Hidden in the city’s pulsing center, Chinatown in Saigon is where centuries of Chinese and Vietnamese heritage live on a world of shimmering lanterns, sacred temples, and the smell of street food vendors that awakens the senses. Cho Lon Saigon is Chinatown Market Ho Chi Minh’s venerable historical district, with so much to offer the discerning traveler in the way of Chinatown in Saigon and more. From the Thien Hau Pagoda to Chinatown Saigon Market’s crowded alleys, it’s a place steeped in heritage and flavor, no question, one of the top Ho Chi Minh City must-see highlights.
Chinatown in Saigon started in the 17th century, with Ming dynasty refugees settling in the Minh Huong village and creating a thriving Chinese community. By the 18th century, they developed Cho Lon Saigon, named for its enormous market “Cho Lon" or “Big Market." They named the community Tai-Ngon, meaning riverbank, in their attempts to stabilize the riverbanks. Cho Lon was incorporated in 1931 with Saigon, but continued its distinct culture. Unifying institutions such as Thien Hau Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda, and Cha Tam Church serve as the community’s spiritual pillars, embedded in the traditions of both the Vietnamese and the Chinese.
Chinatown in Saigon developed over time into a vibrant center of commerce and culture. The district boasts sacred hoi quan, ancient streets such as Tran Hung Dao, and the renowned cho Binh Tay, a bustling wholesale market. Customs such as the practice of traditional Chinese medicine, culinary traditions including the age-old craft of noodle soup and dim sum, and vibrant holidays such as the Mid-Autumn Festival have been kept alive by generations of Chinese. Now, this fascinating combination of daily life and heritage exists in Chinatown in Saigon as one of the best Ho Chi Minh City must-sees, where every street has a story to tell, and every bite retains its sense of heritage. Don’t leave without sampling the excitement of the Ho Chi Minh Chinatown Market or the genuine vigor of the Chinatown Market Ho Chi Minh.
Chinatown in Saigon (Sours: kimtravel)
At the spiritual center of Chinatown in Saigon, Thien Hau Pagoda is definitely not to be missed. Completed in 1760 by Cantonese settlers to honor Mazu, the Chinese goddess of the seas, revered by Chinese fishermen, this sacred temple is a feast for the eye and soul. The Chinese carved motifs, ceramic tile friezes on the roofs, and the wisps of burning incense create an aroma of opulence and spirituality. It’s particularly vibrant in the middle autumn festival and on the birthday of Mazu (the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month), with thousands of nguoi dan and tourists jamming the complex. If you only see one temple in Cho Lon Saigon, see this one, it’s one of Ho Chi Minh City must see, can’t-miss sights.
Thien Hau Pagoda (Sours: vietnamdiscovery)
Quan Am Pagoda, established in 1740 by the Fujian community, is a serene oasis in Chinatown in Saigon. It is where people go to pray to the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. The pagoda boasts 16 gods, classic Chinese courtyards, as well as an interesting ritual of “danh giay tu tra," in which shoes are used to repel evil spirits. Both spiritualists and architecture enthusiasts are drawn to its timeless allure and tranquil ambiance.
Quan Am Pagoda (Sours: localvietnam)
The historic Hoi Quan was developed in 1902 by the Guangdong community in honor of Guan Gong, the icon of loyalty and justice. Its defining characteristics are the 24 beautifully crafted wooden panels and ornate red lacquer altars. Phuoc An Assembly Hall is significant to the spiritual lives of the business owners in the Ho Chi Minh Chinatown Market, as people visit this place to pray for good fortune and wealth.
Phuoc An Assembly Hall (Sours: evivatour)
Established in 1839, Tam Son Assembly Hall is interwoven with family life in Chinatown in Saigon. Couples who wish to have children pay their homage to Kim Hoa Thanh Mau, the childbearing goddess. The architecture preserves the original Chinese styling with tiled roofs, gold-adorned altars, and lotus and incense offerings, a lovely convergence of Vietnamese and Chinese spirituality.
Tam Son Assembly Hall (Sours: scootersaigontour)
One of the oldest temples in Chinatown in Saigon, this 18th-century temple is devoted to the protector of fortune and virtue, Ong Bon. Filled with green-glazed ceramics, calligraphy, and antiquities like aged bells and drums, the temple retains the Chinese influences that have shaped the district. Its key festivities occur on the 15th day of the 1st and 8th lunar months, ideal times to see the local traditions in action.
Ong Bon Temple (Sours: wikipedia)
It was constructed by Zhangzhou immigrants in the 1800s, and this big hoi quan boasts a distinctive pond reported to absorb spiritual energy. Mazu and the Jade Emperor, and the Goddess of Childbirth are revered in the temple. It’s one of Chinatown Saigon Market’s lesser-seen jewels, unassuming, serene, and architecturally breathtaking.
Ha Chuong Assembly Hall (Sours: wikipedia)
The colorful alley was constructed in 1910 with a two-story line of Chinese-French apartment buildings. It is complete with hanging laundry, red lanterns, and worn-out balconies, and is a popular photography venue in Chinatown in Saigon. It gives a different picture of life aside from the temples, the daily routine of the Chinese folk, and people who have lived there for generations.
Hao Si Phuong Alley (Sours: localvietnam)
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These two landmarks are indicative of the multicultural layers of the Chinatown in Saigon. The Cho Lon Mosque is where the local Muslim community can be found, but the Cha Tam Church is where the president himself, Ngo Dinh Diem, used to visit. Both are symbols of interfaith coexistence in Ho Chi Minh Chinatown Market, and are a perfect addition to your Ho Chi Minh City must-see of things to see.
Cha Tam Church (Sours: localvietnam)
Start your culinary escape on this side of town with a steaming basket of dim sum at Tien Phat in Chinatown in Saigon. This favorite breakfast spot has been feeding locals and tourists for years. Get shrimp dumplings, pork siu mai, or heat fluffy salted egg buns, all made fresh and bursting with real-deal Chinese-style flavor.
Dim Sum at Tien Phat (Sours: digiticket)
Stroll the bustling streets of Chinatown Saigon Market, and you’ll see glistening roasted ducks and slices of pork belly hanging behind glass. These street food stands are fixtures of the Ho Chi Minh Chinatown Market, selling rich, pungent meats in rice, in banh mi, or simply alone.
Roasted Duck & Pork (Sours: reddit)
There’s nothing quite so soul-soothing as mi vit tiem egg noodles with braised duck swimming in an herbal broth. Or order with abandon with a bowl of hu tieu sa te, a spicy, satay noodle soup fragrant with peanut, lemongrass, and chili. These are the Chinese and Vietnamese dishes that are specialties in one of the Chinatowns in Saigon.
Braised Duck Noodles (Sours: cheftu)
The classic dish comprises sweet, sticky rice with char siu, Chinese sausage, salted egg yolk, mushrooms, and more. It’s a celebration of textures and tastes that’s redolent of generations of culinary tradition in Cho Lon Saigon.
Xoi Bat Buu (Sours: thanhnien)
Che trung tra is a kind of slow-brewed egg dessert laced with Chinese herbal tea, served warm. It’s sweet and soothing and fills traditional Chinese medicine with meaning, something to have after meals for balance and health.
Egg Tea Dessert (Sours: rocksugar)
This is not your average bubble tea! At Tra Sua Chi Lang, that chewy tapioca gets swapped for chestnuts to create a fresh take on this well-loved beverage. Eat it with cheese pudding for a contemporary snack favored by the young locals, from Ho Chi Minh Chinatown Market.
Chestnut Bubble Tea (Sours: latea)
After a meal packed with taste, cool down with a bottle of herbal tea made from roots, leaves, and flowers. Available all over the place around Cho Binh Tay, it’s a local favourite for its cooling effects, a great way to wind up your street food adventure.
Herbal Tea (Sours: timesofindia)
Walk down Nguyen Trai Street, the spiritual backbone of Ho Chi Minh Chinatown Market, then visit the district’s leading cultural hot spots:
Whether it’s sightseeing, packed streets of Chinatown in Saigon, hiking ‘off-the-beaten-track’ mountain paths, or luxury cruising the emerald waters of Halong Bay, Impress Travel is here to make it happen for you. We’re a team of passionate travel experts based in Vietnam who understand both luxury/specialist travel and the best manner we believe it should be experienced, in the region. With intimate local knowledge coupled with luxury service, no part of your journey will be forgotten.
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In the Chinatown in Saigon, palm greasing is an art-but if you want the hush-hush, don’t mess up the gifting! Steer clear of:
When visiting places of worship, such as Quan Am Pagoda, Thien Hau Temple, or any hoi quan in Chinatown Saigon Market, remember these spiritual do’s and don’ts:
Chinatown in Saigon is more than a place, it’s where the spirit of Ho Chi Minh City feels most vivid. From its mix of holy temples, steaming street food, and thumping Vietnamese and Chinese heritage, this dynamic enclave is a bona fide Ho Chi Minh City must see. Whether you’re making your first trip or your 50th, Cho Lon Saigon still has more to offer. So grab a friend, go hungry, and may the benevolent tortas and the spirit of Chinatown Saigon Market welcome you back many times.
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