Nearly 100-Year-Old Octagonal Tomb in Ho Chi Minh City Recognized as Historical Relic

A remarkable octagonal tomb, nearly a century old, stands as a poignant reminder of Saigon's opulent past and the influential families that shaped its history. Located on Thoai Ngoc Hau Street in Ho Chi Minh City, this architectural gem is the final resting place of Nguyen Quy Anh and his wife, Ly Thu Lien. Their lineage traces back to Ly Tuong Quan, famously known as Ba Ho Xuong, a figure whose wealth once placed him among the top three richest individuals in old Saigon, a status immortalized in the saying, "First Sy, second Phuong, third Xuong, fourth Dinh."

The tomb itself is an artistic marvel, constructed from imported French marble. Its unique octagonal design, adorned with intricate carvings, harmoniously blends Eastern and Western architectural influences. This fusion reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Saigon during that era. The structure, recognized as a city-level historical monument by the UBND of Ho Chi Minh City in 2011, serves as a tangible link to the city's bygone grandeur.

Adding to its historical significance, the tomb is situated near the burial site of Ba Ho Xuong and his wife, established in 1896 and already designated a city-level relic. Nguyen Quy Anh, a scholar and reformist, was not only the son of the patriot Nguyen Thong but also a co-founder of the Dục Thanh school and a leader in the Liên Thành thương quán, the renowned Liên Thành fish sauce company. His wife, Ly Thu Lien, was a professor at the prestigious Áo Tím school, a precursor to the modern Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai High School.

This octagonal tomb, a testament to the enduring legacy of prominent families and their contributions to Vietnamese society, offers a unique glimpse into the historical tapestry of Ho Chi Minh City. It stands not just as a burial site but as a cultural monument, preserving the memory of a prosperous era and the individuals who defined it. Its preservation is a vital part of understanding the city's evolution from its colonial past to its present-day dynamism.