{"id":9147,"date":"2021-09-14T17:19:48","date_gmt":"2021-09-14T09:19:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=9147"},"modified":"2022-02-04T14:47:19","modified_gmt":"2022-02-04T06:47:19","slug":"hui-bon-hoa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/hui-bon-hoa\/","title":{"rendered":"Hui Bon Hoa: From Cardboard Collector To Billionaire To Part Of A Saigon Urban Legend"},"content":{"rendered":"

The life story of Hui Bon Hoa, fondly known as Uncle H\u1ecfa<\/h2>\n
\n

In the 19th and 20th century, Saigon was the regional center of French-driven fashion, arts, and architecture. Across Saigon was a plethora of buildings and hotels built after the timeless and elegant Gothic, neoclassic, and art deco styles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From Hotel Majestic to T\u1eeb D\u0169 Hospital, over 30,000 properties in prime locations were owned by <\/span>Hui Bon Hoa (1845-1901)<\/b>, a Vietnamese businessman of Chinese descent. Aside from his larger-than-life wealth, Mr Hui Bon Hoa, popularly nicknamed <\/span>Uncle H\u1ecfa<\/b>, is also renowned for his role in a famous urban legend surrounding his family – called The Ghost of the H\u1ee9a Family<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this feature, we\u2019ll dive into the life story of Hui Bon Hoa, one of the richest men in Indochina in the 19th century.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>The information in this article is drawn from the book Exploring Saigon-Ch\u1ee3 L\u1edbn by Tim Doling published in 2019 and Wikipedia.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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The humble beginnings of Hui Bon Hoa<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"\"
\nImage credit: <\/span>L\u00ea V\u0129nh Huy<\/span><\/a><\/em>
\n
\nBefore delving into Hui Bon Hoa\u2019s life, we\u2019d like to address some common complications about his name.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

This man was of Chinese origin and his original name was <\/span>Hu\u1ef3nh V\u0103n Hoa<\/b> (\u9ec3\u6587\u83ef), pronounced as <\/span>Hui Bon Hoa<\/b> in the Hokkien dialect<\/span>. <\/b>
\n<\/b>
\n<\/b>After coming to Vietnam, he went by the name H\u1ee9a B\u1ed5n H\u00f2a<\/strong> and chose “H\u1ee9a” as his family name in the Vietnamese language. For unknown reasons, local Vietnamese kept calling him <\/span>Uncle H\u1ecfa (Ch\u00fa H\u1ecfa)<\/b> and this has become his most famous nickname until today.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Uncle H\u1ecfa was born into a Hokkien-speaking family in Xiamen, in the southeast part of Fujian province in China. He and his family immigrated to Saigon-Ch\u1ee3 L\u1edbn in the late 19th century.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most immigrants start their lives in a foreign land empty-handed, and Uncle H\u1ecfa was no exception.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Legend has it that he made a living working as a cardboard collector. One day, he struck gold after finding a bag of gold inside a worn-out sofa. Some have argued that his life changed after he spotted an ancient artifact while collecting cardboard.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Tim Doling, a researcher and the author of history book <\/span>Exploring Saigon-Ch\u1ee3 L\u1edbn <\/span><\/em>cited a completely different story.<\/span><\/p>\n

In his book, he wrote that Uncle H\u1ecfa \u201ccame to Saigon in the late 19th century and began working for the Ogliastro company.\u201d With the support of business guru Antoine Ogliastro, Uncle H\u1ecfa obtained French nationality in 1887 and tried his hand in the pawn businesses.<\/span><\/p>\n

After major success, he ventured into real estate and instantly became a big name in the local circle of bigwigs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even until today, there\u2019s no precise answer as to how Uncle H\u1ecfa had achieved, within a few decades, what take many people many years, or lives, to accomplish.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, his reportedly humble beginning as a cardboard collector has gone down in the city\u2019s history as one of the most famous \u201crags-to-riches\u201d stories.<\/span><\/p>\n

