Nestled along Federal Boulevard between Mississippi and Alameda, Little Saigon stands as a beacon of Southeast Asian culture and community. For decades, this area has thrived as a multi-ethnic center, with Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian families and businesses forming the heart of this vibrant district. From humble beginnings in the 1980s, when refugees from Southeast Asia resettled in Colorado after devastating conflicts, Little Saigon has grown into a thriving cultural enclave. These resilient individuals, arriving with little, managed to rebuild their lives and foster a community that honors their heritage while embracing new opportunities.

Today, Little Saigon is more than a marketplace—it is a cultural hub, offering everything from authentic pho and durian to unique Asian goods and gifts. Visitors can experience the warmth of community, tradition, and resilience in every corner. The businesses and families here reflect the enduring spirit of survival and cultural pride, making Little Saigon a cherished part of Denver’s cultural landscape.

Little Saigon Memory Project & Documentary

In collaboration with History Colorado, we are proud to introduce the Little Saigon Memory Project, an initiative dedicated to preserving the rich oral histories of those who helped build this unique district. Over 36 personal oral histories have been gathered, capturing the powerful stories of resilience, displacement, and community-building in Denver’s Southeast Asian community. The oral histories collected will be hosted on History Colorado’s website, making these powerful narratives available to the public and preserving them for generations to come. This partnership extends the project’s impact, ensuring that the voices of Little Saigon are shared and celebrated widely.

Our collective memory workshops, held at the Far East Center and History Colorado, have brought together over 60 community members to share, create, and reflect on the collective experiences that have shaped Little Saigon. These vibrant gatherings fostered a deep sense of belonging, highlighting the community’s shared identity and dreams for the future.

We are also excited to announce the debut of a documentary film in 2025. This film is a powerful collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Hannah Tran, a master visual storyteller who brings over a decade of experience in media. Passionate about covering stories related to the arts, social justice, displacement, diaspora, and the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, Hannah holds a Master of Science in Journalism and Media Communication from Colorado State University. Her work, rooted in social impact storytelling, will bring the stories of Little Saigon to life on screen, amplifying the voices of a community whose stories have often been overlooked. Learn more about Hannah Tran’s work at LionheartNarratives.com.

Community Involvement

The Little Saigon Memory Project has been deeply community-led, with Colorado Asian Pacific United volunteers playing a crucial role in guiding the direction of the work, gathering oral histories, and ensuring that the project remains true to the community it serves. Our partnership with the Far East Center has also been invaluable, as they’ve provided space for workshops and shared their deep insights into the cultural heritage of Denver’s Asian communities. We extend our deepest gratitude to the dedication and hard work of our talented community historians: Ivy Ha, Jadyn Nguyen, Jane Ly, Joseph Tran, and Leo Trinh. Their invaluable contributions have helped to preserve and share the rich history of Little Saigon, ensuring that these stories are told with authenticity, care, and respect for our heritage.

The collaboration with History Colorado further amplifies this work, providing a platform to ensure these stories live on and are accessible to all. Together, these efforts culminate in a multimedia expression of stories, photos, and oral histories that capture the essence of Denver’s cultural richness. The documentary and other project outputs aim to make these previously inaccessible stories available to the public, preserving them for generations to come and showcasing Denver’s diverse heritage on a global stage.

This district is more than just a marketplace—it’s a living tribute to the strength, perseverance, and cultural heritage of Denver’s Southeast Asian community.

Thank You to Our Funders

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to our generous funders for their invaluable support of our project.

Office of Economic Development and International Trade - Traditional Folks Art, Denver Foundation, Denver Arts and Venues, and Asian Chamber of Commerce have made a significant impact through their commitment to enhancing our community and culture. Your belief in our mission empowers us to create meaningful programs and initiatives that celebrate and uplift our AANHPI history and contributions.