1. About the name “Chinatown” in Saigon

Where is Chinatown in Saigon? This expansive neighborhood stretches across Districts 5, 6, 10, and parts of District 11. It traces its roots to 1644, when Chinese immigrants, primarily Ming loyalists fleeing the Qing Dynasty’s persecution, found refuge under the Nguyen Lords in Vietnam. They first settled in Cu Lao Pho (modern-day Dong Nai Province) and Gia Dinh (now part of Ho Chi Minh City).

The Chinese community's strong work ethics and business practices helped establish Chinatown in Saigon as a major commercial hub. The name "Chinatown" naturally evolved from its large Chinese-Vietnamese population of over 500,000 residents, with District 5 housing 40% of the community. It is a vibrant neighborhood where Chinese and Vietnamese cultures seamlessly blend.

2. The history behind the formation of Chinatown in Vietnam

Cho Lon (Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City) holds a fascinating history - it was once an independent city separate from Saigon. The name "Cho Lon" (meaning "big market") likely originated from its massive Chinese marketplace, which notably outsized other Vietnamese markets.

Cho Lon was established as a city in 1865. Later, in 1931, it was merged with Saigon to form the Saigon-Cho Lon administrative unit. This unit evolved into Do Thanh Saigon-Cho Lon in 1951 and finally became part of Do Thanh Saigon in 1956. While Cho Lon lost its official administrative status, it preserved its distinct cultural identity.

Despite these administrative changes, the cultural heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown beats strongly through its temples, assembly halls, and Chinese-style buildings. This neighborhood preserves its heritage while standing as a testament to the enduring Chinese influence in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cho Lon, another name of Chinatown in Saigon

3. Top places to visit in Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City

From temples and assembly halls to markets and craft streets, Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the life of the Chinese-Vietnamese community in Saigon. Here are some must-see attractions on the Chinatown Ho Chi Minh City map.

3.1. Ong Pagoda

Address: 678 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5

Nghia An Assembly Hall (Ong Pagoda) has stood in Chinatown in Saigon for over 200 years. It honors several deities, including Guan Yu, Zhou Chang, Guan Ping, and Mazu, while serving as a gathering place for the Teochew Chinese community. Following many renovations through 1984, the pagoda now showcases exceptional calligraphy, stone carvings, and woodwork from the 19th and 20th centuries. It earned national recognition as an architectural relic in 1993. Its grandest celebration, the Guan Yu worship ceremony, continues to draw crowds annually on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month.

3.2. Thien Hau Pagoda

Address: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5

Thien Hau Pagoda (Tue Thanh Assembly Hall), built in 1760, is a revered Chinese temple in Chinatown in Saigon and is dedicated to Thien Hau (Mazu). Following the 国 character layout with three halls, the pagoda showcases exquisite wooden carvings, ceramic decorations, and wall paintings. On the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month, the pagoda comes alive with its grandest celebration - the Thien Hau Festival. It features traditional rituals and cultural activities that draw both locals and tourists. Thien Hau Pagoda was recognized as an architectural relic in 1993.

3.3. Ong Bon Temple

Address: 264 Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, District 5

Ong Bon Temple (Nhi Phu Assembly Hall) has served as a spiritual hub for Saigon's Fujian Chinese community since the 18th century. It honors Zhou Daguan (Ong Bon), a Yuan Dynasty official revered as the guardian deity of Cho Lon. Built in the 口 character layout, the temple features green-glazed roof tiles and houses valuable artifacts including ancient drums, bells, and stone statues. Ong Bon Temple also displays colorful murals, traditional altars, and cultural relics of the Fujian Chinese community in Saigon’s Chinatown. Its two major festivals occur on the 15th days of the 1st and 8th lunar months respectively.

3.4. Quan Am Pagoda

Address: 12 Lao Tu Street, District 5

Quan Am Pagoda (On Lang Assembly Hall), built in 1740 by Fujian Chinese immigrants, is one of Saigon's oldest Chinese temples. Originally honoring Mazu and later Guanyin, the temple now worships 16 deities and features exquisite architectural details. A distinctive tradition here is the "evil-fighting" ritual, performed before the Tiger God altar, where worshippers symbolically ward off evil spirits using shoes to strike paper figures. Recognized as an architectural relic in 2002, the temple is busiest during the Lunar New Year and the first full moon of the lunar calendar.

