Exploring Hai Thuong Lan Ong: Ho Chi Minh City’s Traditional Medicine Street

📍 Location: Near Cha Tam Church, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

Just a five-minute walk from Cha Tam Church, past the bustling cloth market along Tran Hung Dao, lies one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most fascinating streets—Hai Thuong Lan Ong. Known for its centuries-old tradition of herbal medicine, the street is named after a renowned Vietnamese herbalist who practiced in Hanoi over 200 years ago.

Aromatic Herbal Shops & Traditional Remedies

As you approach, the distinctive scent of dried herbs and medicinal roots fills the air, marking the presence of Vietnamese and Chinese apothecaries that have operated here for generations. The street is lined with aging shophouses, their wooden cabinets packed with tiny drawers, each filled with an array of dried plants, roots, and barks used in traditional medicine.

Stepping inside one of these shops, you’ll find elderly herbalists carefully measuring prescriptions using antique balance scales, surrounded by boxes, jars, and paper-wrapped bundles containing everything from ginseng and goji berries to tortoise shell glue and deer antler velvet. Many remedies are believed to treat ailments ranging from heart disease to acne, continuing a rich medical heritage passed down through generations.

A Legacy Facing Modern Challenges

While ginseng remains a highly sought-after cure-all, some traditional shops still offer illegal wildlife-based medicines, including tiger bones, rhino horn, and monkey extracts, despite strict government bans and conservation efforts. As authorities continue to crack down on the illegal wildlife trade, the street’s focus is gradually shifting toward sustainable, plant-based remedies, ensuring that Hai Thuong Lan Ong remains a hub for natural healing in modern Vietnam.

A Cultural and Historical Experience

Even if you’re not planning to buy herbal remedies, a stroll down Hai Thuong Lan Ong offers a glimpse into the deep-rooted traditions of Eastern medicine. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, wellness seeker, or curious traveler, this unique street remains an essential stop in Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown (Cho Lon).