Cho Lon (District 5)
If you are interested in learning about cultural diversity in the seemingly monotonous Ho Chi Minh City, visit District 5.
Location & History
Cho Lon, once an independent city, is now a vital part of Ho Chi Minh City. It served as one of the earliest settlements for Chinese immigrants in southern Vietnam. The Chinese community remains the largest ethnic minority group in the country, recognized for their exceptional trading abilities and contributions to the local economy.
A Lively Ambience
Photo: cstc.cand.com.vn
The heart of Cho Lon is the renowned Cho Lon Market, which translates to "big market." This market, the oldest in Ho Chi Minh City, is a primary wholesale hub in Vietnam, outperforming its more tourist-focused counterpart, Ben Thanh Market, in terms of the volume of goods traded and revenue generated. Beyond Cho Lon Market, visitors can explore several cultural tourist attractions that offer a fascinating insight into the cultural life of the Chinese Vietnamese community.
Emulating many Chinatowns in Southeast Asia, Cho Lon is adorned with vibrant lanterns and intricately designed shophouses. Of particular note are the temples in the area. The Nghia A Clan House, dedicated to Guan Gong (Lord Guan), and the Quang Trieu Clan House, honoring the Goddess Thean Hock (Mazu), are among the must-visit temples.
For those interested in religious sites, Cha Tam Church, named after its founder Pierre d’Assou, is an essential place of worship in the area. This church beautifully blends Gothic architectural elements with traditional Chinese design, making it one of the oldest and most significant churches in Ho Chi Minh City.
Photo by @tommy.tcn
A trip to Cho Lon is incomplete without indulging in delectable dim sum along Ha Ton Quyen Street, affectionately dubbed "dimsum street" due to the abundance of eateries serving this beloved Chinese cuisine. When visiting, take the time to learn about the spiritual practices of the local Chinese residents, which can be seen reflected in the intricate designs on their homes!
How To Get There
Reaching Cho Lon is convenient since District 5 is adjacent to District 1. Travelers can easily access the area via Tran Hung Dao Street, the primary route to Cho Lon. Public transport options include bus number 1, which stops at the Ben Thanh Bus Station. Alternatively, taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are readily available to provide direct access to this vibrant district.
Useful Information
- Location: Cho Lon, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
- Best for: Family, couple, solo
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: All hours
- Distance to city center: 8.2km (5.1 mi)
Thuong Xa Tax
Although the building was demolished in 2016, Thuong Xa Tax merits every mention when one talks of Saigon.
Cu Chi Tunnels
While visiting the War Remnants Museum gives you a theoretical glimpse of the Vietnam War, wandering around a small area of Cu Chi Tunnels, a popular tourist attraction in Vietnam, allows you to have real-life experiences
Giac Lam Pagoda
Built in 1744, Giac Lam Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh city. Giac Lam Pagoda is located at 118 Lac Long Quan Street, Tan Binh District.
