Where exactly is Chinatown Ho Chi Minh?

District 5, western Ho Chi Minh City. Bordered by Tran Hung Dao Boulevard (north) and Saigon River (south). Also extends into parts of Districts 6, 10, 11.

Is Chinatown safe for tourists?

Yes, very safe. Heavy local presence means good security. Pickpocketing rare. Common sense rules apply (watch bags in crowded areas, avoid late night alone).

What's the best time to visit?

Early morning (6-9 AM) for authentic local experience and cooler weather. Late afternoon (4-6 PM) for sunset photos. Avoid midday heat (11 AM-3 PM).

How much money should I bring?

100,000 VND ($4 USD) minimum. Budget: 200,000-300,000 VND ($8-12) for food + shopping + transportation.

Can I haggle/negotiate prices?

At Binh Tay Market (local market): Rarely. Prices already wholesale. Some negotiation possible for bulk purchases.

How long should I spend in Chinatown?

3-4 hours minimum (quick visit), 5-6 hours ideal (temples + market + food + photos).

What food should I try?

Dim sum (various steamed dumplings), Fish noodle soup (bánh canh cá), Wonton soup, Roasted duck/pork, Banh bao (steamed buns). Cost: 30,000-70,000 VND per dish.

Limited English. Basic phrases helpful. Grab app helps with addresses. Street vendors mostly Vietnamese-speaking only.

Lightweight, breathable clothing (hot/humid), comfortable walking shoes (15,000+ steps typical), hat/cap (sun protection), light scarf (sun + temple dress code).

Yes, freely outside. Inside temples ask permission first. Photography generally welcomed (they understand tourists).

Is there a Chinatown map available?

Google Maps covers main areas. Binh Tay Market has directory numbers (1400+ stalls) but can be confusing. Walking app (Maps.me) helps offline.

How does Chinatown compare to Ben Thanh Market?

Ben Thanh: Touristy, central, expensive, sanitized. Chinatown: Local, authentic, cheap, chaotic but real. Choose Chinatown for authenticity.

Why do people call it Cho Lon instead of Chinatown?

Cho Lon is the local name for the area and it literally means Big Market in Vietnamese. While tourists usually search for Chinatown, if you are talking to a local or using a Grab driver, you should use the name Cho Lon. It refers to the historical city that eventually merged with Saigon to become the massive District 5 and District 6 area you see today.

Is there a specific map or route I should follow?

The area is huge and can be overwhelming, so the best route is to start at Binh Tay Market and walk toward the Thien Hau Temple. Most of the famous pagodas and assembly halls are clustered within a few blocks of each other in District 5. We have included a custom map in this guide that highlights the best walking loop to ensure you see the historic sights without getting lost in the wholesale traffic.

What is the difference between Cho Lon Market and Binh Tay Market?

People often use the names interchangeably, but Binh Tay Market is the actual building with the famous yellow clock tower. It is the heart of Cho Lon. Unlike the markets in District 1 that sell souvenirs, Binh Tay is a wholesale hub. You will see mountains of dried spices, textiles, and traditional Chinese medicine being traded. It is an amazing place for photography even if you aren't buying anything.

How far is Chinatown from the main tourist area in District 1?

It is about 5 to 6 kilometers away from the center of Saigon. In a Grab car or taxi, it usually takes about 20 minutes to get there. However, we highly recommend avoiding the trip between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM because the traffic between District 1 and District 5 becomes incredibly congested and a 20 minute ride can easily turn into an hour.

Is this the only Chinatown in Vietnam?

While you will find Chinese influence and small communities in places like the Ancient Town of Hoi An, the Cho Lon area in Ho Chi Minh City is by far the largest and most significant Chinatown in the country. It is a massive, living neighborhood that has maintained its own unique architectural style and Cantonese dialect for over 200 years, making it a totally different experience than the rest of the city.

Is Cho Lon the same as Chinatown?

Yes. Cho Lon, meaning "big market", is the Vietnamese name and the one used locally. Chinatown is the English shorthand. Both refer to the same area straddling what were Districts 5 and 6. If you say Cho Lon to a Grab driver you will get there faster.

Is there a map of Chinatown I can follow?

The walking route in the itinerary above is the map: Binh Tay Market, then Thien Hau Pagoda, Quan Am Pagoda and Hao Si Phuong Alley, 30 to 45 minutes each. They are close enough to walk between, which is the only reason a route works here at all. Most "Chinatown map" searches are looking for that order rather than a printed map.

Can I visit the temples if I am not religious?

Yes, all of them are open to visitors and none charges admission. They are working temples rather than monuments, so people will be praying while you are photographing. Cover your shoulders and knees, do not photograph anyone at an altar, and do not step over the raised thresholds in the doorways.

