Cholon, meaning "big market," developed as a separate Chinese trading settlement before eventually merging into greater Saigon, and today makes up most of District 5. It retains a distinct identity: Chinese-language signage, herbal medicine shops, gold and jewellery traders, and some of the city's oldest and most elaborate temples.

What to see

Thien Hau Pagoda is the best-known temple stop, along with Binh Tay Market, a large covered market that functions as Cholon's answer to Ben Thanh, generally with fewer tourists and more of a genuine wholesale trading atmosphere. The surrounding streets reward slow wandering more than a fixed checklist.

Food in Cholon

Cholon has its own distinct food identity, blending Cantonese and Teochew influences with Vietnamese ingredients — look for congee, roast meats, and dim sum-style small dishes alongside the standard Vietnamese street food menu found elsewhere in the city.

Good to know: Cholon rewards a guided visit or at least some research beforehand more than District 1 does — without context, it's easy to walk past the most interesting temples and shopfronts. Consider a specific walking route or a local guide for your first visit.

Getting there

Cholon sits further from central District 1 than most sightseeing districts, generally a 15 to 25 minute taxi or ride-hail trip depending on traffic. Few visitors base their whole stay here, but it's a very worthwhile half-day or evening trip from a District 1 or District 3 base.

Known forChinese-Vietnamese heritage, temples, Binh Tay Market
Best forA half-day or evening trip, food exploration
Distance to D1Roughly 15–25 minutes by taxi