China Town Saigon

Overview

• Location: Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 02:00 - 22:00 daily
• Entrance Fee: Free

Chinatown Saigon, or Cho Lon, has been a hub for the Chinese-Vietnamese community since the late 1770s, housing a majority of ethnically Chinese residents and traders. It is a vibrant mix of old and new, featuring temples, traditional shops, markets, and modern stores and cafes. The architecture blends Chinese tradition with French influences, while its narrow, maze-like streets offer a unique experience, perfect for leisurely exploration.

Colorful And Vibrating Scene At Night (Cre: Dulichvtv)

Things To Do When Visiting

Go shopping

Binh Tay Market stands out as the central hub of Chinatown, serving as the primary distribution center for food and clothing. It's one of Saigon's significant markets, resembling Ben Thanh but with a focus on local Vietnamese and Chinese shoppers rather than tourists, offering fewer souvenirs and more authentic Vietnamese goods.

The Well-Known Binh Tan Market (Cre: Bestpricetravel)

Discover a wide selection of Vietnamese treasures, including silk, lacquerware, embroidered clothing, and woven textiles, all available at affordable prices, perfect for memorable souvenirs. Moreover, indulge in an array of fresh and sweet exotic fruits offered at budget-friendly prices. With a mere US $8 (200,000 VND), you can acquire a diverse range of items to enjoy.

Stalls Inside The Market (Cre: Go2joy)

Visit temples and pagodas

Embark on a captivating journey through ancient temples and pagodas rich in history and culture. Discover renowned sites like Lady Thien Hau Pagoda, honoring the sea goddess with its intricate sculptures and fragrant halls. Explore the tranquil grounds of Quan Am Pagoda, where worshippers gather amidst beautiful altars and serene gardens. 

Lady Thien Hau Pagoda (Cre: Windsorplazahotel)

Don't miss the opportunity to visit Assembly Hall, a cultural landmark reflecting the influence of Chinese immigrants. Among them are the significant Ha Chuong and Phuoc An Assembly Halls, echoing the architectural style of southern Fujian temples in Taiwan.

Phuoc An Assembly Hall Minh An Pagoda (Cre: Wikipedia)

Indulge in culinary delights

In Chinatown, the cuisine reflects a fascinating blend of Chinese heritage and Vietnamese preferences, being introduced and adapted by the Hoa people over generations. This fusion has resulted in a diverse array of dishes that seamlessly combine the flavors and techniques of both cultures. Exploring the local cuisine is a must-do experience, with highlights including the rich and aromatic Satay Noodle Soup, the flavorful Special Duck Noodle Soup, and enticing Dim Sum offerings.

Savor The Delicate Flavors Of Dimsum

Stroll through streets

Wandering through Chinatown's lively streets reveals a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. Despite being in Vietnam, the Chinese community has admirably preserved their rich cultural heritage and architectural traditions from China. From intricate temples to bustling markets, every corner reflects the dedication to upholding ancestral customs. Among these treasures, Lantern Street, Luong Nhu Hoc, stands out with its vibrant display of colorful lanterns, casting a magical ambiance over the bustling crowds below.

The Famous Lantern Street Luong Nhu Hoc (Cre: Scootersaigontour)

How To Get There

• By Taxi: In the scorching city heat, taking a taxi is a convenient transportation option. Expect to pay around US $1.4 to US $4 for a single journey, though fares may fluctuate based on distance traveled and traffic conditions.
• By Bus: If you are on a low-budget trip, this is the best transportation for you. You can reach the museum by taking buses numbered 103, 139, 145, 150, 56, 63-1, 68, 91, 01, 07, 10, 25, 39, 09, 16, 62-1, 23, 06, 62-7, 94, 05, all have stops nearby. Bus fares typically range from US $0.3 to $0.4 per person.
• By Cyclo: Experience the picturesque journey through the streets of Ho Chi Minh City en route to ChinaTown. Cyclo prices fluctuate, but anticipate spending approximately US $2 to US $4 for a brief excursion.

Visit Nearby Attractions

Reunification Palace

• Location: Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 08:00 - 15:30 daily
• Entrance Fee: 40.000 VND/adult (US $1.57); 10,000 VND/children (US $0.39)

Reunification Palace, or Independence Palace, was the official residence of the South Vietnamese President during the Vietnam War. Its breach by a North Vietnamese tank in 1975 marked the war's end. Now functioning as a museum, it displays Vietnam's history with a blend of modern and traditional architectural styles. Visitors can explore its halls and rooms, reflecting the 1960s and 1970s, making it a significance of Vietnam's journey towards independence and unity.

Independence Palace

Saigon Central Post Office

• Location: Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 07:00 - 17:00; Saturday: 07:00 - 18:00; Sunday: 08:00 - 18:00

The Saigon Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, embodies the city's colonial legacy with its striking architecture, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Functioning as a historic landmark and a working post office, it attracts tourists with its blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial styles. Tourists can appreciate its majestic exterior, intricate interiors, and lively ambiance, symbolizing Vietnam's cultural heritage.

Saigon Central Post Office

Nha Rong Wharf - Ho Chi Minh Museum 

• Location: Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 07:30 - 11:30; 13:30 - 17:30 Tuesday to Sunday
• Entrance Fee: 20.000 VND/person (US $0.79)

Nha Rong Wharf, symbolizing Saigon port, blends Western architecture with Vietnamese cultural elements. Built in the mid-1860s, it's distinguished by two dragons atop its roof, echoing traditional Vietnamese motifs. This port holds special significance as it was from here that Ho Chi Minh embarked on the ship Amiral Latouche Tréville on June 5, 1911, beginning his quest abroad. Post-reunification, the Dragon House was preserved in honor of Ho Chi Minh, commemorating this historic event.

Nha Rong Wharf

Ao Dai Museum

• Location: Long Phuoc Ward, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 08:30 - 17:30 daily
• Entrance Fee: 50.000 VND/adult (US $1.96); 30,000 VND/children (US $1.18)

The Ao Dai Museum is a detailed collection that exhibits Vietnam's renowned Ao Dai garment. It houses a plethora of images, artifacts, and documents, serving as an invaluable asset. In addition to preservation, it pays tribute to cultural heritage and significant individuals. Specialized exhibits enhance comprehension and contribute to promoting the Ao Dai on a global scale as well as within Vietnam.

Ao Dai Museum (Cre: Baotangaodai)

Local Tips When Exploring

• Protect Your Belongings: Safeguard your belongings by keeping them secure. Place valuables like phones, wallets, and documents deep within your bag. Opt for a backpack with a protective lock or carry your bag in front of you to deter pickpockets.
• Payment And Bargaining: At the vibrant street markets of ChinaTown, bargaining is customary. Approach negotiations with a cheerful and friendly demeanor while haggling over prices. Maintain a polite attitude even during negotiations to ensure a pleasant exchange. Bringing cash along as paying by check is quite rare here.
• Comfortable Clothes: When exploring Chinatown, it is recommended to dress comfortably due to the expansive size of the area. Navigating Chinatown demands significant walking to fully experience its offerings, so wearing comfortable clothing ensures you can explore Cholon freely and without discomfort.