Chinatown (Cho Lon)

Chinatown (Cho Lon) is Ho Chi Minh City’s historic Chinese quarter, centered around Districts 5 and 6. It’s known for centuries-old assembly halls and temples like Thien Hau, bustling traditional markets such as Binh Tay, and a rich blend of Cantonese, Teochew, and Vietnamese influences. Visitors come for architecture, herbal pharmacies, fabric and tea shops, and street food ranging from dim sum to wonton noodles. It’s busiest by day; evenings are quieter. While not a place for nightlife, Cho Lon rewards those interested in culture, commerce, and everyday city life beyond the usual tourist circuit.