After capturing Saigon in 1859, the French quickly got to work on building structures and infrastructure in the city, especially along the banks of the Saigon River.
While downtown Saigon was taking on a decidedly French look, Cho Lon was still dominated by Chinese traders who built homes, businesses and pagodas in the then separate town.
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During this time, French photographer, Emile Gsell, visited the region, snapping some beautiful photos that give us a visual record of of Saigon and Cho Lon’s development in 1866.
