Saigon’s District 5: A vibrant hub of the Hoa community

Contents

1. A glance at District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

District 5 Ho Chi Minh City, part of the Cho Lon area or the Chinatown of the city, is well known for its rich history and the unmistakable culture of the Hoa people. A distinguished part across the 300-year history of Saigon, the district is home to the Hoa people, mostly of Guangdong and Fujian descent, who brought their cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit to diversify the melting pot of Ho Chi Minh City. With many main roads going through the area, Saigon’s district 5 has flourished as a commercial and cultural center, while also upholding its historical and cultural significance.

Nowadays, district 5 is considered both a local favorite and a go-to destination for foreign tourists in Ho Chi Minh City. With its mix of traditional festivals, mouth-watering cuisine, and cultural landmarks, the district is where the rich legacy of the Chinese-Vietnamese community​ is celebrated and preserved.

District 5 is part of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown (Source: Collected)

Look into the Ho Chi Minh City district map to know more about the city!

2. Best places to visit in District 5, Ho Chi minh City

District 5 is currently second in Ho Chi Minh City for the number of historical relics still standing. With 19 in total, 11 national landmarks, and 8 city-certified ones, there are plenty of places to swing by. Here are 10 of them:

2.1. The prison of Cho Quan hospital

Situated inside the current Hospital of Tropical Diseases, the prison of Cho Quan Hospital has 150 years worth of stories to tell. Built during the French colonial era, particularly 1864, it served as a prison for Vietnamese revolutionaries. The structure is rather somber, since  the original hospital was for patients with mental illnesses. Windows are lined with steel nets and the chambers are bleak with only a platform for prisoners to sleep on. Still, the prison, throughout many renovation periods, has retained most of its original structure to reflect the harsh realities of Vietnam’s past while doubling as a place for visitors to learn about the country’s fight for independence and pay respects to many founding fathers.

• Address: No. 764, Vo Van Kiet Street, Ward 1, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: weekdays from 8 AM to 4 PM

The prison of Cho Quan Hospital is a testament of the region’s history (Source: Collected)

2.2. Uncle Ho’s Memorial Site

Uncle Ho’s Memorial Site in District 5 Ho Chi Minh City, commemorates the revolutionary journey of President Ho Chi Minh. He stayed at this location and prepared to set off abroad to seek a path for Vietnam’s liberation in 1911. The house, along with its many memorabilia, has been meticulously preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the simple yet revered life of Vietnam’s beloved leader.

On the ground floor, you will find an altar dedicated to Uncle Ho, where people gather to pay their respects on significant dates such as his birthday, May 19th, and the anniversary of his departure abroad. Upstairs, visitors can explore an array of relics, including photographs that capture the essence of Saigon from 1910 to 1911.

• Address: No. 5, Chau Van Liem Street, Ward 14, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM on weekdays

The father of Vietnam’s last home before his great journey is in District 5 (Source: Collected)

2.3. Thien Hau Pagoda (Tue Thanh Assembly Hall)

If there is one thing District 5 Ho Chi Minh City is known for, it is the assembly halls. One of them is Thien Hau Pagoda, over 300 years old and one of the most revered temples in the city. Dedicated to Matsu, the pagoda has a statue carved from wood done even before the construction of the Pagoda itself. This stunning architectural masterpiece showcases intricate wood carvings, traditional tiled roofs, and vibrant ceramic reliefs depicting legends and deities, which attract both local and foreign visitors. It is a sacred place of prayer and a great location to see more of the Hoa people’s culture.

• Address: No. 710, Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily

2.4. Phuoc An Assembly Hall

Another noteworthy attraction is Phuoc An Assembly Hall, or Minh Huong Pagoda, which stands out as an archaic spot amidst the bustling streets of District 5 since 1865. However, the current appearance was after the renovation project in 1902 in hopes of preserving its timeless beauty. Its architecture showcases the rich heritage of the Chinese community, dedicating itself to multiple deities like Guanyin and Guan Yu. Despite having been around for quite some time, the Pagoda is still going strong as both a worship site and a notable attraction for foreign tourists.

• Address: No. 184, Hong Bang Street, Ward 12, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily

Minh Huong Pagoda stands out from its modern surroundings (Source: Collected)

2.5. Nhi Phu Assembly Hall

Sticking to the theme of assembly halls doubling as a spiritual attraction, Ong Bon Pagoda, or Nhi Phu Assembly Hall, is one of the oldest and most significant cultural landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown. This one is unique by way of the Fujian Chinese culture, which showcases itself through the dragon carvings atop clay-tiled roofs. Inside, the pagoda is adorned with colorful ceramic sculptures and decorated altars. On top of that, the courtyard is frequently used for certain community events in the neighborhood.

