22 Lý Tự Trọng in District 1 is one of the most historically significant buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, even though many people walk past it without realizing its story.
Originally known as 22 Gia Long Street, the building was constructed in the 1960s as the Pittman Apartments, a residential building that also housed offices for the U.S. government. During the Vietnam War, the upper floors were occupied by staff from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), while the top floor served as offices for the CIA’s deputy chief of station.
Its place in history was sealed on April 29, 1975, during Operation Frequent Wind. As North Vietnamese forces entered Saigon, an Air America helicopter landed on the rooftop elevator shaft to evacuate American personnel and selected South Vietnamese civilians.
Dutch photographer Hubert van Es captured what became one of the most famous images of the 20th century: a long line of people climbing a ladder to board the helicopter. For decades, many believed the photograph showed the roof of the U.S. Embassy—but that was incorrect. The iconic image was actually taken at 22 Gia Long Street (today’s 22 Lý Tự Trọng).
After 1975:
- Gia Long Street was renamed Lý Tự Trọng Street.
- The building continued as offices and commercial space.
- The rooftop, once closed to the public, now hosts Sky22 Café, allowing visitors to stand on the very roof where the famous evacuation took place. The original elevator penthouse and rooftop layout are still recognizable.
June 2026