The Hoa people (Chinese) once made up the majority in Cholon, but many fled due to persecution following the Fall of Saigon in 1975 and the Sino-Vietnamese War in 1979. Today, although they only account for about 5% of Ho Chi Minh City's population, their influence remains visible in Cho Lon, especially through the district's distinctive temples and guidhalls.
The long history of Cho Lon makes it an attractive site for tourists to experience the flow of time. Particularly, you can visit the architectural works and historical relics representing the development milestones of the area, as well as enjoy delicious food. If you want to discover more about the life of the Chinese community in Cho Lon, here are some suggestions!
Discover The Spiritual Life
The Chinese in Cho Lon mostly work in the fields of commerce and production, so worshiping to pray for luck in business is always of importance. Every month, each homeowner usually worships 4 times on the 1st, 2nd, 15th, and 16th of the lunar calendar. During the year, the Chinese also worship on the days of the God of Wealth, the God of the Land and Tet Holiday.
In the past, there were more than 30 assembly halls operating in the middle of Cho Lon. Some assembly halls were built nearly 300 years ago, others were built in the late 19th or early 20th century.
Thien Hau Temple
Thien Hau Temple or Ba Cho Lon Pagoda or Tue Thanh Assembly Hall is known as one of the oldest places of worship of the Chinese in Saigon. This temple was built around 1760 by a group of Chinese people. On January 7, 1993, Thien Hau Temple was recognized as a National Architectural and Artistic Monument.
According to documents engraved on the stele at the pagoda, in 1760 many Guangzhou merchants from China sailed to Vietnam to trade and do business. During the process of sailing on ships, they had to follow the wind direction, and the merchants had to stay in Vietnam for several months each year, so many people pooled money to buy land to build the assembly hall as a place to stop and worship Thien Hau.
Address: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 11, District 5
Note: To ensure solemnity, visitors should wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and skirts if you want to enter the temple.
Nhi Phu Temple
Nhi Phu Temple, Nhi Phu Assembly Hall, also known as Ong Bon Pagoda does not only hold high religious values, but also architectural and artistic values. Built in the 18th century by the Fukien Chinese community, it venerates Ong Bon, the god of wealth, happiness and virtue. The pagoda features a carved wood and gold altar, and an impressive statue of Ong Bon.
The architectural system and sophisticated carvings have contributed to making the temple unique and outstanding. In 1998, Nhi Phu Temple was recognized as a National Architectural and Artistic Relic.
Address: 264 Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, Ward 15, District 5
Note: To ensure solemnity, visitors should wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and skirts if you want to enter the temple.
Stroll Around The Town
Besides the spiritual life that makes Cho Lon a unique place for discovering the Chinese community, markets in Cho Lon also play a vital role in presenting the daily life of the Chinese and the history of a prosperous era when Cho Lon was a commercial center of the Southern Vietnam.
Binh Tay Market
Binh Tay Market is a famous wholesale market in Ho Chi Minh City. This is a place for sightseeing and shopping that carries the historical and cultural values of Saigon business people for generations.
Address: 57A Thap Muoi street, Ward 2, District 6
Opening hours: Approximately 2:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Soai Kinh Lam Market
Soai Kinh Lam fabric market, also known as Dong Khanh Commercial Center, is known as the cheapest and oldest fabric market in Ho Chi Minh City. According to a fabric seller here, the market has existed for a long time and the market's name is named after a shop in Chinatown. Even when you’re not a tailor, wandering around the market will give you a fascinating experience when exploring the colorful fabrics and bustling atmosphere here.
Address: 545 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 14, District 5
Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Treat Your Stomach Well!
The saying "Eat in District 5, sleep in District 3, be luxurious in District 1" is indeed true. Cho Lon cuisine has preserved and promoted Chinese cuisine, becoming a unique feature of Ho Chi Minh City.
Walking around Cho Lon, you will surely see Dimsum everywhere, from street stalls to luxurious restaurants. Not only a dish that often appears in Chinese meals, Dimsum also contains the quintessence of Chinese culinary art.
Baoz
As a famous dimsum buffet restaurant, Baoz Dimsum is not only a destination for those who love to enjoy Chinese cuisine but also a luxurious and polite space. Diners will enjoy delicious, quality dishes, made from premium ingredients. The restaurant space is elegantly and uniquely designed, giving the feeling of being in Hong Kong.
Address: 88 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Ward 7, District 5
Opening hours: 06:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Dim Tu Tac
With professional chefs that can bring authentic and unique flavors to diners, Dim Tu Tac Restaurant serves a diverse menu and sophisticated dimsum, creating a miniature China in the heart of Saigon. The restaurant space is spacious, airy and luxurious, sure to give you a fulfilled dining experience.
Address: 29B Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 6, District 5
Opening hours: 08:00 AM - 02:00 PM | 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tam Ky Pha Lau Cart
For a more adventurous experience, you can try the traditional Teochew-style Pha lau (braised intestines with pickled cabbage) at the 60-year-old Pha Lau Tam Ky cart on Nguyen Trai Street.
Pha Lau Tam Ky restaurant, known as the most delicious restaurant in Cho Lon area, is rated by diners as having the standard traditional Chinese flavor. Because the owner of the restaurant is of Chinese origin, the profession was passed down by his grandparents. With more than 30 years of experience, although only selling take-out, the restaurant is always crowded with customers.
Address: 823 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 14, District 5
Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM