Chinatown Saigon, also known as Chợ Lớn, is one of the largest and most popular Chinatowns in Ho Chi Minh City, boasting a rich and vibrant history. This area is a captivating blend of ancient charm and modernity, offering a variety of local cuisine and traditional markets. A visit to Chinatown is a must for anyone exploring Ho Chi Minh City, making it an essential destination for your travel itinerary.
About Chinatown Saigon (Chợ Lớn)
Chinatown Saigon, also called Chợ Lớn, spans across Districts 5, 6, and 11 in Ho Chi Minh City. The area has been home to Chinese communities, primarily Teochew and Fujian, since the 18th century. At its peak in the 1950s, 90% of the population was Chinese, but today, about 60% of Chinese residents remain. Many Chinese residents in District 5 are proficient in Vietnamese.
In addition to its appeal to tourists, Chinatown also functions as a significant commercial hub in Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll find a plethora of handicraft factories, Chinese-owned shops, and cafes scattered throughout the area. Moreover, for those interested in architecture, Chinatown offers a fascinating blend of traditional and modern architectural styles to explore during a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City.
If you’re in Chinatown Saigon and wonder what to do, this is the perfect guide for you. Check out the 5 fun things to do in Chinatown Saigon.
1. Visit Binh Tay Market
Binh Tay Market, situated in the heart of Cho Lon, was founded by Quach Dam, one of the wealthiest Chinese landlords, in the late 1880s. What sets Binh Tay Market apart is its architectural fusion of French styles with traditional Chinese cultural designs. Besides its intriguing history and cultural significance, Binh Tay Market is renowned for offering a wide array of Chinese and Vietnamese delicacies.
For those seeking exceptional local cuisine, Binh Tay Market is a must-visit destination. It’s particularly renowned as the top breakfast spot in Chinatown Saigon, boasting numerous local food stalls. Here, you can savor delicious rustic dishes like Chinese roasted duck, Com Tam (Steamed Broken Rice), Pha Lau (Beef Offal), Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls), and Com Ga (Chicken Rice), among others.
2. Enjoy Chinese Food
Cho Lon is renowned for its diverse range of traditional Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants. Each chef in this area is worthy of a 5-star Michelin rating because they not only serve delicious food but also share their rich Chinese cultural heritage through unique flavors that you may have never experienced before.
Upon entering Chinatown, you’ll immediately notice rows of roasted duck and pork hanging in front of local eateries, a characteristic feature of Chinatowns worldwide. Unlike the typical Vietnamese pho rice noodles, the noodles served in this district offer a wider variety of Chinese-style options.
3. Visit Thien Hau Temple
Ba Thien Hau Pagoda was located in the centre of the Chinese community in Saigon at that time. Today, the temple is at 710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. This temple, adorned with traditional Chinese architecture, showcases intricate designs on its roof, featuring statues of carps, dragons, and other symbols of prosperity.
4. Take a stroll down Luong Nhu Hoc lantern streets
Don’t forget to explore Lantern Streets when you’re in Chinatown Saigon. If you visit during special occasions like Lunar New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival, you can admire the vivid street, which is filled with colorful lanterns along the way.
If you want to immerse yourself in the Chinese vibe, consider dressing in traditional Chinese costumes and take photos. I’m sure that it will be a unique experience and will leave you with unforgettable memories.
5. Explore Hao Sy Phuong alley
In the center of Saigon, there’s a century-old alley called Hao Sy Phuong, where most residents are of Chinese descent.
The most impressive feature here is the colorful houses and their architecture. These residences were constructed as apartments, comprising numerous small units arranged over two floors with interconnected staircases.