Weird street names
People in many districts of HCM City have become so impatient with proposals to name streets that they have come up with their own, however weird they may sound.
A street in Tan Phu District, connecting Truong Vinh Ky and Dao Tan streets, remained nameless for three years until one day locals decided on "Dien Cao The" (High-voltage) Street, citing the electrical line hanging above it.
Another street in District 8 is simply known as 1011. Not until District 8 People’s Committee opened its office near a house with the number 1011 did the street get its name, although it went without one for five years.
Street seekers will be especially confused about the 1km-long stretch of road linking Truong Vinh Ky and Tan Son Nhi streets. It bears the name of both streets.
Other unusual street names are Huong Dong Cho Son Ky (East of Son Ky Market) Street, Bo Bao Tan Thang (Tan Thang Embankment) Street or Vanh Dai (Beltway) Street.
Even more surprising to hear are names evoking wartime memories, including Chien Luoc (Strategy), Ap Chien Luoc (Strategic Hamlet), Ten Lua (Missile), Lien Khu (Inter-Combat Zone) and Giao Thong Hao Ap 3 (Communication Trench Hamlet 3).
A resident in District 8 explains that streets are commonly called by a name that reveals their "identity", gradually becoming popular over time. It seems that residents have taken on part of the role of the city’s Street Naming Board, creating names that sometimes are illogical and confusing but interesting nonetheless.