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He owned over 30,000 properties in and outside Vietnam<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"\"
\nSaigon in the early 20th century<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>\u1ea2nh X\u01b0a<\/span><\/a><\/em>
\n
\nBy the turn of the century, Uncle H\u1ecfa ranked fourth in the list of the then-South Vietnam\u2019s richest men. As a famous saying went, \u201cNh\u1ea5t S\u1ef9, nh\u00ec Ph\u01b0\u01a1ng, tam X\u01b0\u1eddng, t\u1ee9 H\u1ecfa\u201d. This means \u201cFirst Huy\u1ec7n S\u1ef9 (Empress Nam Ph\u01b0\u01a1ng\u2019s grandfather), second \u0110\u1ed7 H\u1eefu Ph\u01b0\u01a1ng (governor of Ch\u1ee3 L\u1edbn), third B\u00e1 H\u1ed9 X\u01b0\u1eddng, or L\u00fd T\u01b0\u1eddng Quan, and fourth Uncle H\u1ecfa.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Possessing strong business acumen, Uncle H\u1ecfa became a very successful real estate developer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Quach
\nMost properties on the streets circling the now-Qu\u00e1ch Th\u1ecb Trang Roundabout were owned by Uncle H\u1ecfa<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>Tu\u1ed5i Tr\u1ebb<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Today, the area surrounding B\u1ebfn Th\u00e0nh Market in District 1 is considered Saigon\u2019s most expensive commercial area.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Uncle H\u1ecfa received news that the local government would ground fill the canals surrounding the <\/span>Eug\u00e8ne Cuniac zone, now known as the Qu\u00e1ch Th\u1ecb Trang Roundabout, he immediately bought the whole area.<\/span><\/p>\n

Later on, the iconic B\u1ebfn Th\u00e0nh Market was built in this zone, right across Uncle H\u1ecfa\u2019s residence, and the H\u1ee9a family aggregated great wealth from leasing surrounding properties to retailers.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Uncle H\u1ecfa <\/span>developed and owned about 30,000 properties across the city, among which included groups of properties lining entire streets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Hotel
\nThe iconic Hotel Majestic was first built in the decadent art nouveau style with elegant curves<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>\u1ea2nh X\u01b0a<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Most of them were built in the art nouveau and art deco styles with an Asian twist, featuring vibrant colors, bold geometric designs, and ornate detailed work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nThe structure of the hotel was converted to art deco style featuring sharper angles in the 1950s<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span>\u1ea2nh X\u01b0a<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Deftly designed and uniformly developed, the mansions, tenements, and apartment buildings that came to define how Saigon residents lived in the 19th and 20th century came from the H\u1ee9a family\u2019s real estate company.<\/span><\/p>\n

Among the most famous properties owned by Uncle H\u1ecfa\u2019s family that are still around today include Hotel Majestic, Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum, and the entirety of Ph\u00f3 \u0110\u1ee9c Ch\u00ednh Street\u2019s as well as Nguy\u1ec5n Th\u00e1i B\u00ecnh Street\u2019s buildings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nImage credit: <\/span>\u1ea2nh X\u01b0a<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

He also owned plenty of real estate in China and Europe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Remarkable contributions to the city’s development<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"\"
\nMaternit\u00e9 Indochinoise, now T\u1eeb D\u0169 Hospital<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span><\/em>Flickr<\/span><\/em>
\n<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Apart from being a successful businessman, Uncle H\u1ecfa was also known as one of the biggest philanthropists in Saigon\u2019s history. Not only did he help enrich the city\u2019s image and expand its economy, but he also supported a plethora of education, technological, and healthcare efforts in his second homeland.<\/span><\/p>\n

He <\/span>gave away a large portion of his high-profile estates such as T\u1eeb D\u0169 Hospital, Saigon General Hospital, the Government Guest House, and Minh \u0110\u1ee9c Secondary School to the government for the good of the community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nPh\u1ee5ng S\u01a1n Pagoda<\/em>
\nImage credit: @baojuan.wu<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Albeit a devout Roman Catholic, Uncle H\u1ecfa gave back to his prominently Buddhist community by building Chinese pagodas, such as Ph\u1ee5ng S\u01a1n Pagoda on Nguy\u1ec5n C\u00f4ng Tr\u1ee9 Street in District 1 and various temples in District 5.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 1901, Uncle H\u1ecfa visited China and passed away there at the age of 56. He was buried in Quanzhou, China.<\/span><\/p>\n

After his death in 1901, the H\u1ee9a family\u2019s property empire continued to flourish under the management of his sons. Together, they sustained Uncle H\u1ecfa\u2019s legacy by building beautiful landmarks that were both functional and filled with aesthetic qualities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nA road named after Hui Bon Hoa in Nessa, Corse Island<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>Wikipedia<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

