Le Quy Don High School, one of Vietnam's oldest high schools, has been proposed as a future tourist attraction in recognition of its historical significance, distinctive architecture and cultural heritage.
Founded in 1874, the school has stood for 151 years and occupies a prominent site in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, bounded by Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Le Quy Don Street, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street and Vo Van Tan Street.
The institution was originally established as Chasseloup Laubat School, serving the children of French residents during the colonial era. In the early 20th century, it began admitting Vietnamese students.
After 1954, the school was renamed Jean Jacques Rousseau School. In 1967, it was transferred to Vietnamese administration and became the Le Quy Don Education Centre. On August 29, 1977, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee officially established it as Le Quy Don High School.
At the school's main entrance stands a statue of Le Quy Don (1726-1784), one of Vietnam's most celebrated scholars. Renowned for his contributions to history, geography, literature and public administration, his name has been given to numerous schools across Vietnam, including eight high schools for gifted students.
Despite the passage of time and successive historical periods, the campus has retained much of its original French colonial architectural character.
The school is distinguished by its tall green-painted wooden windows, ochre-yellow walls, dark red tiled roofs and intricately crafted iron gates, staircases and balconies, all of which reflect the architectural style of the late 19th century.
In recognition of its historical and architectural value, the school has been awarded National Standard School status and has been designated a municipal Architectural and Artistic Heritage Site.
Although the campus dates back more than a century, it is equipped with modern educational facilities, including a multi-purpose sports ground, a screening room and laboratories built to international standards.
Thanks to its rich history and well-preserved architecture, Le Quy Don High School is among the sites proposed for development as a tourism destination. The initiative aims to attract international visitors while creating opportunities for students to interact with overseas guests and improve their foreign language skills.
