What to See & Do at Chinatown Ho Chi Minh

Exploring Chinatown Market Ho Chi Minh (Cho Lon) is one of the best ways to discover the cultural blend of Chinese and Vietnamese heritage. From the lively Binh Tay Market and sacred temples like Thien Hau Temple to hidden gems such as Hao Si Phuong Alley and Lantern Street, the area offers a true fusion of flavors, history, and architecture. With authentic street food, vibrant festivals, and bustling Food Markets in Saigon, Chinatown provides an unforgettable cultural journey. Let's discover with Vietpower Travel in the following post!

1. Top Attractions in Chinatown Market Ho Chi Minh

You can find more articles related to this topic in our Vietnam tourist attractions category. Explore detailed travel guides, destination highlights, and inspiration for your next journey through Vietnam.

Binh Tay Market – Cultural Shopping Hub

• Address: 57A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 06:00 – 19:00 daily
• Entrance Fee: Free

Binh Tay Market is the commercial heart of Chinatown Ho Chi Minh market, originally built in the 1880s. Unlike the tourist-oriented Ben Thanh Market, Binh Tay mainly serves local Vietnamese and Chinese residents, offering a more authentic shopping experience.

What you can find here:

• Fresh produce & tropical fruits from the Mekong Delta.
• Textiles, silk, embroidery, handicrafts, and lacquerware – perfect for souvenirs.
• Street food stalls serving dim sum, noodle soups, and local breakfast favorites.

Best time to visit: Early morning (7:00 – 9:00) when the market is busiest and food stalls are at their peak. For travelers exploring Food Markets in Saigon, this is a must-visit destination.

Thien Hau Temple – Spiritual Heart of Chinatown

• Address: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 06:00 – 17:00 daily
• Entrance Fee: Free (donations or incense offerings are welcome)

Thien Hau Temple Chinatown Ho Chi Minh was built in 1760 by Cantonese immigrants and is dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess who protects sailors and merchants. It is one of the most visited Chinese temples Saigon has to offer.

Highlights for visitors:

• Historic architecture: green-tiled roofs, detailed carvings, and ceramic figurines telling Chinese folktales.
• Atmosphere: large incense coils hanging from the ceiling fill the air with fragrance.
• Festivals: On the 23rd day of the third lunar month, the Thien Hau Festival features vibrant parades, lion dances, and rituals attracting thousands of worshippers.

A visit here provides not only a glimpse into Chinese-Vietnamese spiritual traditions but also a chance to witness centuries-old craftsmanship and cultural devotion.

Hao Si Phuong Alley – A Hidden Gem for Photography

• Address: 206/17 Tran Hung Dao B Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: Open all day
• Entrance Fee: Free

Hao Si Phuong Alley Chinatown is over a century old and remains one of the most hidden gems Ho Chi Minh has to offer. Built in the early 1900s, this two-story residential complex features narrow corridors, vintage staircases, and traditional decorations such as red couplets and ancestral altars outside the homes.

Today, the alley is a popular Instagram hotspot. Visitors come to admire its mix of Chinese and French architectural styles, capture photo-worthy angles, and soak in the daily life of the Chinese-Vietnamese community. Small coffee stalls and food vendors nearby add to its authentic charm, making it a peaceful escape from Saigon’s bustling streets.

Lantern Street – Luong Nhu Hoc

• Address: Luong Nhu Hoc Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: Most vibrant in the evenings; especially busy during festivals
• Entrance Fee: Free

Known as Lantern Street Saigon, Luong Nhu Hoc comes alive during the Mid-Autumn Festival when hundreds of colorful lanterns light up the street. Craftsmen here have been making lanterns for generations, offering everything from traditional paper lanterns to creative modern designs.

For travelers exploring Chinatown Ho Chi Minh night, this street is perfect for an evening stroll, photography, and festive shopping. The glowing lanterns create a magical atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors, especially families with children.

