appearance:

The Base: A raised foundation that supports the entire monument.
The Middle Section: A symmetrical building surrounding the base of the flagpole.
The Upper Section: A central chamber topped with an octagonal roof, combining elegance with solemnity.

From above, the flagpole area connects seamlessly with Bach Dang Wharf Park, offering one of the best views of the Saigon River.

Historical Significance

Throughout its long history, the Thu Ngu Flagpole has been a witness to many key moments in Vietnam’s past:

June 5, 1911: Young Nguyen Tat Thanh (later known as President Ho Chi Minh) departed from nearby Nha Rong Wharf to embark on his journey to find a way to liberate Vietnam.
September 23, 1945: Local militias bravely resisted British troops to defend the country’s newly gained independence.
2010: The completion of the Thu Thiem Tunnel beneath the Saigon River marked a new chapter in the city’s modernization.

With over a century and a half of history, the Thu Ngu Flagpole remains not just an architectural relic from the 19th century, but also a symbol of Saigon’s resilience and evolution.

Timeline of Transformation

Over time, the flagpole has undergone many restorations and repurposings, each reflecting a different era in the city’s development:

1865 – 1890: A wooden mast resembling a ship’s pole stood near a bustling dock.
1890 – 1911: Rebuilt in iron, over 40 meters tall, with a platform for flag raising. The area became a lively trading hub surrounded by customs buildings.
1911 – 1930: An octagonal building was added to the base. In the 1920s, a small kiosk named Point des Blagueurs opened as a riverside refreshment stand.
1930 – 1960: The octagonal structure was replaced by a two-storey restaurant, still called Point des Blagueurs, and the surroundings were landscaped into a park.
1960 – 1975: The site became Ngan Dinh Tu Gia Restaurant, featuring elegant curved roofs in Chinese architectural style.
After 1975: The restaurant remained active for a while before the area was abandoned.
2011: The flagpole was restored and converted into a Tourist Information Center.
2020 – Present: The city government renovated the surrounding park, transforming the area into an open public space that connects the riverfront with downtown Saigon.

How to Visit

The Thu Ngu Flagpole is located at Bach Dang Wharf, in the very heart of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Because of its central location, it’s easily accessible by motorbike, car, taxi, or bus.

You can also enjoy a leisurely riverside walk from Nguyen Hue Walking Street or combine your visit with nearby attractions such as Nha Rong Wharf, Saigon River Park, or Bitexco Tower.

A Living Witness of Time

After more than a century and a half, the Thu Ngu Flagpole continues to stand as a bridge between the past and the present—a reminder of Saigon’s long journey through history and its unstoppable spirit of renewal.