Unique Streets and Corners of Chinatown: Explore Cho Lon in Ho Chi Minh City

Cultural Heart of Saigon
Cho Lon, Saigon’s vibrant Chinatown, pulses with Chinese-Vietnamese heritage in Ho Chi Minh City’s Ward 5, just 4 km from Ward 1. Known for its bustling Binh Tay Market, ornate Thien Hau Pagoda, and aromatic herbal streets, this neighborhood offers a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and flavors. Tran Hung Dao Boulevard’s boutiques, Hai Thuong Lan Ong’s medicine shops, and lantern-lit alleys during festivals create a unique cultural tapestry. Home to over 500,000 Chinese-Vietnamese residents since the 18th century, Cho Lon blends tradition with modernity, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking authenticity. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours, using bicycles and low-emission vehicles, guide you through Cho Lon’s vibrant streets sustainably, supporting local vendors. Start your 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 Chinatown’s accessibility via cycling paths, electric buses, and a VND1 trillion flood control project, linking Ward 5 to Ward 1’s landmarks and Can Gio’s eco-attractions. The political center remains at 86 Le Thanh Ton, Ward 1.

Legend Travel Group, a premier Southeast Asia tour operator, offers immersive, eco-conscious tours to Cho Lon’s unique streets. 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 cultural 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 thrives 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). Spanning streets like Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Trai, and Hai Thuong Lan Ong, Chinatown is a cultural hub with 500,000 Chinese-Vietnamese residents since the 1770s. Its markets, temples, and festival alleys, adorned with lanterns during Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn, offer a vibrant mix of commerce and tradition. Accessible via Metro Line 1 and bicycles, Cho Lon is a sensory delight for explorers.

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, 3-minute walk, $0.30 (7,500 VND).

• Grab/Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) from Ward 1 (web:18).

• 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 transport to Cho Lon.

The dry season (December–April) offers sunny weather (25–35°C or 77–95°F), ideal for strolling Tran Hung Dao and visiting Binh Tay Market. Lunar New Year (January–February) and Mid-Autumn Festival (August–September)transform Cho Lon with lantern-lit streets and parades, 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 covered markets and temples ideal during showers. Evening visits (5:00 PM–9:00 PM) capture Chinatown’s vibrant street food scene and illuminated alleys (web:18).

Tip: Book tours 3–5 weeks ahead for festival seasons; visit evenings for lively markets. Check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.

Pack these essentials for a comfortable exploration:

• Clothing: Lightweight outfits for dry season; waterproof jackets for rainy season. Modest attire for 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 market purchases; bring a light shawl for temple etiquette.

Cho Lon, meaning “Big Market,” is Saigon’s cultural melting pot, blending Chinese and Vietnamese influences since the 1770s (web:8). Tran Hung Dao Boulevard’s Hong Kong-style boutiques, Hai Thuong Lan Ong’s aromatic herbal shops, and Nguyen Trai’s lantern alleys during festivals create a vibrant tapestry. Binh Tay Market, unlike tourist-heavy Ben Thanh, caters to locals with Chinese goods and street food, while Thien Hau Pagoda (1706) honors the sea goddess Mazu (web:7, web:18). Cho Lon’s streets, alive with over 30% Chinese-Vietnamese residents, offer authenticity, from dim sum stalls to traditional medicine salons, all accessible via sustainable transport.

1. Stroll Tran Hung Dao Boulevard

Explore Ward 5’s main artery, lined with Hong Kong-style boutiques and “glasses world” shops (e.g., Dai Quang, Nghe Quang).

• Cost: Free; purchases $5–$50 (125,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–10:00 PM.

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

2. Visit Binh Tay Market

Shop for Chinese herbs, fabrics, and snacks at this local market, a Cho Lon icon.

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

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–7:00 PM.

• Tip: Join our Saigon Foodie Tour ($55–$75) for market tastings (web:18).

3. Explore Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street

Discover traditional Chinese medicine shops with aromatic herbs and remedies.

• 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).

4. Wander Nguyen Trai’s Lantern Alleys

Admire colorful lanterns during Lunar New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival, perfect for photos.

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

• Hours: Best evenings, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM.

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

5. Pray at Thien Hau Pagoda

Visit this 1706 temple honoring Mazu, with intricate porcelain dioramas (web:7).

• 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).

Chinatown Costs

• 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).

• Tran Hung Dao Boutiques: $5–$50 (125,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Hai Thuong Lan Ong Remedies: $5–$20 (125,000–500,000 VND).

• Nguyen Trai Souvenirs: $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 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 entry, bus, street food).

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

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

Tip: Carry VND for market stalls; 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; explore early to avoid heat.

  • Rainy Season: Carry raincoats ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); visit covered markets.

• Sustainability: Use bicycles; support local vendors at Binh Tay.

• Navigation: Download Maps.me, Grab; save Binh Tay Market (40A Thap Muoi, Ward 5) as a landmark.

• Safety: Watch for pickpockets in markets; secure valuables.

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at pagodas; say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip vendors $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 vibrant streets:

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

• Saigon Foodie Tour ($55–$75/person): Cho Lon markets, Nguyen Trai dim sum, cooking class. Includes eco-transfers, guide, meals.

• Saigon Spiritual Tour ($45–$65/person): Thien Hau Pagoda, Nhi Phu Temple, meditation. Includes bike rentals, guide, vegetarian lunch.

• Saigon Festival Tour ($50–$70/person): Lantern alleys, festival parades, Binh Tay Market. Includes eco-transfers, guide, souvenirs.

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 unique streets, from Tran Hung Dao’s boutiques to Nguyen Trai’s lantern alleys, offer an authentic dive into Saigon’s Chinese-Vietnamese heritage in Ho Chi Minh City. Legend Travel Group’s Ho Chi Minh City Tours guide you through Chinatown’s vibrant corners, 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 the vibrant streets of Chinatown? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and uncover Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural heart!

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.