Quan Am & Ong Bon Temples

• Quan Am Pagoda Address: 12 Lao Tu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
• Ong Bon Temple Address: 264 Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 06:00 – 17:00 daily
• Entrance Fee: Free

Both temples are deeply tied to the Chinese-Vietnamese community and provide an authentic look at local spiritual traditions.

• Quan Am Pagoda (built in 1740) is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. Visitors can admire its wooden carvings, vivid statues, and peaceful courtyards, often filled with worshippers lighting incense.
• Ong Bon Temple (18th century) was established by Fujian immigrants to honor Ong Bon, the guardian deity of wealth and virtue. Its elaborate roof tiles, murals, and ceremonial halls reflect classical Fujian architecture.

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2. Culinary Delights in Chinatown Ho Chi Minh

Chinatown is one of the best areas to enjoy authentic Chinatown Ho Chi Minh food. From street stalls to family-run restaurants, visitors can discover a wide variety of dishes that combine Chinese heritage with Vietnamese flavors.

Where to Eat:

• Binh Tay Market Food Court
  • Address: 57A Thap Muoi Street, District 6
  • Opening Hours: 06:00 – 14:00
  • Highlights: Breakfast stalls serving hu tieu sa te (satay noodles), banh bao (steamed buns), and sticky rice.

• Phung Hung Market
  • Address: 214 Phung Hung Street, District 5
  • Opening Hours: 04:00 – 14:00
  • Highlights: Famous for mi vit tiem (braised duck noodles), herbal soups, and old-style coffee shops.

• San Fu Lou Restaurant
  • Address: 195-197 Phan Xich Long Street, Phu Nhuan District (branch near Chinatown)
  • Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
  • Highlights: A more modern setting to enjoy dim sum Saigon and Cantonese dishes.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Dim Sum – Dumplings, buns, and rolls, usually served in bamboo baskets.
• Mi Vit Tiem – Duck noodles simmered with medicinal herbs.
• Hu Tieu Sa Te – Spicy noodle soup with peanut and chili flavor.
• Chinese Herbal Soups – Believed to improve health and balance energy.
• Sweet Soups (Chè) – Desserts made with beans, coconut milk, or lotus seeds.

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3. Cultural Events & Festivals in Chinatown Ho Chi Minh

The Chinese-Vietnamese community in District 5 celebrates colorful traditions throughout the year. These events are a highlight of Chinatown Ho Chi Minh festivals and are among the most memorable Saigon cultural events.

Major Festivals:

1. Tet (Lunar New Year)

• When: Late January or February (based on lunar calendar)
• Where: Temples such as Thien Hau Temple (710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5)
• What to Expect: Lion dances, firecrackers, family prayers, and festive street food.

2. Mid-Autumn Festival

• When: September or October (15th day of the 8th lunar month)
• Where: Luong Nhu Hoc Street, District 5
• What to Expect: Hundreds of glowing lanterns, children’s parades, mooncake stalls, and lively evening atmosphere.

3. Thien Hau Festival

• When: Around March/April (23rd day of the 3rd lunar month)
• Where: Thien Hau Temple, 710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5
• What to Expect: Colorful processions, incense offerings, and traditional music honoring Mazu, the sea goddess.

4. How to Get to Chinatown Ho Chi Minh

By Taxi or Grab

• Travel time: 10–20 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Cost: 50,000 – 100,000 VND ($2 – $4 USD)
• How: Just tell the driver “Binh Tay Market, District 6” or enter it directly in the Grab app.

Best choice if you want comfort, air-conditioning, and direct drop-off at key spots like Thien Hau Temple or Binh Tay Market.

By Bus

• Bus #1: From Ben Thanh Market → Cho Lon Bus Station (District 5).
• Other buses passing Chinatown: 10, 11, 56, 139.
• Cost: 6,000 VND (about $0.25) per ride.
• Travel time: 25–30 minutes.

