BDATrip
Did you know that in Saigon there is a neighborhood deeply infused with Chinese culture, where you can enjoy delicious cuisine, admire stunning architectural works, and explore interesting historical stories? Join BDATrip in discovering Chinatown in District 5 (China Town), an attractive destination for visitors to the city named after Uncle Ho.
Chinatown in District 5, commonly referred to as Cho Lon, is not just a neighborhood but a historical and cultural icon of Ho Chi Minh City. Stretching across Districts 6, 10, and parts of District 11, it has stood as a vibrant cultural hub since the 18th century. This area is synonymous with a bustling marketplace, Binh Tay Market, and a harmonious blend of Chinese and Vietnamese cultures that is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and daily life.
This unique enclave was established as a safe haven for Chinese immigrants fleeing conflicts in Southern China. Over the years, it evolved into a vital trading post, connecting merchants across the region. Today, Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh District 5 symbolizes the perfect fusion of Vietnamese and Chinese traditions, offering visitors a glimpse into the dynamic interplay of cultures.
Walking through Cho Lon, you'll notice its streets lined with guild halls, temples, and markets that reflect the bold identity of the Chinese community. It's also a culinary paradise, offering famous dishes like duck noodles, Hu Tieu, and Dim Sum Baoz. Beyond its gastronomic allure, Chinatown boasts a rich array of shops selling souvenirs, jewelry, and even electronics at competitive prices.
This district is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a living testament to the resilience and ingenuity of a community that has contributed immensely to the fabric of Saigon.
Located just southwest of Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling center, Chinatown is easily accessible and a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. Positioned approximately 5.4 km from Ben Thanh Market, it is situated at the crossroads of Saigon's historical and modern cultural landscapes.
The main thoroughfare of Tran Hung Dao Boulevard acts as the gateway to Chinatown, leading visitors into a maze of alleys filled with vibrant street life and traditional architecture. From here, visitors can reach iconic sites like Ba Thien Hau Temple, Tam Son Guild Hall, and the vibrant Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street.
The best way to reach Chinatown is by motorbike taxi or Grab, especially since the narrow alleys make it challenging for larger vehicles. For those who enjoy an immersive travel experience, renting a bicycle offers a fantastic way to explore this colorful neighborhood.
Once inside, you'll find yourself surrounded by historical landmarks, bustling markets, and Chinese-style temples. For first-time visitors, consider starting your journey at Binh Tay Market, a bustling trade hub that captures the essence of Chinatown's lively spirit.
Whether you're visiting for its culinary delights, shopping opportunities, or simply to soak in its vibrant energy, Chinatown in District 5 offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
The Tam Son Guild Hall is not just an architectural gem but also a cornerstone of Chinese culture in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1839 by the Phuc Chau (Fujian) Chinese community, this guild hall continues to play an important role in preserving their traditions and heritage.
The structure itself is a masterpiece, with its red-tiled roofs, intricate carvings, and wooden columns standing as a testament to traditional Chinese craftsmanship. Inside, the front yard, middle hall, and main hall are laid out in harmony with feng shui principles, creating a serene environment that draws both worshippers and visitors.
One of the hall's unique features is its Sac Tu Thanh Mau Dien signboard, which dates back to 1834 and highlights its historical significance. Visitors can also admire the detailed altars dedicated to various deities, such as Thien Hau, Chua Sinh Nuong Nuong, and Phuc Duc Chinh Than.
The hall is also renowned for its vibrant cultural events, including traditional operas, puppet shows, and lion dances, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in Chinese cultural festivals.
Another iconic landmark in Chinatown is the Ha Chuong Guild Hall, established in the same year as Tam Son Guild Hall—1839. This site serves as a gathering place for the Ha Chau (Fujian) Chinese community and is deeply rooted in their cultural and spiritual life.
The guild hall's architecture is stunning, with its red-tiled roofs and intricately carved wooden beams, embodying the elegance of traditional Chinese design. Its large central stage often hosts opera performances, traditional Chinese puppet shows, and other cultural celebrations during festivals.
Beyond its architectural beauty, the Ha Chuong Guild Hall plays an important role in preserving the unique identity of the Chinese community in Saigon. It serves as a cultural bridge, offering insights into their rich history, traditions, and spiritual beliefs.
The Ba Thien Hau Temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Chinatown. Constructed in 1760, it is dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea, who is believed to protect sailors and merchants. The temple's Chinese-style architecture is a visual delight, with its bright red-tiled roofs, lantern-lit interiors, and exquisitely carved statues.
The temple also serves as a community center where locals come to pray for peace, prosperity, and safe journeys. Visitors can explore its rich interior, which features paintings and carvings that tell stories of Thien Hau’s miraculous deeds. The vibrant atmosphere during festivals like Lunar New Year adds to its charm, making it a favorite destination for both spiritual seekers and photographers.
For tourists, this temple offers more than just a glimpse into the spiritual life of Chinatown. It’s a place where history, culture, and religion converge, providing a deeper understanding of the region's rich heritage.
A visit to Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street is like stepping into a magical world of vibrant colors and cultural richness. Located in the heart of District 5’s Chinatown, this street has been a hub for traditional lantern-making for over 50 years. During festivals, especially the Mid-Autumn Festival, the street comes alive with thousands of lanterns in various shapes, sizes, and designs. These lanterns range from traditional motifs, such as dragons and phoenixes, to modern characters, catering to both children and adults.
Apart from its aesthetic appeal, the lantern street also serves as a reflection of the Chinese culture in District 5. Every shop here showcases the craftsmanship passed down through generations. The lanterns are meticulously handcrafted using bamboo frames and colorful paper, preserving traditional techniques while adapting to contemporary tastes.