3.5. Luong Nhu Hoc Street

Address: Luong Nhu Hoc Street, District 5

Luong Nhu Hoc Street in Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its lantern-making craft, which has been carried on by generations of the Chinese community here. The street dazzles visitors with countless lanterns in various styles, from classic paper designs to modern electronic versions, featuring shapes like rounds, diamonds, and polygons in vibrant reds, yellows, blues, and purples. Charming by day, the street truly comes alive at night, when the illuminated lanterns create a magical atmosphere. The street’s beauty reaches its peak during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

3.6. Tam Son Assembly Hall

Address: 118 Trieu Quang Phuc Street, District 5

Dating back to 1839 during Emperor Minh Mang's reign, Tam Son Assembly Hall is a Fujian Chinese relic in Chinatown in Saigon that has retained its original architectural essence through multiple renovations. What sets this temple apart is its special connection to fertility blessings, which was initially dedicated to Kim Hoa Thanh Mau - the Goddess of Childbirth. The temple is often sought after by couples hoping to conceive. It now also honors Mazu alongside various other deities including Guanyin, the Jade Emperor, and the God of Wealth.

3.7. Ha Chuong Assembly Hall

Address: 802 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5

Ha Chuong Assembly Hall, originally named Chuong Chau Assembly Hall, was established in the early 19th century by Chinese immigrants from Zhangzhou. Built in a traditional Chinese temple style across 1,500 square meters, the hall showcases distinctive Fujian architectural elements in its roof design and decorations. A unique feature here is a fish pond built in 1885, believed to gather spiritual energy for the temple. While primarily dedicated to Mazu, the hall also houses shrines to other deities including the Goddess of Childbirth, Guanyin, and the Jade Emperor.

3.8. Hao Si Phuong Alley

Address: 206 Tran Hung Dao Street, District 5

Hidden in the heart of Cho Lon, Hao Si Phuong Alley transports visitors to a Hong Kong-style setting that has existed for over a century. Built in 1910 by the wealthy businessman Hua Bon Hoa, this unique two-story residential complex features 68 apartments with a distinctive blend of ancient and modern Chinese architecture. The quiet alley, home to both Vietnamese and Chinese-Vietnamese families, stands in stark contrast to Saigon's bustling streets, making it a popular photography spot on the Chinatown Saigon map for young locals seeking old-world charm.

3.9. Quynh Phu Assembly Hall

Address: 276 Tran Hung Dao B Street, District 5

Quynh Phu Assembly Hall was established in 1824 by the Hainanese Chinese community in Chinatown in Saigon. After more than 10 renovations, the hall has maintained its authentic architectural features while honoring Mazu and other deities. It particularly comes alive during the Lantern Festival (15th day of the 1st lunar month) with traditional Hainanese performances. It was recognized as a national historical-cultural heritage site in 2001 for its significance in Hainanese cultural preservation in Saigon.

3.10. Minh Huong Pagoda

Address: 184 Hong Bang Street, District 5

Established in 1865 by the Minh Huong Chinese community and rebuilt in 1902, Minh Huong Pagoda (Phuoc An Assembly Hall) offers a tranquil retreat in Cho Lon's bustling commercial district. Spanning 1,000 square meters, it features traditional Chinese architecture with stone lions, wooden carvings, and shrines dedicated to Guan Yu and other deities. Despite being younger than other assembly halls in Cho Lon, it stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship and detailed relief work depicting people and nature.

3.11. Herbal Medicine Street

Address: The streets of Hai Thuong Lan Ong, Trieu Quang Phuc, and Luong Nhu Hoc, District 5

Stretching through District 5, Chinatown, Ho Chi Minh City, the Herbal Medicine Street is a living museum of Chinese medicinal practices. Home to 128 traditional medicine shops, many of which are run by families who have preserved their practices for generations, the street bustles with locals and tourists alike seeking traditional remedies. Visitors can explore shops filled with exotic herbs, witness traditional diagnosis methods, and even experience pulse-taking treatments. Some shops still maintain their original architecture, offering glimpses into the old Cho Lon's charm.

3.12. Vietnam Silver House

Address: 68 Nghia Thuc Street, District 5

Located in District 5's silver craft quarter, Vietnam Silver House is the city's first attraction dedicated to Vietnamese silversmithing heritage. Visitors can explore the history of silver craftsmanship across different regions of Vietnam, witness the transformation of raw silver into intricate works, and admire unique designs. Through displays and demonstrations, the house showcases the delicate craftsmanship of Vietnamese silversmiths, featuring detailed engravings and sophisticated patterns.

Vietnam Silver House in Ho Chi Minh City

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4. Where to shop in Chinatown, Ho Chi Minh City?

4.1. Binh Tay Market

Address: 57A Thap Muoi Street, District 6

Located in the heart of District 6, Binh Tay Market stands as Cho Lon's largest market, showcasing a distinctive architectural style that dates back to 1928. This wholesale hub spreads across four major streets (Thap Muoi, Le Tan Khe, Phan Van Khoe, Tran Binh). It has undergone several renovations, most recently in 2018, while carefully preserving its original architecture. Today, with over 1,400 stalls run by a vibrant mix of Vietnamese and Chinese vendors, the market continues its legacy as a bustling commercial center and heritage site.

4.2. An Dong Market

Address: 34-36 An Duong Vuong Street, District 5

An Dong Market has been a significant shopping destination in District 5, Chinatown, Saigon, since 1951. Renovated in 1991 into a modern six-story complex spanning 25,000 square meters, it is Ho Chi Minh City's largest wholesale market for fashion items. The market preserves its old charm while offering an extensive range of products, from textiles and ready-made clothing to footwear and handicrafts, attracting both local shoppers and international visitors seeking authentic trading experiences.

4.3. Phung Hung Market

Address: 214 Phung Hung, District 5

Established in 1952, Phung Hung Market epitomizes the authentic Chinese-Vietnamese market culture in Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City. This small but historically significant market earned its nickname "Rich People's Market" for its premium produce and Chinese specialties. What makes it unique is its dual nature - operating as a market for fresh produce in the morning, then transforming into a haven for prepared food in the afternoon, offering visitors a genuine taste of Chinese culinary traditions.

4.4. Soai Kinh Lam Market

Address: Dong Khanh Commercial Center, 465-473 Tran Hung Dao Street, District 5

Soai Kinh Lam Market, established in 1989, is Saigon's largest wholesale hub for fabric. The market used to have nearly 1,000 stalls in its heyday. Now, around 500 remain, yet it is still the city's main market for fabric trading. Visitors can explore endless rows of fabrics, ranging from cotton to silk, which are sourced from Vietnam, China, Korea, Japan, and India. Soai Kinh Lam Market is especially popular among those seeking materials for making traditional Vietnamese clothes like ao dai.

4.5. Thiec Market

Address: Pho Co Dieu Street, District 11

Among Saigon markets, Thiec Market has held a unique place as a jewelry trading hub since 1945. It differs from major gold retailers by specializing in affordable 18k gold jewelry, making it popular among working-class shoppers seeking decorative pieces rather than investments. The market also distinguishes itself as an important training center for Ho Chi Minh City's aspiring jewelers.

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5. Guide for first-time visitors to Chinatown in Saigon

5.1. When to visit?

While Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City welcomes visitors throughout the year, the most captivating times to experience its cultural richness are during major festivals, when the district transforms into a mesmerizing display of traditional customs.