This is the cheapest way and gives you a chance to observe local daily life. However, buses can be crowded during rush hours.

By Cyclo (Bicycle Rickshaw)

• Cost: 100,000 – 150,000 VND ($4 – $6) for 30–45 minutes.
• Experience: A slow-paced ride where you sit at the front, enjoying open-air views of Saigon’s busy streets.

Ideal for short distances within Chinatown, such as moving between Lantern Street and Hao Si Phuong Alley. Remember to agree on the price before starting.

Walking Tours

• Duration: 2–3 hours
• What’s included: A local guide, visits to temples, hidden alleys, and Food Markets in Saigon. Some tours also offer food tastings.

Walking tours are great if you want stories, cultural insights, and hidden spots you might miss on your own.

5. Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Download a Ho Chi Minh Chinatown map: Mark key attractions such as Binh Tay Market, Thien Hau Temple, Lantern Street, Quan Am Pagoda. This will help you plan your route.
• Best time to go:
  • Morning (7:00 – 10:00): Bustling markets and breakfast stalls.
  • Evening (18:00 – 21:00): Street food and colorful lanterns.
• Bring cash: Most vendors do not accept cards; small notes (10,000 – 50,000 VND) are handy.
• Dress modestly: Required for temple visits. Cover shoulders and knees.
• Watch your belongings: Like any busy city market, keep wallets and phones safe.

6. Nearby Attractions to Combine with Chinatown Ho Chi Minh

Reunification Palace (Independence Palace)

• Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 15:30 daily
• Entrance Fee: 40,000 VND ($1.60 USD) for adults; 10,000 VND ($0.40 USD) for children

This former presidential residence played a key role during the Vietnam War. Visitors can walk through historical meeting rooms, underground bunkers, and view wartime artifacts. The palace combines 1960s architecture with symbolic features that reflect Vietnam’s history of reunification.

Saigon Central Post Office

• Address: 2 Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 07:00 – 17:00; Sat: 07:00 – 18:00; Sun: 08:00 – 18:00
• Entrance Fee: Free

Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the Saigon Central Post Office is a masterpiece of French colonial architecture. Its bright yellow facade, arched windows, and detailed interior make it one of the most photographed spots in Ho Chi Minh City. Travelers can also send postcards directly from this historic building.

Nha Rong Wharf – Ho Chi Minh Museum

• Address: 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 07:30 – 11:30 & 13:30 – 17:30, Tuesday to Sunday
• Entrance Fee: 20,000 VND ($0.80 USD)

Nha Rong Wharf is the port where President Ho Chi Minh departed in 1911 on his journey abroad. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to his life and achievements. The dragon-shaped motifs on the roof make the building a unique mix of Western and Vietnamese styles.

Ao Dai Museum

• Address: 206/19/30 Long Thuan Street, Long Phuoc Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening Hours: 08:30 – 17:30 daily
• Entrance Fee: 50,000 VND ($2 USD) for adults; 30,000 VND ($1.20 USD) for children

This museum is dedicated to Vietnam’s traditional long dress, the Ao Dai. Exhibits include historical garments, photos, and artifacts showing how the Ao Dai has evolved over time. Visitors can even try on different styles for photos, making it a favorite stop for culture and fashion lovers.

7. Conclusion

A visit to Chinatown Ho Chi Minh is more than a market stroll—it’s a gateway to centuries-old traditions, sacred temples, and flavorful cuisine. Whether tasting dim sum Saigon, joining colorful Chinatown Ho Chi Minh festivals, or exploring unique architecture, every moment reflects the rich Chinese-Vietnamese community. For travelers seeking authentic experiences, Vietpower Travel connects you with local insights and seamless itineraries.

From the timeless beauty of Ha Long Bay to the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is filled with destinations that inspire and amaze. Travel with Vietpower Travel to experience the best of the country’s attractions, each offering a glimpse into its unique story. Book your journey now and let Vietnam reveal its wonders to you.