Cholon is the name of the Chinatown district in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is the largest and most colorful Chinatown in the country, and one of the oldest and most important in Southeast Asia. Cholon means “big market” in Vietnamese, and it is indeed a bustling hub of commerce, culture, and cuisine. Cholon is a must-visit destination for travelers who want to experience the diversity and richness of Ho Chi Minh City, as well as the fascinating history and heritage of the Chinese community in Vietnam.
How to get to Cholon
Cholon is located in District 5, about 6 kilometers southwest of the city center. There are several ways to get there, depending on your budget, time, and preference.
Bus: Taking the bus is the cheapest and most eco-friendly option, but also the slowest and least comfortable. There are several bus routes that connect the city center with Cholon, such as 1, 56, 66, and 93. The bus fare is around 6,000 VND (0.26 USD) per trip, and the journey takes about 40 minutes to an hour, depending on the traffic.
Taxi: Taking a taxi is the most convenient and comfortable option, but also the most expensive. There are many taxi companies in Ho Chi Minh City, such as Mai Linh, Vinasun, and Grab. The taxi fare is around 150,000 VND (6.5 USD) per trip, and the journey takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Motorbike: Taking a motorbike is the most adventurous and flexible option, but also the most risky and challenging. You can either rent a motorbike and drive yourself, or hire a motorbike taxi (xe om) and ride as a passenger. The motorbike rental fee is around 100,000 VND (4.3 USD) per day, and the motorbike taxi fare is around 50,000 VND (2.2 USD) per trip. The journey takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the traffic and your driving skills.
Cyclo: Taking a cyclo is the most traditional and scenic option, but also the most time-consuming and negotiable. A cyclo is a three-wheeled bicycle with a passenger seat in the front. You can find cyclo drivers near tourist attractions or hotels, and they will take you on a leisurely tour of Cholon. The cyclo fare is around 100,000 VND (4.3 USD) per hour, but you can bargain for a lower price.
What to see and do in Cholon
Cholon is a treasure trove of sights and activities, ranging from historical temples and landmarks to lively markets and food stalls. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:
Some of the most famous and beautiful Temples and pagodas are
Thien Hau Pagoda: This is the oldest and most revered temple in Cholon, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, who is believed to protect sailors and fishermen. The temple was built in the 18th century by Chinese immigrants from Guangdong province, and features a stunning facade with intricate carvings and sculptures, a spacious courtyard with incense coils hanging from the ceiling, and a main hall with a statue of Thien Hau and her attendants.
Quan Am Pagoda: This is another ancient and popular temple in Cholon, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, who is believed to grant wishes and heal diseases. The temple was built in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants from Fujian province, and features a colorful entrance with dragons and phoenixes, a serene garden with a lotus pond and a statue of Quan Am, and a main hall with a thousand-eyed and thousand-armed Quan Am and other deities.
Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda: This is a unique and impressive temple in Cholon, dedicated to the God of War, who is believed to bring victory and justice. The temple was built in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants from Hainan province, and features a magnificent facade with red pillars and golden characters, a grand courtyard with a statue of a horse and a chariot, and a main hall with a statue of Guan Yu and his weapons.
Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda: This is a charming and peaceful temple in Cholon, dedicated to the Three Mountains, who are believed to control the weather and natural disasters. The temple was built in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants from Chaozhou province, and features a simple entrance with a stone gate, a cozy courtyard with a fountain and a statue of a turtle, and a main hall with a statue of the Three Mountains and other gods.
Some of the most notable and interesting ones are
Binh Tay Market: This is the largest and most famous market in Cholon, and one of the oldest and most important in Ho Chi Minh City. The market was built in the 1920s by a wealthy Chinese businessman named Quach Dam, and features a distinctive architecture with a clock tower, a central courtyard, and four wings. The market sells a variety of goods, such as clothes, accessories, electronics, souvenirs, and fresh produce.
Cha Tam Church: This is a Catholic church in Cholon, and one of the most historical and controversial in Vietnam. The church was built in the 1900s by a Chinese priest named Cha Tam, and features a Gothic style with a yellow facade, a rose window, and a bell tower. The church is famous for being the place where the former president of South Vietnam, Ngo Dinh Diem, and his brother, Ngo Dinh Nhu, sought refuge and were captured and killed during the 1963 coup.
