Traditional Chinese Houses in Cho Lon: Discover Saigon’s Chinatown Heritage

A Glimpse into Chinese-Vietnamese Heritage
Cho Lon, Saigon’s historic Chinatown in Ward 5, Ho Chi Minh City, is a vibrant enclave where traditional Chinese houses stand as testaments to over 250 years of Chinese-Vietnamese culture. Built by immigrants since the 1770s, these shophouses along Nguyen Trai, Luong Nhu Hoc, and Trieu Quang Phuc streets feature yin-yang tile roofs, red lanterns, and ancestral altars, evoking a slice of China in Vietnam’s megacity. Adorned with colorful decorations during Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, these homes blend commerce and tradition, offering a unique cultural experience. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours, using bicycles and low-emission vehicles, guide you through Cho Lon’s heritage sustainably, supporting local communities. Start your cultural adventure—book our tours via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or sales@legendtravelgroup.com! TripAdvisor Ho Chi Minh City

Administrative Update
Vietnam recently merged Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau into Ho Chi Minh City, creating a 6,772 sq.km megacity with 13.7 million residents across 168 wards, including District 5 now Ward 5. This reorganization enhances Cho Lon’s accessibility via cycling paths, electric buses, and a VND1 trillion flood control project, linking Ward 5’s cultural treasures to Ward 1’s urban hubs and Can Gio’s eco-attractions. The political center remains at 86 Le Thanh Ton, Ward 1.

Legend Travel Group, a leading Southeast Asia tour operator, offers immersive, eco-conscious cultural tours to Cho Lon’s traditional Chinese houses. Our tours use bicycles and low-emission vehicles, guided by local experts sharing Chinatown’s Chinese-Vietnamese heritage. Supporting communities in Ward 5, Ward 1, and Thu Duc, we align with the city’s “Green Metropolis” vision. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless experience. Book our eco-tours via links on this page and explore sustainably! TripAdvisor Reviews

Located in Ward 5, 1,730 km south of Hanoi, Cho Lon’s traditional Chinese houses are cultural gems in Ho Chi Minh City’s tropical monsoon climate: dry season (December–April, 25–35°C or 77–95°F) and rainy season (May–November, 23–32°C or 73.4–89.6°F), with peak rainfall in June–September (150–400 mm). Built by Chinese immigrants from the 1770s, these shophouses feature yin-yang tile roofs, wooden shutters, and vibrant red decorations, housing businesses and families. Streets like Nguyen Trai and Luong Nhu Hoc glow during festivals, with lanterns and altars. While most are private, guided tours offer exterior viewing and cultural insights, complemented by nearby Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Pagoda, accessible via Metro Line 1.

Cho Lon in Ward 5 is easily accessible from Ho Chi Minh City’s transport hub:

• By Air: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), in Tan Binh Ward, serves 40 million passengers annually via Terminal T3 (Vietnam Airlines domestic) and T1/T2. Round-trip costs:

  • Hanoi: $80–$150 (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND).

  • Da Nang: $60–$120 (1,500,000–3,000,000 VND).

  • Bangkok/Singapore: $200–$500.

  • Taxis/Grab to Ward 5 (8 km): $5–$8 (120,000–200,000 VND).

• By Bus: From Hanoi (30–34 hours, $35–$60 or 875,000–1,500,000 VND), Da Nang (18–20 hours, $20–$40 or 500,000–1,000,000 VND), or Can Tho (3–4 hours, $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND). Local bus #01 to Ward 5: $0.30 (7,500 VND).

• By Train: Saigon Railway Station in Ward 7 connects to Hanoi (30–34 hours, $40–$80 or 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND). A high-speed rail is planned for 2030.

Getting to Cho Lon:

• Metro Line 1: From Ben Thanh Station (4 km away), $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND), then 5-minute Grab ($1 or 25,000 VND).

• Bus #01: Stops near Tran Hung Dao, 5-minute walk to Nguyen Trai, $0.30 (7,500 VND).

• Grab/Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) from Ward 1.

• Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND), ideal for Ward 5’s flat streets.

• Walking: 30-minute walk from Ward 1’s Nguyen Hue Street.

Tip: Use bicycles for eco-friendly exploration; book our Saigon Chinatown Tour ($50–$70) for guided access to Cho Lon’s houses.

The dry season (December–April) offers sunny weather (25–35°C or 77–95°F), ideal for strolling Nguyen Trai and photographing vibrant house facades. Lunar New Year (January–February) and Mid-Autumn Festival (August–September) transform Cho Lon with red lanterns, dragon dances, and altars, though expect crowds. The rainy season (May–November) brings cooler temperatures (23–32°C or 73.4–89.6°F) and 15–25% tour discounts, with nearby covered markets like Binh Tay ideal during showers. Morning visits (8:00 AM–11:00 AM) offer quieter streets for exterior viewing.

Tip: Book tours 3–5 weeks ahead for festival seasons; visit mornings for clear photos. Check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.

Pack these essentials for a comfortable cultural experience:

• Clothing: Lightweight outfits for dry season; waterproof jackets for rainy season. Modest attire for nearby temple visits.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.

