9 Fun Places To Visit In Chinatown In Ho Chi Minh

Often touted as Cholon, Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City is the largest of its kind in Vietnam. Cholon in English refers to quarter. The history of this place dates back to 1778. Here you can see the biggest community of Chinese people in Vietnam.

And such is the charm of this place that not just locals but a huge influx of tourists flock to this place to explore the historical and cultural aspects of Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh. Talking about the geographical distinction of the town, it sprawls over many areas of Ho Chi Minh City including the western half of District 5, several areas in District 6, and District 11. 

Apart from being a popular tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City, Chinatown also serves as an important commercial center in the city. As a result of that, numerous handicraft factories, Chinese shops, and cafes can be seen here. Besides, it is also an interesting place for the architectural lovers on a city tour in Ho Chi Minh City.

There are a number of historical marvels boasting classical Chinese architecture. And in order to savour that authentic Chinese atmosphere, then no place is better than the Binh Tay Market. Just for you, I have come up with an ultimate guide to Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City which includes its attractions, what to do, dining experience, nightlife and much more. 

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History Of Chinatown In Ho Chi Minh City

The literal meaning of Cholon is ‘Big Market’. It was in the late 1700s when the Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City was founded as an effect of a Chinese minority – Hoa, residing in Vietnam were asked to leave the nearby city of Bien Hoa. With years, the place continued to develop in both population and size. And finally, in 1879, Chinatown was incorporated.

And in the next 50 years, this Chinese settlement became an integral part of Vietnam and hence, became Saigon-Cholon. However, the name was later officially dropped in the 1950s, but the popularity of the place remains intact till today.

Places To Visit In Chinatown In Ho Chi Minh City

Unlike the Chinatowns of Bangkok, New York, London, Manila and Singapore, Chinatown of Saigon isn’t recognized as the downtown of Ho Chi Minh City. Irrespective of that, the town has some amazing places to see/explore for tourists.

1. Ba Thien Hau Temple

Inside Ba Thien Hau Temple in Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh.

Dedicated to the Chinese Sea Goddess, Ba Thien Hau Temple is a Buddhist shrine on Nguyen Trai Street. The temple lies in the area of District 5. An interesting about this sacred site says that the beliefs and traditions of the temple are from both Buddhism and Taoism.

2. Quan Am Temple

Sacred to Quan Am – the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Quan Am Temple is one of the highly revered sacred sites in Chinatown. The temple has relief panels at both ends that depict the Buddhist motifs. Apart from the presiding deity, the temple also worships Ngoc Huang (Jade Emperor), Amitabh Buddha, and three Bodhisattvas. 

3. Binh Tay Market

Walking through Binh Tay Market in China town in Ho Chi Minh City.

Traces its history from the 1880s, Binh Tay Market was founded by the French. The market sells a wide range of goods including seafood, poultry, vegetables, meat, and fresh fruits. Besides, the market also houses various handicrafts, textiles, and lacquerware shops.

It is one of the best places to visit in Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City to experience the local lifestyle and savoring the traditional delicacies. Trust me, if you want to taste the food in Vietnam, this is one of the places where you can taste what the locals love!

4. Cha Tam Church

Also entitled as Nhà thờ Cha Tam, the church is located within Cholon. This sacred site is known for being the place the first president of South Vietnam – Ngo Dinh Diem was arrested. The services of the church are held daily and is flocked by both Vietnamese and Chinese.

5. Phuoc An Hoi Quann

Though the temple might seem an old one from outside, but from inside, it is altogether different. Located along the bustling Hong Kong street, Phuoc An Hoi Quan is a Chinese Taoist Temple.

The beautifully decorated hall of the temple includes gold and red Chinese characters engraved on the pillars and walls. It is one of those quiet places that can serve as your ideal stopover to spend peaceful time away from the cacophony of city life. 

6. Chinatown Nightlife

Though there is nothing as such as nightlife of Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh, but luckily the town is located just a few miles away from the downtown of the city where you will find an ultimate nightlife action. The nightlife of this place is nothing less than that of Bangkok or Las Vegas. As the sun falls asleep, the downtown lightens up with amazing entertainment.

From pubs to bars to cafes, there are so many options to spend an amazing night time while on a city tour in Ho Chi Minh City. Some of the pubs and bars even host live music performances of both local and international artists.

However, a must-thing to know is that the booze in Vietnam is not expensive. Besides, you can also avail the happy hours offers if you are more in number. 