Chinatown Ho Chi Minh City 2026: Cho Lon Map, Temples & Food

Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City, locally known as Cho Lon, is one of the most important and amazing cultural areas within Vietnam. Spilling over from District 5 into parts of Districts 6, 10, and 11, Chinatown displays a mix of Chinese-Vietnamese history, architecture, food, and custom. Here goes the guide, with the attractions worth the trip, the history behind them, and the practical tips that will help you get the most out of this area.
Do note, this area can get pretty crowded in the evening so if you are someone who doesn’t like crowded places, go in early evening or afternoon!

Note: This Saigon travel guide was updated in mid 2026.

What is Chinatown (Cho Lon)? Vietnam's Largest Chinese District (History & Overview)

Cho Lon, which means "big market," goes way back to the 18th century. It started off as a safe place for Chinese folks fleeing conflicts in southern Vietnam. Over the years, Cho Lon turned into a busy economic and cultural hub. These days, you can see its streets filled with a mix of Chinese and Vietnamese vibes, all shown through cool old buildings, temples, and lively markets.

One Thing to Know Before You Search for Directions

This guide uses "District 5" throughout, because that is what everybody says and what every map, taxi driver and Grab pin still understands.

Formally, though, it is out of date. Vietnam's 2025 reorganisation abolished the district tier nationwide, so Ho Chi Minh City's numbered districts are no longer administrative units. Ho Chi Minh City itself also absorbed Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau in the same round, and now includes Con Dao as a special zone, 230 km offshore.

For a visitor this changes nothing practical. Cho Lon has not moved, the streets have the same names, and "District 5" will get you there. It matters only if you are filling in a form, reading a new official map, or wondering why a government page and a guidebook disagree.

How to Get to Chinatown from District 1: Grab, Bus & Walking (Cost & Time Guide)

Getting to Cho Lon from District 1 takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic and your chosen transportation. Here's exactly what to expect.

Option 1: Grab or Taxi (Fastest & Easiest)

Cost: 100,000 to 150,000 VND ($4 to $6 USD) depending on traffic
Time: 10-15 minutes (morning) or 15-25 minutes (evening rush)
How: Open Grab app, enter "Binh Tay Market" or "Thien Hau Pagoda"
Pro: Air-conditioned, door-to-door, safe for luggage
Con: Prices higher during 7-9 AM or 5-7 PM rush hours

Option 2: Public Bus (Cheapest)

Cost: 5,000 VND ($0.20 USD) per person
Time: 30-40 minutes depending on stops
Routes Available:
Bus 1: Ben Thanh Market to Cho Lon Station (most convenient)
Bus 56: Along Tran Hung Dao Boulevard
Bus 96: Connects to An Dong Market area
When: 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM
How: Wave to bus at designated stop, pay cash to conductor

Option 3: Motorbike Rental

Cost: 150,000 VND per day ($6 USD)
Time: 15-20 minutes if you know the way
Pro: Flexible, cheaper for full day
Con: Traffic can be chaotic, no AC

Money Saving Tip: If visiting multiple spots in District 5, rent a motorbike for the day (150,000 VND total) versus multiple Grab rides (300,000+ VND total).

What to Actually See in Cho Lon

Binh Tay Market in Saigon, Vietnam

Binh Tay Market: Chinatown's Beating Heart (2,300 Stalls, French-Chinese Architecture, Opening Hours)

Binh Tay Market is the heartbeat of Chinatown. Built in 1920 with French-Chinese architecture, it sprawls across 25,000 square meters with 2,300+ vendor stalls. Unlike Ben Thanh (tourist-focused), Binh Tay serves locals, so prices are 30-50% cheaper and the vibe is authentically Vietnamese.

Market Layout:

Outside Area: Wet market with fresh produce, meat, seafood, vegetables. This is where locals shop daily. Organized chaos with motorcycles, trolleys, and haggling.

Inside Main Building: Two stories of indoor stalls. Hundreds of vendor stall numbers (each has a number above for navigation). Ground floor: spices, dried fruits, textiles, herbs. Upper floor: household goods, wholesale items.

Food Court: Back of market on Phan Van Khoe Street. Authentic Vietnamese food: pho, spring rolls, banh bao (steamed buns), broken rice. Prices 20,000 to 40,000 VND per dish.

Best Time to Visit:

Early Morning (6-9 AM): Peak local activity, freshest produce, coolest temperature. Arrive before 8 AM to beat crowds and heat.

Mid-Morning (9-11 AM): Still good, less frantic than 6-8 AM, weather manageable.

Afternoon (2-5 PM): Hot, humid, locals shopping for dinner. Fewer tourists but uncomfortable temperature.

Evening (after 6 PM): Starts closing down, vendors packing up.

Temples & Pagodas: Spiritual Heart of Chinatown

Chinatown has 10+ temples and pagodas reflecting Chinese-Vietnamese cultural fusion. Here are the four worth planning around.

Thien Hau Pagoda (Lady Thien Hau Temple)

Dedication: Goddess Mazu (Goddess of the Sea)
Built: 1760 (over 260 years old)
Architecture: Traditional Chinese with Vietnamese elements, ornate wooden carvings, hanging incense coils
What to See: Intricate ceiling carvings, ceramic dioramas depicting Chinese mythology, red lanterns, burning joss sticks
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 20-30 minutes
Pro Tip: Go early morning when quieter. Respectfully observe worshippers. Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees).