• Footwear: Comfortable shoes for walking; sandals for warm days; waterproof shoes for rainy season.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella, mosquito repellent.

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab app, Maps.me, portable charger, camera for photos.

• Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, straw to support sustainability.

Tip: Carry small VND notes for souvenirs; bring a notebook to jot down cultural observations.

Cho Lon’s traditional Chinese houses, built from the 1770s by immigrants from Fujian and Guangdong, are architectural and cultural treasures in Ho Chi Minh City’s Ward 5. These two-story shophouses, found on streets like Nguyen Trai and Luong Nhu Hoc, feature yin-yang tile roofs, wooden shutters, and red paper scrolls symbolizing prosperity. Ground floors often house businesses—herbal shops, noodle stalls—while upper levels serve as family homes with ancestral altars. Vibrant during Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, they display lanterns and festive decorations, reflecting a 30% Chinese-Vietnamese population’s enduring heritage. Though private, their exteriors and surrounding streets offer a vivid cultural experience, enhanced by sustainable access via cycling paths.

1. Admire Traditional Chinese Shophouses

Stroll Nguyen Trai and Luong Nhu Hoc to view yin-yang tile roofs and red lanterns.

• Cost: Free exterior viewing; guided tours $50–$70.

• Hours: Best 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; festivals enhance visuals.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Chinatown Tour ($50–$70).

2. Visit Binh Tay Market

Explore this Cho Lon market, 1 km away, for Chinese goods and street food.

• Cost: Free; snacks $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–7:00 PM.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Foodie Tour ($55–$75).

3. Experience Thien Hau Pagoda

Discover this 1706 temple, 800m away, with intricate Chinese architecture.

• Cost: Free; donations $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Spiritual Tour ($45–$65).

4. Join Festival Celebrations

Witness Lunar New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival with lanterns and dragon dances on Trieu Quang Phuc.

• Cost: Free; souvenirs $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).

• Hours: Vary by festival; evenings best.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Festival Tour ($50–$70).

5. Explore Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street

Visit herbal shops, 500m away, for traditional Chinese medicine insights.

• Cost: Consultations $5–$20 (125,000–500,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70).

Cultural Costs

• Shophouse Viewing: Free; guided tours $50–$70.

• Binh Tay Market: Free; snacks $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Thien Hau Pagoda: Free; donations $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Festival Souvenirs: $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).

• Herbal Consultations: $5–$20 (125,000–500,000 VND).

Transportation

• Metro Line 1: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Bus #01: $0.30 (7,500 VND).

• Grab/Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) from Ward 1.

• Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND).

Dining

• Street food: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Restaurants: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

Accommodation (Ward 5 or Ward 1)

• Hostels: $8–$20/night (200,000–500,000 VND).

• Hotels: $25–$80/night (625,000–2,000,000 VND).

• Resorts: $100–$250/night (2,500,000–6,250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost

• Budget: $15–$40 (includes viewing, bus, street food).

• Mid-range: $40–$80 (includes tours, Grab, dining).

• Luxury: $100–$300 (includes private tours, upscale lodging).

Tip: Carry VND for small purchases; ATMs are widespread in Ward 5.

• Book Early: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group (WhatsApp: +84825862222, sales@legendtravelgroup.com) 3–5 weeks ahead, especially for Lunar New Year or Mid-Autumn.

• Seasonal Tips:

  • Dry Season: Use sunscreen; visit mornings for clear views.

  • Rainy Season: Carry raincoats ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); explore nearby markets during showers.

• Sustainability: Use bicycles; support local vendors on Nguyen Trai.

• Navigation: Download Maps.me, Grab; save Nguyen Trai (Ward 5) as a landmark.

• Safety: Watch for pickpockets in crowded streets; secure valuables.

• Cultural Respect: Avoid entering private homes; dress modestly for pagodas; say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip guides $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); apply mosquito repellent outdoors.

Our sustainable tours showcase Cho Lon’s traditional Chinese houses and heritage:

• Saigon Chinatown Tour ($50–$70/person): Traditional shophouses, Binh Tay Market, Thien Hau Pagoda, street food. Includes bike rentals, guide, snacks.

• Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70/person): Cho Lon houses, Nguyen Trai festival alleys, cooking class. Includes eco-transfers, guide, lunch.

• Saigon Spiritual Tour ($45–$65/person): Thien Hau Pagoda, Chinese shophouses, meditation. Includes bike rentals, guide, vegetarian meal.

• Saigon Historical & Cultural Escape ($200–$350/person, 2–3 days): Cho Lon, War Remnants Museum, Mekong Delta sites. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Get 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book via links on this page! TripAdvisor Reviews

Cho Lon’s traditional Chinese houses, with their yin-yang roofs and vibrant festival decorations, offer a captivating glimpse into Saigon’s Chinese-Vietnamese heritage in Ho Chi Minh City. Legend Travel Group’s Ho Chi Minh City Tours guide you through these cultural treasures sustainably, alongside nearby markets and pagodas, ensuring a sustainable Ho Chi Minh City Travel experience that supports local communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Cho Lon adventure today!
Ready to wander Cho Lon’s heritage streets? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and uncover Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural legacy!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group