• Address: No. 264, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, Ward 14, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

2.6. On Lang Assembly Hall

On Lang Assembly Hall, or Quan Am Pagoda, is considered one of the most sacred and special attractions in the entire district. During occasions like the Lunar New Year, locals flock here to pray for blessings and give thanks, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. This assembly hall is also where a long-running cultural heritage of the Hoa people is still going strong: villain-hitting. This custom takes place in front of the Tiger God altar, traditionally observed around the period of Jingzhe, which falls on March 5th or 6th. Rooted in Chinese folklore, this practice offers a symbolic way to vent frustrations and ward off bad luck.

• Address: No. 12, Lao Tu Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 6:15 AM to 5:00 PM daily

Quan Am Pagoda welcomes many visitors during special occasions (Source: Collected)

2.7. Nghia An Assembly Hall

Commonly known by the name Ong Pagoda, Nghia An Assembly Hall is dedicated to Guan Yu, the revered Chinese deity who stands for loyalty and righteousness. Established by Teochew immigrants, the pagoda features well-preserved carvings, paintings, and calligraphy. The pagoda has gone through some significant renovation efforts throughout the years, especially in the courtyard. However, the pagoda itself is still pretty much the same with all its relics and is usually the venue for the Lantern Festival and the birth anniversary of Guan Yu on June 24th.

• Address: No. 678 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily

2.8. Minh Huong Gia Thanh Communal House

Minh Huong Gia Thanh Communal House is a historic site commemorating the Hoa people heritage in the Cho Lon Cantonese community. This communal house has been around since the 18th century, honoring the gods and serving as a cultural and spiritual hub. Its architecture reflects traditional Chinese design, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant decorations dating back to the 19th century, creating a serene and sacred atmosphere. Visitors often come here to explore its historical significance and admire its artistry.

• Address: No. 380, Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily.

Minh Huong Gia Thanh embraces the Hoa people’s culture (Source: Collected)

2.9. Van Phat Pagoda

Van Phat Pagoda is a stunning Buddhist sanctuary to visit as you will be greeted by the sight of a golden wall housing over 10,000 Buddha statues in various sizes and styles. The pagoda is not only known for its architectural achievements but also its spiritual significance. Tucked in the jewelry neighborhood, the Pagoda is an amazing attraction for a glimpse into the Hoa people’s culture and admiring the majestic Buddha statues and other sacred relics.

• Address: No. 66/14, Nghia Thuc Street, Ward 5, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

2.10. Thien Ton Pagoda

Onto a more recent attraction, Thien Ton Pagoda was a place of hiding for Vietnamese revolutionaries during the Second Indochina War, so other than being a place of worship, the pagoda is also a historical landmark tied to Vietnam’s history. It was a secret base for the Special Zone Committee of Saigon-Gia Dinh during the resistance war and nowadays, visitors can explore its tranquil atmosphere and learn about its role in Vietnam’s liberation movement.

• Address: No. 117/3/2, An Binh Street, Ward 6, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily.

Thien Ton Pagoda is where history meets religion (Source: Collected)

2.11. Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street

This next attraction is an entire street with tons of experiences to offer. Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street in District 5 is where you can find traditional Chinese medicine in Ho Chi Minh City. Named after a legendary physician, the street is lined with traditional medicine shops offering aromatic ingredients. Even if you are not here to buy these natural remedies, you can always admire these ancient practices while also grabbing some amazing photos.

Read more:

• Ho Chi Minh City temperature by month & Best travel tips
• Is Ho Chi Minh City Safe? Essential Tips and Insights
• Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City: A COMPLETE list for all

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3. Must-eats in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

The best thing about Chinatown all around the world is the cuisine, and Ho Chi Minh City’s District 5 is no exception. Everything you can eat in the district includes the quintessential Cantonese cuisine icon – dim sum, hotpots, and various rice and noodles dishes like Vietnamese duck noodle soup. These delicacies feature fresh ingredients and are packed with incredible flavors that are sure to serve up a feast for even the pickiest foodies.

Chinese food has made its way into the everyday menu of the locals seamlessly, which explains the countless options available to you in the district:

• Dim Tu Tac: No. 29B, Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 6, District 5
• Baoz Dimsum: No. 82-88, Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Ward 7, District 5
• Thiem Huy Mi Gia: No. 455, Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 7, District 5.
• Ky Hoa Mi Gia: No. 64, Ky Hoa Street, Ward 11, District 5.
• Dan Ich Fish Hotpot: No. 99, Chau Van Liem Street, Ward 14, District 5.
• Dong Nguyen chicken rice: No. 801, Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 14, District 5
• Co Lan crab soup: No. 239, Luong Nhu Hoc Street, Ward 12, District 5
• Ba Lu coffee: No. 199B, Phung Hung Street, Ward 14, District 5
• Kaya sticky rice at Tran Phu: No. 451, Tran Phu Street, Ward 7, District 5
• Ha Ky sweet soup: No. 138, Chau Van Liem Street, Ward 11, District 5.