7. Restaurants And Dining

If you are wondering what to do in Chinatown that I would personally suggest go out and savour the delectable authentic cuisine. Talking about where to eat in Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh, the town is dotted with numerous restaurants that serve delicious food to the table. Tiem Am Nag Long, Kim Sanh, Blu Bar & Grill, and B-Dubs are some top places to eat in Chinatown.

Besides, the town also has various street hawkers that sell amazing food at cheap prices. While strolling on the streets of Chinatown, you will get to see roasted ducks and pork hanging on in front of the food shops. Chinese style noodles is a must-eat delicacy here that is altogether different from the traditional Vietnamese rice noodles.

Dim Sums, Cháo Tiều (Teochew Porridge), Sủi cảo (Jiaozi), Hủ tiếu sa tế (Chili paste noodle soup), and Mì vịt tiềm (Stewed duck noodle soup) are some other best fares that you would love to eat while in Chinatown. Along with that, exotic food like thousand years old eggs and seahorse can be seen here. 

8. Shopping In Chinatown

As I always say, no vacation is ever complete without shopping. And when you are in Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City, the shopping gets even better. Despite being a wholesale market, it also deals in retailing.

From lacquerware to woven textiles to hand-embroidered clothes to Vietnamese silk, here you get an assortment of products to take home. Once you are done shopping, you can also indulge in the ultimate experience of eating Chinese food in Ho Chi Minh City. 

9. Lantern Street

Hoi An isn’t the only place where you can see lanterns. In fact, in Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh, there is a place called lantern street. It has gorgeous lanterns all through the year BUT during the LUNA year or the mid autumn festival, the place takes lantern decoration to a whole new level!

This is total Instagram gold so make sure that you pack your camera too! It is a place that you want to visit again and again whether you are in the city for a day or if you spend 3 days in Ho Chi Minh.

Where To Stay In Chinatown

Being a major tourist hub, Chinatown houses some of the coolest places to stay for tourists. Here I have listed the two best picks for one to have an amazing and hassle-free stay in District 5, Chinatown.

The Common Room Project

A boutique hostel that is a perfect hideout for tourists visiting Chinatown is The Common Room Project. Along with 48 beds, the entire place is crammed with modern facilities and amenities that cater to the needs of solo and group travellers.

And their belief of ‘sleeping is divine’ is what makes them different from others. They provide the softest bed sheets and linens to proffer a cozy and comfortable stay to their guests.

Windsor Plaza Hotel

Windsor Plaza Hotel is undoubtedly a great choice for where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Known to offer a luxurious stay and that too at amazing rates, this hotel has spacious rooms well-laid with exquisite interior and modern amenities.

The rooms have large windows overlooking the beautiful surrounding. Besides a lavish stay, you can also enjoy their special services including a massage at the spa, gym, and more. 

Apart from them, other high-rated accommodation options in Cholon are Ibis Saigon Airport, Happy Chubby, Hotel Nikko Saigon, Harmony Hotel & Apartment, Sherwood Residence, Trung Mai Hotel, The Reverie Saigon, and Tan Cuu Long Hotel.

If you’re not anywhere planning to have a stay in Chinatown, then Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien Street are the options for the solo travelers. Whereas, Nguyen Hue Street and Dong Khoi are best for families. 

Things To Do In Chinatown In Ho Chi Minh

While in Chinatown, there are a plethora of things and activities that you can choose to enjoy. 

• Walk through the narrow alleyways of Cholon in search of dim sum. 
• Give your feet a break and hope on to a traditional cyclo ride around the district 5.
• Light a stick of incense and pray for your well-being at the Thien Hau Temple
• Spend a fun time with your friends or family at Dai Thai Gioi Waterpark
• Visit Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda and pray to the goddess of fertility. 
• Adore the beautiful aesthetic craftsmanship of a Chinese Taoist Temple – Phuoc An Hoi Quan. 
• Spend a peaceful time while sitting at the pond site at Quam Am Pagoda. 

Comparing with the Chinatowns of other places, the Saigon Chinatown has its own charm and traits that altogether distinct it from others. From its establishment to culture & heritage significance to nightlife and delicacies, everything here is simply astounding and intriguing. 

Don’t forget to check out our detailed guide to Vietnam! It has everything you need to know before you visit the country.

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** The photographs in this post are not the property of Globetrove and have been provided by the author.