Cho Lon – The Heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown

📍 Location: Districts 5 & 6, Ho Chi Minh City

Once a separate city, Cho Lon—which translates to “Big Market”—has long since merged with Ho Chi Minh City, forming its bustling Chinatown in Districts 5 and 6. The area is connected to the city center by Tran Hung Dao Street, a five-kilometer artery that seamlessly links this historic enclave to the rest of the metropolis.

A Fusion of History and Commerce

Even as far back as 1950, British writer Norman Lewis described Cho Lon as a “grotesque Siamese twin” of Saigon, reflecting its immense growth. This expansion was further fueled by an influx of refugees during the war years, eventually solidifying Cho Lon’s place as a core part of the city’s landscape.

Today, Cho Lon remains a powerhouse of trade, and visitors can witness its mercantile spirit firsthand. The most famous attraction is the historic Binh Tay Market, though locals often frequent even larger wholesale markets for household goods, agricultural tools, and specialty ingredients.

Exploring the Soul of Chinatown

While its markets are a major draw, Cho Lon’s real treasures lie in its temples and pagodas. Many of these sacred sites can be found along Nguyen Trai Street, a four-kilometer stretch leading northeast toward Pham Ngu Lao. Nearby, Cha Tam Church is another landmark worth visiting, adding a unique layer to the area’s rich cultural tapestry.

An Immersive Experience

The best way to truly experience Cho Lon is to simply wander through its maze-like streets, where daily life unfolds in vibrant chaos:

  • 💈 Streetside barbers skillfully trim hair with lightning precision.
  • 🦜 Bird sellers sit outside weathered pagodas, offering cages of songbirds for sale.
  • 🛍️ Bustling markets echo with the lively chatter of vendors hawking everything from dried shrimp and mushrooms to handcrafted rice paper.

A Must-Visit for Culture & History Enthusiasts

Whether you’re soaking in its rich heritage, admiring its temples, or navigating its labyrinthine markets, Cho Lon is a cultural and sensory feast—a place where tradition and modern commerce thrive side by side.