Quan Am Pagoda

Quan Am Pagoda in Saigon

Dedication: Goddess of Mercy (Avalokitesvara)
Built: 19th century
Architecture: Arched entrance, mix of Buddhist and Taoist elements
Interior: Colorful statues, decorations, spiritual atmosphere
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 15-20 minutes

Ong Bon Pagoda

Ong Bon Pagoda of Saigon in Vietnam

Dedication: God of Wealth and Prosperity
Significance: Frequented by business owners seeking good fortune
Architecture: Ornate dragon decorations, red and gold colors
Best For: Understanding local spiritual practices

Nghia An Assembly Hall

Age: Over 200 years old
Architecture: Traditional Chinese pagoda style
Cultural Significance: Community gathering space
Art: Ancient wooden carvings, Chinese calligraphy

Temple Etiquette: Remove shoes before entering some areas, Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), Ask permission before photographing, Observe silently during prayers, Small donations appreciated (10,000 VND recommended).

Hao Si Phuong Alley: The Photography Spot, and How to Behave in It

This is a hidden treasure...a very vibrantly colored alley with century-old residences, a mixture of French and Chinese architectural style, and apt for photography lovers. You might just find that viral instagram shot here!

Where Cho Lon Sits in a Vietnam Trip

Cho Lon is a morning. Three to four hours, as the itinerary says, and it works best as the thing you do before the heat arrives on a day you are otherwise in Saigon. The other hidden gems in Ho Chi Minh City work the same way, one at a time between the heat.

If you are working out the rest of the route north, Phong Nha Ke Bang is about 1,000 km up the country, a 1 hour 40 minute flight to Dong Hoi and 45 minutes by road, and it holds the largest cave passages in the world. Our Elephant Cave and Ma Da Valley trek is the one-day version: jungle walk in, lunch by Ma Da Lake, a swim into Tra Ang cave.

Complete District 5 Chinatown Itinerary (3-4 Hours)

Morning Route (6-9 AM) - Experience Local Life

6:30 AM: Arrive at Binh Tay Market
7:00-8:00 AM: Explore outdoor wet market, photograph vendors, grab breakfast
8:00-8:30 AM: Explore indoor market stalls, buy souvenirs
8:45 AM: Leave for Thien Hau Pagoda

Mid-Morning (9-11 AM) - Temples & Photography

9:00 AM: Thien Hau Pagoda visit (20-30 minutes)
9:45 AM: Walk to Quan Am Pagoda (5-10 minute walk)
10:00-10:20 AM: Quan Am Pagoda
10:30 AM: Explore Hao Si Phuong Alley (colorful photogenic alley)

Late Morning (11 AM-1 PM) - Food Experience

11:00 AM: Coffee break at traditional Vietnamese cafe
11:30 AM-12:30 PM: Authentic dim sum or Chinese-Vietnamese lunch at local restaurant

Complete Map:

Binh Tay Market - Thien Hau Pagoda (walking distance) - Quan Am Pagoda - Hao Si Phuong Alley - Lunch destination

Time per location: 30-45 minutes each

Total Time: 3-4 hours

Authentic Food in Chinatown: Dim Sum, Fish Noodle Soup & Local Eats (Where to Eat, Prices)

Foodies dream of Chinatown as it serves awesome Vietnamese and Chinese dishes. Some of the favorite ones include:

Roasted Duck and Pork: Found in many street-side stalls.
Fish Noodle Soup: Flavorful and comforting in a bowl full of rich broth.
Dumplings and Wontons: Perfect for a quick snack.
Sweet Desserts (Che): Light desserts made from lotus seeds, mung beans, or tofu.

For a coffee break, try Ba Lu Coffee (google maps link), an old café famous for roasting the traditional way. The coffee is pretty strong so try it in the morning or early afternoon if you value your sleep, trust us

Vintage Style Ba Lu Coffee in Saigon

Shopping Beyond Markets: Textiles, Herbs, Medicine & Soai Kinh Lam Market

Besides Binh Tay Market, check out:

Soai Kinh Lam Market: Excellent for textiles and fabrics.
Lantern Street: Famous for its colorful decorations, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Chinese-Vietnamese Cultural Fusion: Festivals, Traditions & Why Chinatown Matters

It reflects everything Chinese: the temples, the languages, the festivals. The cool traditional festivals that occur are the Lunar New Year (Tết) and the Lantern Festival. Both light the streets up with lion dances, firecrackers, and bright-colored decorations.

Lunar New Year Celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City

Day Trips & Nearby Attractions: Saigon Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace

Saigon Central Post Office in an Ancient Building in Vietnam

If you’ve got some extra time, check out nearby spots like the Saigon Central Post Office or Notre Dame Cathedral in District 1 for a taste of history. You definitely can’t miss the Independence Palace either!

The Ultimate Guide to Saigon Chinatown (Cho Lon) in 2026