These major festivals are:

The Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the 1st lunar month): Chinatown in Saigon bathes in a sea of red lanterns, especially around Thien Hau Pagoda and Quynh Phu Assembly Hall. Temples overflow with devotees offering prayers, while streets come alive with traditional music.
The Lady Thien Hau Festival (the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month): This festival features a grand procession with the deity's statue through Chinatown's streets, accompanied by dragon boats and lion dances. The celebration draws thousands seeking the Goddess's blessings for prosperity and health.
The Ong Bon Temple Festival (the 15th days of the 1st and 8th lunar months): This festival showcases Fujian traditions with elaborate offerings and distinctive customs in Ong Bon Temple. Visitors can experience traditional fortune-telling activities and observe the spectacular display of aromatic incense coils hanging from the temple's ceiling.
The Goldsmiths' Ancestor Worship Festival (from the 6th to the 8th day of the 2nd lunar month): This festival transforms Le Chau Assembly Hall into a celebration of Vietnam's jewelry-making heritage, featuring traditional ceremonies by goldsmiths from across southern Vietnam, all amidst a stunning display of candles and incense.

The Lady Thien Hau Festival in Saigon’s Chinatown

5.2. How to get there?

Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City is easily accessible from District 1 through various transport options. The most direct route starts from Nguyen Hue Street, following Le Loi Street to Le Lai Street, then continuing onto Nguyen Trai Street - which serves as one of the main arteries of Chinatown in District 5. From here, you can easily explore other parts of Cho Lon. To get around easily, you can utilize ride-hailing services like Xanh SM to get to the neighborhood.

For a more immersive experience, consider taking the Hop-on-Hop-off Double Decker Bus Tour. Operating daily from 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM, with departures every 30 minutes, this 120-minute tour offers a comprehensive journey through Districts 1, 5, 6, and 8. It departs from 23/9 Park and is priced at 200,000 VND. The tour allows visitors to explore Chinatown in Saigon at a relaxed pace while enjoying informative commentary about the neighborhood's heritage.

5.3. What to eat?

Chinatown in Saigon offers a fascinating fusion of Chinese and Vietnamese culinary traditions, where ancient recipes have been preserved and adapted over generations. From street stalls to restaurants, this neighborhood serves as a treasure trove of Chinese dishes prepared with a distinct Vietnamese twist.

Here are some must-try foods in Ho Chi Minh City that showcase Cho Lon's food culture:

Dimsum: A beloved Cantonese specialty featuring various steamed dumplings, best enjoyed for breakfast or lunch at traditional Chinese restaurants in District 5.
Pha lau: A rich offal stew simmered in an aromatic broth and served with bread or instant noodles - a popular street food especially delicious in the evening.
Mi keo: Fresh noodles made through an impressive pulling technique, served in a clear broth with various toppings.
Hu tieu: Various types of rice noodle soups, each with distinct regional Chinese influences such as hu tieu ca, hu tieu sa te, hu tieu ho, etc.
Chao tieu: A comforting rice porridge rooted in Teochew, served with various savory sides, perfect for breakfast or late-night dining.
Mi vit tiem: A Vietnamese adaptation of Chinese braised duck noodles, featuring tender duck meat served with yellow egg noodles in a flavorful broth.
Cade sticky rice: A fragrant street food combining sticky rice with a unique golden sauce made from egg yolk, coconut milk, and durian.
Che tra hot ga: A unique dessert soup featuring eggs simmered in sweetened Chinese tea, popular for both its taste and health benefits.

5.4. What to note?

To fully appreciate the cultural richness of Cho Lon, here are some essential tips to keep in mind when exploring Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City:

Avoid being the first visitor of the day in shops, as it is considered unlucky for the business if they can’t sell anything to you.
Be mindful when giving gifts. Watches, shoes, mirrors, and cups are considered unlucky items.
Consider wearing red during festivals for good fortune.
When visiting temples, avoid pointing at sacred objects.
Light incense sticks in odd numbers (1, 3, or 5) at temples.
The number 4 is an unlucky number as it is pronounced similar to "death" in Chinese. The number 8 is considered lucky.
Never stick chopsticks upright in rice bowls as they will resemble incense sticks. Don't flip fish over on the plate as it is considered bad luck for fishermen.

>>> Grab some essential Ho Chi Minh City travel tips to be well-prepared!

Chinatown in Saigon remains an essential piece of Saigon's identity. Whether you prefer exploring pagodas, sampling Chinese-Vietnamese cuisine, or experiencing traditional festivals, this neighborhood offers an authentic glimpse into the harmonious blend of two rich cultures that have shaped the modern Ho Chi Minh City.

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