Cholon Mosque: This is a Muslim mosque in Cholon, and one of the few and oldest in Ho Chi Minh City. The mosque was built in the 1930s by Indian Muslims who migrated to Vietnam, and features a Mughal style with a green dome, a minaret, and a prayer hall. The mosque serves the local Muslim community, especially during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine: This is a museum in Cholon, and one of the most unique and informative in Ho Chi Minh City. The museum was established in 2007 by the Fito Pharma company, and features a collection of over 3,000 items related to the history and practice of traditional Vietnamese medicine, such as herbs, tools, books, and artifacts. The museum also offers guided tours, workshops, and demonstrations.
Some of the best places to shop and haggle in Cholon are
Binh Tay Market: As mentioned above, this is the largest and most famous market in Cholon, and one of the oldest and most important in Ho Chi Minh City. The market sells a variety of goods, such as clothes, accessories, electronics, souvenirs, and fresh produce. The market is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the best time to visit is in the morning, when the market is less crowded and more lively.
An Dong Market: This is another large and popular market in Cholon, and one of the most modern and comfortable in Ho Chi Minh City. The market was built in the 1950s by a Chinese businessman named An Dong, and features a four-story building with air conditioning and escalators. The market sells mainly clothes, fabrics, and handicrafts, and is known for its high quality and reasonable prices. The market is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the best time to visit is in the afternoon, when the market is more vibrant and colorful.
Lantern Street: This is a street in Cholon, and one of the most festive and photogenic in Ho Chi Minh City. The street is named after the lantern shops that line both sides of the street, and sell a variety of lanterns, such as paper, silk, bamboo, and metal. The street is especially beautiful at night, when the lanterns are lit up and create a magical atmosphere. The street is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the best time to visit is during the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the street is decorated with lanterns and mooncakes.
Chinese medicine pharmacies: These are shops in Cholon, and one of the most authentic and intriguing in Ho Chi Minh City. The shops sell traditional Chinese medicine, such as herbs, roots, seeds, flowers, and animal parts. The shops are run by experienced and knowledgeable pharmacists, who can prescribe and prepare remedies for various ailments and conditions. The shops are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the best time to visit is when you need some health advice or a natural cure.
Some of the best places to eat and drink in Cholon are
Street food stalls: These are the most authentic and affordable places to taste the local flavors of Cholon, such as dim sum, noodles, dumplings, spring rolls, and buns. The street food stalls are scattered throughout the district, but some of the most famous and crowded ones are on Nguyen Trai Street, Tran Hung Dao Street, and Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street. The street food stalls are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the best time to visit is in the evening, when the streets are filled with aromas and sounds.
Dim sum restaurants: These are the most popular and satisfying places to enjoy the Chinese cuisine of Cholon, such as steamed, fried, or baked dim sum, rice, and tea. The dim sum restaurants are mostly located near the temples and pagodas, and some of the most renowned and recommended ones are Pho Tau Bay, Ha Ton Quyen, and Minh Ky. The dim sum restaurants are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the best time to visit is in the morning, when the dim sum is fresh and hot.
Tea houses: These are the most traditional and relaxing places to sip and savor the tea culture of Cholon, such as jasmine, oolong, green, and herbal tea. The tea houses are mostly hidden in the alleys and courtyards, and some of the most charming and cozy ones are Thien Phuoc, Thien Hau, and Thien Thanh. The tea houses are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the best time to visit is in the afternoon, when the tea is soothing and calming.
Bars: These are the most modern and lively places to drink and party in Cholon, such as beer, cocktails, wine, and spirits. The bars are mostly located on the main streets and rooftops, and some of the most trendy and fun ones are The View, Broma, and Chill Skybar. The bars are open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., and the best time to visit is at night, when the bars are buzzing and vibrant.
Conclusion
Cholon is a fascinating and diverse district in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can explore the history, culture, and attractions of the Chinatown in Vietnam. Whether you are interested in temples and pagodas, landmarks and museums, markets and shopping, or food and nightlife, Cholon has something for everyone. Cholon is a place where you can experience the past and the present, the traditional and the modern, the Vietnamese and the Chinese, all in one. Cholon is a place that you should not miss when you visit Ho Chi Minh City.