The diverse cuisine in District 5 deserves its own guidebook (Source: Collected)

4. Best tours to explore Ho Chi Minh City’s District 5

There are many tours that take visitors to incredible attractions in District 5 Ho Chi Minh City, with a standout option being the half-day Saigon Cho Lon Memory Tour:

• Start the journey at the Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Tourism (No. 140, Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3) 
• Your first stop will be the Uncle Ho’s Memorial Site on Chau Van Liem Street, where you can learn more about the history of Ho Chi Minh.
• Take a break at Ha Ky to enjoy a refreshing bowl of sweet soup.
• Move on to The prison of Cho Quan Hospital to explore a significant historical landmark of Vietnam’s revolutionary forces, which is also the place where former General Secretary Tran Phu passed away.
• The next attraction is Thien Ton Pagoda, another major landmark in the history of district 5.
• Enjoy the lion dance show at the Garden Mall square
• Indulge in a tasty dinner featuring Chinese food
• Return to the Department of Tourism and end the tour.

5. Helpful tips for a perfect journey to Saigon’s District 5

5.1. Transportation

To reach District 5 from District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, you can take either bus route 01 or a taxi, both convenient options for visitors. The bus is the more cost-effective and practical choice. Alternatively, taxis, like the electric cars of XanhSM, provide a comfortable and eco-friendly mode of transportation, ideal for groups or those preferring door-to-door service.

However, to properly explore everything about district 5, you will need to head into the small alleys, preferably with a motorbike. Good news, you can easily rent one at many spots in the district.

5.2. Festivals

The culture of District 5 is in a league of its own and you can experience it first-hand through the many festivals occurring throughout the year. These are some of the greatest occasions to take part in:

• Lantern Festival (Nguyen Tieu Festival): Celebrated from the 10th to the end of January, with main events on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, this festival marks the year’s first full moon. Visitors can enjoy lion dances, vibrant parades, and prayer ceremonies at temples and assembly halls like Nghia An, Hai Nam, and Nhi Phu, or join locals welcoming the grand parade on streets like Chau Van Liem, Lao Tu, and Luong Nhu Hoc.
• Thien Hau Temple Festival: Held annually on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, this is a very significant event dedicated to Thien Hau, where many people will gather at Tue Thanh Assembly Hall to clean up and prepare for the ceremony, praying for wellness, fortune, and success.
• Ong Bon Festival: When the 15th day of the first and eighth lunar month comes by,  many people will come to Ong Bon Pagoda with incense and other offerings to pay respects to Ong Bon, a deity believed to bring wealth and protection to the people in the area.
• Jewelry Craft Festival: This is a very specific occasion dedicated to jewelry crafting. Celebrated on the 6th to the 8th day of the second lunar month, the festival provides people a great opportunity to learn more about the craft while also enjoying the products of the labor proudly displayed to decorate Le Chau Assembly Hall.

The festivals of district 5 showcase the culture beautifully (Source: Collected)

5.3. Shopping

It may not seem like it at first glance but District 5 can be an amazing shopping destination, especially if you are looking for vintage items that can no longer be seen in upscale shopping malls. These are the most well-known shopping attractions in District 5:

• An Dong Market (No. 18, An Duong Vuong Street, Ward 9): A historic hub for shoes, garments, accessories, and unique vintage clothing. Once the city’s shopping hotspot, it remains a treasure trove for rare finds.
• Dong Khanh Mall (No. 481, Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 4): The place for all kinds of fabrics, especially popular during Tet for crafting traditional ao dai.
• Kim Bien Market (No. 37, Van Tuong Street, Ward 13): A one-stop shop for everything from home appliances and chemicals to cookies and toys.
• Hung Vuong Plaza (No. 126, Hong Bang Street, Ward 12): A modern complex offering trendy fashion, a cinema, an arcade, and plenty of dining options.

District 5 is also a heaven for shoppers (Source: Collected)

District 5 Ho Chi Minh City offers a unique blend of its signature cultural tapestry and bustling lifestyle. Going from the traditional markets and ancient assembly halls to the delicious restaurants and busy shopping centers, you can sense the profound influence of the Chinese-Vietnamese community. District 5 stands out as an amazing destination for visitors of the melting pot called Saigon.

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