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Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City: A comprehensive guide

10/01/2025

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Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Cho Lon or the Chinese District, adds a unique touch to the bustling landscape of Saigon. Here, visitors can appreciate the rich blend of Vietnamese and Chinese cultures.

1. Overview of Chinatown in Saigon

1.1. Location

Cho Lon (also known as the Chinese District or Chinatown) refers to a vibrant area that spans the whole Districts 5, 6, and 10, as well as part of District 11 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Chinatown in Saigon – a captivating Chinese quarter in the heart of the city (Source: Collected)

Nowadays, a large Chinese community resides across Districts 5, 6, and 11 in Saigon. Due to their vibrant cultural influence, this area is often lovingly referred to as Chinatown. District 5, in particular, boasts the largest Chinese population, with diverse groups such as Cantonese, Hokkien, Chaozhou, Hainan, and Hakka. Visitors are often captivated by the dazzling display of red decorations, the gleaming Chinese characters, the enticing local cuisine, and the colorful array of goods hanging from every corner. Almost all the houses here are traditional shophouses which seamlessly blend residential and commercial spaces.

1.2. History

The Chinese community in Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City can be divided into two groups. The first is the Minh Huong Chinese, descendants of those who resisted the Qing Dynasty and migrated south to Vietnam. They integrated into Vietnamese culture through marriage and adopted the language. The second is the That Phu Chinese, who were attracted by the area’s economic opportunities.

Chinatown was once an independent city known as Cho Lon. Before French colonization, Saigon and Cho Lon were two separate cities. Back then, Cho Lon was referred to as Saigon Market Street while Saigon was known as Ben Nghe. In 1865, the city of Cho Lon was officially established. In 1931, the French decided to merge Cho Lon and Saigon into a new administrative entity called Saigon-Cho Lon. After several changes in name, Cho Lon ceased to be a separate city in 1956 and became part of Saigon.

The Chinatown in Saigon attracts many visitors (Source: Collected)

2. Attractions on the tourist map of Chinatown

2.1. Assembly halls

Assembly halls preserve the rich heritage of the Chinese community in Cho Lon, from their architecture and spirituality. Today, these halls blend seamlessly into the dynamic life of Ho Chi Minh City, enriching its vibrant cultural tapestry.

Tue Thanh Assembly Hall (710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5): Also known as Thien Hau Pagoda, this assembly hall is one of the oldest, largest, and most beautiful structures built by the Chinese people in southern Vietnam.

Nhi Phu Assembly Hall (264 Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, District 5): Also known as Ong Bon Pagoda, this assembly hall hosts many religious ceremonies. The main festivals celebrate Ong Bon’s birth and death on the 15th day of the 1st and 8th lunar months, respectively.

Nghia An Assembly Hall (678 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5): This assembly hall features traditional Chinese architecture, featuring intricate carvings and majestic bronze statues.

Ha Chuong Assembly Hall (802 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5): This assembly hall is built from wood, stones, bricks, and tiles. The roof design and decorative elements showcase the unique style of the Fujian Chinese community.

On Lang Assembly Hall (Lao Tu Street, District 5): This assembly hall worships 16 deities in accordance with Chinese beliefs, including the God of Wealth, Lady Thien Hau, and more.

Quynh Phu Assembly Hall (276 Tran Hung Dao Street, District 5): This assembly hall serves as a venue for many traditional festivals, where visitors come to pray for good weather, prosperity, and peace.

Chinatown’s assembly halls exude a profound sense of reverence (Source: Collected)

2.2. Minh Huong Gia Thanh Communal House

Minh Huong Gia Thanh Communal House, situated on Tran Hung Dao Street, District 5, was built around 1789. It was established by the Minh Huong Chinese community. In 1808, Emperor Gia Long renamed it Gia Thanh Duong, though it is still widely called Minh Huong. This was the first communal house built by the Chinese in Cho Lon.

Minh Huong Gia Thanh Communal House was built with brick walls, following the five-chamber design. It features a tiled roof adorned with traditional Chinese motifs like dragons, carp, and deities. The communal house includes a front stage, main hall, and rear hall, with the main hall dedicated to worship activities.

Notable design elements in Minh Huong Gia Thanh Communal House include a shrine, wooden columns on stone bases, lacquered boards, and couplets. There is also the Thien Tuc Kha Phong plaque, which was awarded by Emperor Tu Duc in 1863.

Minh Huong Gia Thanh Communal House in Chinatown

Minh Huong Gia Thanh Communal House in Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown (Source: Collected)

2.3. Thang Nghia To Quan

Thang Nghia To Quan, located at No. 1549/1, 3 Thang 2 Street, District 11, is recognized by the Vietnam Records Organization as the first kylin-lion-dragon dance troupe to establish a headquarters and a heritage room in Vietnam. This space was created to honor the values of the Tai Li Fo martial art school.

Constructed in 2018, the headquarters showcases the long-standing history of the Chinese people in the area. It includes a heritage room dedicated to preserving and passing on traditional values to future generations. Here, visitors can learn more about kylin-lion-dragon dancing and martial arts, both of which are unique cultural practices of the Chinese community in Cho Lon.

2.4. Hao Si Phuong Alley

Hao Si Phuong Alley, located at 206 Tran Hung Dao Street, District 5, is a charming alley with a distinct Hong Kong influence. Known for unique architecture, it has long been a favorite spot for young locals in Saigon. Often referred to as “Hong Kong in Cho Lon” or “the most beautiful alley in Saigon,” Hao Si Phuong Alley, is divided into two sections: ground-floor houses and first-floor residences. The blend of old-world charm and modern design gives the alley a distinctive character. To avoid disrupting the local community, visitors should maintain order, refrain from making noise, and not litter.

Tourists should respect the local life when visiting Hao Si Phuong Alley (Source: Collected)

2.5. Herbal Medicine Street

The streets of Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, Luong Nhu Ngoc, Phan Huy Chu, and Trieu Quang Phuc are known as the largest and oldest area for traditional herbal medicine in District 5, Saigon. Here, there are around 60-80 shops selling various types of herbal medicines. Most of these shops are run by Vietnamese families of Chinese descent. The area is also renowned for its ancient architecture, which reflects Cho Lon’s rich heritage.

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2.6. Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street

Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street in District 5 has been a hub for crafting and selling lanterns for over 50 years. The main entrance to this vibrant street is on Nguyen Trai Street, with additional access points on Tran Hung Dao Street and Luong Nhu Hoc Street. Here, there are nearly 100 stalls showcasing traditional bamboo-framed lanterns and modern electric ones.

Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street is most dazzling in the evening when the lanterns light up, making it a prime spot for photography especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival. At the end of Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street lies Nguyen An Street, a food haven offering snacks such as grilled skewers, squid, sausages, cotton candy, and candied fruits.

Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street in Chinatown

The lantern street buzzes with visitors shopping and capturing photos (Source: Collected)

2.7. Local markets

A visit to Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City wouldn’t be complete without exploring the local markets, which vividly capture the essence of the community’s daily life.

Binh Tay Market (57A Thap Muoi Street, District 6) is a cultural and commercial landmark of Saigon. Covering 25,000 square meters, it features 2,300 stalls offering diverse goods. Its architecture exudes French colonial charm, with ornate patterns and motifs adorning the shops.

Thiec Market (129 Pho Co Dieu Street, District 11) is a well-known shopping destination for gold in the city. With over 40 stalls offering a wide range of gold jewelry, this market is popular for its affordable options.

Phung Hung Market (214 Phung Hung Street, District 5) is a popular spot for those seeking authentic Chinese dishes. By day, it bustles with vendors selling regular goods. By afternoon, culinary eateries attract eager diners.

2.8. Vietnam Silver House

Vietnam Silver House, located at 68 Nghia Thuc Street, District 5, is a small museum dedicated to the traditional craft of silverwork in Vietnam. Here, visitors can learn about the history and development of silver crafting in Vietnam, discover the story behind the creation of a silver product, and meet talented artisans. Additionally, visitors can find high-quality jewelry souvenirs. The products offered are inspired by iconic images of Vietnam, creatively designed by the artisans.

Vietnam Silver House is a mini museum dedicated to silver crafting (Source: Collected)

2.9. Cho Lon Jamail Mosque

Cho Lon Mosque, located at 639 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, has a history dating back to 1932. It was built by the Indian community to serve the religious needs of the local Islams. From the outside, the mosque features tall columns and a roof decorated with the iconic crescent moon symbol. Inside, to the left of the porch, there is a purification pond for worshippers to cleanse themselves before entering the hall.

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