Walking along the street, you’ll not only enjoy its dazzling visuals but also have the chance to interact with local artisans. Many of them are eager to share stories about the history of their craft and the cultural significance of lanterns in Chinese celebrations.
In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy delicious street food. Favorites include steamed buns, Hu Tieu, and Dim Sum Baoz, offering an authentic taste of Ho Chi Minh City District 5’s cuisine. The street is also a popular spot for photographers, who flock here to capture its mesmerizing atmosphere.
Tucked away in the bustling streets of District 5, Dimsum Baoz China Town is a haven for lovers of authentic Chinese dim sum. This restaurant is celebrated for its wide range of dishes, from classic favorites like shrimp dumplings and char siu buns to innovative creations like salted egg buns and crab dumplings. Each item is crafted with high-quality ingredients, ensuring a flavorful and fresh dining experience.
The ambiance at Dimsum Baoz is modern yet cozy, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings or casual outings with friends. Guests can pair their dim sum with a variety of other dishes, including stir-fried noodles, fried rice, and refreshing beverages like bubble tea. The affordable pricing—ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 VND per dish—ensures that everyone can enjoy a taste of Ho Chi Minh City District 5’s Chinese cuisine.
A standout feature of Dimsum Baoz is its commitment to maintaining traditional Chinese flavors while offering a creative twist on classic recipes. The restaurant’s attentive service and clean, inviting space make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Chinatown.
If you’re craving something light and refreshing, look no further than Che Hoa - Ha Ky Dessert Shop. Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City District 5, this dessert shop is a long-standing favorite among locals and tourists. It specializes in traditional Chinese sweet soups, such as white fungus soup, egg dessert, and herbal jelly. These delicacies are not only delicious but also carry health benefits, making them a perfect treat for any time of the day.
What sets Che Hoa - Ha Ky apart is its dedication to authenticity. Every dish is prepared with care, using recipes passed down through generations. The sweetness level is perfectly balanced, ensuring that the desserts are light and not overly sugary—a hallmark of Chinese desserts.
Beyond the food, the shop itself exudes a welcoming vibe with its clean and spacious interior. Equipped with comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi, it’s an ideal place to unwind after a long day of exploring Chinatown in District 5. The affordable prices, ranging from 15,000 to 33,000 VND per dish, make it accessible to all visitors.
For those who love savory dishes, Dong Nguyen China Town Chicken Rice is a culinary treasure in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. Established in 1975, this restaurant has been serving its signature Hainanese chicken rice for decades. The dish features perfectly tender chicken with crispy skin, served over fragrant rice cooked in rich chicken broth. A side of tangy dipping sauce made from ginger, garlic, lemon, and chili enhances the flavors, creating a harmonious balance in every bite.
The menu also includes side dishes such as lotus stem salad, sour soup, and stir-fried morning glory with garlic, allowing diners to create a well-rounded meal. The restaurant’s spacious, clean setting and friendly service make it a welcoming space for both locals and tourists.
At prices ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 VND per serving, Dong Nguyen Chicken Rice is not only delicious but also affordable. Its central location in District 5 makes it a convenient stop for those exploring Chinatown.
No trip to Chinatown in District 5 would be complete without trying the famous Dan Ich Fish Hotpot. Since 1975, this restaurant has been delighting diners with its traditional Hainanese hotpot, cooked over charcoal for an authentic flavor. The dish features an assortment of fresh ingredients, including fish, squid, shrimp, and meatballs, accompanied by vegetables, noodles, and rice vermicelli.
The secret to Dan Ich’s success lies in its broth, which is simmered for hours with pork bones and seasoned with fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili. The result is a rich, savory base that perfectly complements the fresh seafood.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, with spacious seating and attentive staff ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Prices range from 50,000 to 110,000 VND per hotpot, making it an affordable indulgence for groups and families.
Windsor Plaza Hotel is located in the heart of the vibrant Chinatown in District 5. The hotel's standout features include sophisticated, modern architecture, large rooms with full amenities and private balconies offering magnificent city views. Windsor Plaza also offers high-end facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, spa, restaurants, and bars to meet all leisure and relaxation needs of its guests. Additionally, the hotel provides free shuttle services to famous tourist spots like Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the War Remnants Museum.
With affordable rates ranging from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 VND per night, Windsor Plaza operates 24/7, allowing easy online or phone booking. Address: 18 An Duong Vuong Street, Ward 9, District 5, HCMC.
Happy Chubby Homestay in District 5 offers a modern, youthful lodging experience, characterized by refined design and bright colors. This homestay provides a variety of room types, from single and double rooms to family rooms, meeting diverse guest needs. Each room is fully equipped with amenities like a kitchen, refrigerator, washing machine, and dryer, maximizing convenience for self-catering. Additionally, the homestay has a flexible communal area where guests can meet, entertain with games, books, and music.
Happy Chubby Homestay creates a warm, clean environment with attentive and friendly service. It also offers bicycle, motorbike, and car rental services, making it easy for guests to explore nearby tourist spots. Notably, the homestay assists with booking flights, trains, and buses, adding convenience and savings for travelers.
With rates ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 VND per night, Happy Chubby Homestay is open 24/7, ready to welcome guests through online or phone bookings. Address: 39/1 Nguyen Trai, Ward 2, District 5, HCMC.
Chinatown in District 5 (China Town) is an attractive destination for visitors to Ho Chi Minh City. It's not just about unique architectural landmarks rich in Chinese culture, but also about delicious foods and a blend of Vietnamese-Chinese culture. Come and experience the exciting and unforgettable moments here!
Some attractive entertainment and tourist destinations in Saigon:
Copyright © 2022 BDATrip.com | All rights reserved.