In 1951, all of the descendants of the H\u1ee9a family left Saigon and settled down in France, and the family\u2019s real estate operations were also headquartered in Paris later on. After 1975, the residence of the H\u1ee9a family was converted into the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Because the H\u1ee9as are one of Vietnam\u2019s most prestigious and mysterious families, information about their whereabouts and activities are still sought after by local residents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nMdm Agnes Hui Bon Hoa, the great granddaughter of Uncle H\u1ecfa, is now living in the Philippines.<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span><\/em>Thanh Ni\u00ean<\/span><\/em>
\n<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

The ghost of the H\u1ee9a family<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\"\"
\nThis urban legend was adapted into a movie in 1973 and became a sensation<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit: <\/span><\/em>Nh\u1ea1c X\u01b0a<\/span><\/em>
\n<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

In the eyes of many, Uncle H\u1ecfa led a remarkable life of astounding prosperity, admiration, and contentment. However, a famous Saigon urban legend might suggest otherwise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since this feature is dedicated to portraying Uncle H\u1ecfa\u2019s life, it would be unfair if we don\u2019t include a popular account, though unverified, in which he was reportedly a part of.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nImage credit: L\u00ea V\u0129nh Huy<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

According to many documents, Uncle H\u1ecfa had three sons, including Hu\u1ef3nh Tr\u1ecdng Hu\u1ea5n (Tang Huon Hui Bon Hoa), Hu\u1ef3nh Tr\u1ecdng T\u00e1n (Tang Chanh Hui Bon Hoa), and Hu\u1ef3nh Tr\u1ecdng B\u00ecnh (Tang Phien Hui Bon Hoa).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, a famous urban legend claimed that Uncle H\u1ecfa had a daughter called H\u1ee9a Ti\u1ec3u Lan. When she was a teenager, she reportedly contracted leprosy and Uncle H\u1ecfa hid her in the top floor of the family residence in Ph\u00f3 \u0110\u1ee9c Ch\u00ednh Street.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nThe mansion of the H\u1ee9a family in Saigon<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>@thlinh96<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

After her death, some passers-by claimed to see a shadowy figure gliding by the corridors or standing by the windows. That was when rumors about Uncle H\u1ecfa\u2019s mansion being haunted by his dead daughter began and spread like wildfire.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, there are also rumors about H\u1ee9a Ti\u1ec3u Lan dying in the H\u1ee9a family\u2019s mansion in Long H\u1ea3i, V\u0169ng T\u00e0u, instead of the one in Saigon.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To figure out where exactly this girl died, countless ghost hunters have been exploring both the mansions in Saigon and V\u0169ng T\u00e0u to find traces of this mysterious girl. Many have even recorded themselves conducting a seance on a ouija board in the V\u0169ng T\u00e0u mansion to evoke the spirit of Uncle H\u1ecfa\u2019s daughter. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nUncle H\u1ecfa\u2019s mansion in Long H\u1ea3i, V\u0169ng T\u00e0u has remained abandoned for many years<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>Vietnamnet<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The abandonment and ramshackle conditions of the H\u1ee9a family\u2019s opulent V\u0169ng T\u00e0u mansion adds to the conviction that this property is really haunted and probably where the girl took her last breath.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A century has passed since this legend first started, but it\u2019s still piquing local ghost hunters\u2019 curiosity and prompting them to go on a paranormal search for Uncle H\u1ecfa\u2019s daughter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are our two cents\u2019 worth to excited ghost hunters who can\u2019t get this urban legend off your minds: be careful what you ask for!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t know what to do next after successfully <\/span>evoking a spirit<\/span><\/a>, don\u2019t do it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Chinese community in Vietnam has made great contributions to our economy and culture<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The Chinese community of the Ming Dynasty arrived in Saigon from the late 17th century and saw this city as a promise of refuge and opportunity. Over the past 4 centuries, this community has brought many patriots and businessmen who have made enormous contributions to Vietnam’s economy and culture.<\/span><\/p>\n

Uncle H\u1ecfa is a prime example of how an immigrant can break through, rise through the ranks, and become a key player in the development of their new hometown.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also check out:<\/span><\/p>\n