What is attractive about Chinatown in Saigon?

In addition to scenic spots imbued with traditional Vietnamese values, Saigon tourism also attracts tourists from all over the world to unique cultural destinations around the world. Among them, China Town is a destination you should not miss. Coming here, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the lifestyle and culture of the Chinese people.

1. What is China Town? Where is it located in Saigon?

China Town is used to refer to places where Chinese people have long lived and done business in Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, etc. In Saigon, Chinese people often live in Districts 5, 6, and 11. World However, when mentioning China Town, many people will immediately think of Cho Lon District 5.

The Chinese have lived here since the 18th century until now. Since the 1950s, about 90% of Chinese people have been concentrated in China Town. However, up to now, only about 60% continue to settle here. In general, most Chinese people in this Saigon tourist destination speak Vietnamese very fluently, no different from real city people.

2. History of the formation of Chinatown in Saigon

According to historical records, in 1644, after the Qing Dynasty completely overthrew the Ming Dynasty, Chinese people began to come to the Dang Trong area. Those who left were those who were persecuted by the Qing court and anti-Qing elements to restore the Ming. After arriving in Dang Trong, the Chinese were allowed by Lord Nguyen to reside in a number of places in the South at that time, such as Gia Dinh (part of today's Saigon), Cu Lao Pho (Dong Nai)...

With diligence, prestige in business principles, and good business skills, over time, the Chinese community has made strong economic and commercial developments. Not only that, with the spirit of solidarity and willingness to support fellow countrymen, Chinese expatriates who come to live in new places always help and support each other, thereby forming the China Town of today. more crowded.

3. Outstanding attractions in China Town, Saigon

During their trip to Saigon, China Town is visited by many tourists. If you don't know what China Town has to offer, please refer to the information below.

3.1. Thien Hau pagoda

Address: 710 Nguyen Trai, Ward 11, District 5

Ba Thien Hau Pagoda was built in 1760. This is one of the largest, most beautiful, and oldest pagodas of the Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City. This work clearly shows the typical architectural imprint of the Chinese people. The pagoda consists of 4 houses linked together; the 3 middle rows form the Front Palace, the Middle Palace, and the Main Palace; the last row is the Hau Palace. Every scene here is colored by time, making the space peaceful and quiet.

3.2. Luong Nhu Hoc lantern street

Address: Luong Nhu Hoc Street, Ward 11, District 5

Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street in Chinatown, Saigon, is one of the favorite destinations of tourists every Mid-Autumn Festival. Along both sides of the road are shops of small businesses selling all kinds of goods, such as lanterns, star lamps, masks, etc. Every time the Mid-Autumn Festival comes, this street in China Town becomes colorful, crowded, and attractive, making it busier than ever.

3.3. Ong Pagoda (Nghia An assembly hall)

Address: No. 676 Nguyen Trai, Ward 11, District 5

This China Town tourist destination was founded in the late 18th century by the Chinese community from the Nghia An area of Guangdong. This is the place to worship Quan Cong, a historical figure of the Three Kingdoms period who is revered by Chinese folk as Quan Thanh De Quan. This work has similar architecture to other Chinese temples. Coming to Ong China Town Pagoda, visitors can offer incense to pray for peace and enjoy the scenery.

3.4. Quan Am Pagoda (On Lang assembly hall)

Address: No. 12 Lao Tzu, Ward 11, District 5

On Lang Assembly Hall in China Town is a place to pray for wealth, peace, order, and love at the beginning of the year for Chinese people. This project was established in 1740 with the purpose of being a place for Phuoc Kien (China) people to gather and practice their beliefs. This place worships many gods, including Thien Hau and Quan Am.

3.5. Tam Son Assembly Hall

Address: 118 Trieu Quang Phuc, Ward 11, District 5

In 1839, this project was built by the Fujian Chinese community under the reign of King Minh Mang. Tam Son Assembly Hall is the place to worship Thien Empress Thanh Mau, Kim Hue Thanh Mau and Phuoc Duc Chanh Than. Besides, this China Town tourist destination also worships many other gods, such as Than Tai Am Phu, Tam Thanh, Quan Am, Ngoc Hoang, Quan Cong, Thai Tue Long Vuong...

3.6. Minh Huong Pagoda (Phuoc An Assembly Hall)

Address: No. 184 Hong Bang, Ward 12, District 5

Although built later than other assembly halls in Cho Lon China Town, Minh Huong Pagoda is still not inferior in decorative art or architectural value, especially the art of wood carving. This sightseeing spot in China Town has a campus of nearly 1,000 square meters, including the main hall in the south, the main hall in the north, and the central hall in the middle. Coming to Phuoc An Assembly Hall, visitors will admire the unique architecture and offer incense to pray for peace.

3.7. Phung Hung Market

Address: Phung Hung Street, Ward 14, District 5

One of the extremely busy markets in Saigon. This place is T-shaped and divided into many different groups of stalls, such as fresh meat, fruits and vegetables, food, etc. If you come to Phung Hung Market early in the morning, visitors will be immersed in the atmosphere. cheerful, "buyers and sellers" go back and forth very bustlingly. In particular, this China Town tourist destination has many delicious dishes imbued with Vietnamese-Chinese culinary culture that are well worth trying.

4. Explore Chinatown cuisine in District 5

Coming to China Town, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy diverse Chinese cuisine such as banh to, Sichuan tofu, Duong Chau fried rice, roast pork, Dan Ich hot pot, chicken seed sweet soup, etc.

4.1. Dong Nguyen chicken rice

Address:
No. 801 Nguyen Trai, Ward 14, District 5
No. 53 Ha Huy Tap, Tan Phong Ward, District 7

What to eat in Saigon is not a difficult question when coming to China Town. This place is famous near and far for its delicious chicken dishes such as chicken curry rice, chicken rice with black pepper sauce, chicken intestine rice, soy sauce chicken rice, etc. The juicy, sweet chicken pieces blend with the ingredients. Another ingredient that makes anyone who eats it remember it forever and never forget it.

4.2. Dimsum 108B Xom Dat

Reference address: No. 108 Xom Dat, Ward 8, District 11

Dimsum restaurant 108B Xom Dat in Saigon's Chinatown is frequented by the "gourmet" community. This eating place in China Town is known as "dimsum paradise" when there are many different dishes such as dumplings (kim sa, char siu, meat filling), dumplings (taro, shrimp, meat), sticky rice cake, etc. Each dish has a soft crust and a filling.

4.3. Hong Phat Bakery

Reference address: No. 236/25 Hoa Hao, Ward 3, District 10

When you come to Chinatown in Saigon and don't know what to eat, go to Hong Phat cake shop. This is not a professional cake production facility but just a small family-run bakery. Each type of cake is handcrafted according to a family recipe, so it has a very unique flavor. Among them, the Hong Kong-style egg tart has made the restaurant's name.

4.4. Vinh Phong roast duck

Address: No. 523 – 525 – 527 Phan Van Tri, Ward 7, District 5

Mentioning China Town cuisine without mentioning Vinh Phong Roast Duck Restaurant is a big mistake. Coming here, you can easily see images of long lines of people waiting for their turn to buy goods. In addition to roasted duck, Vinh Phong China Town restaurant also has many other dishes worth trying, such as boiled chicken, roasted chicken, roasted pork, pha lau, char siu, roasted suckling pig, etc.

4.5. Dan Ich fish hotpot

Address: No. 99 Chau Van Liem, Ward 14, District 5

If you're wondering where to have dinner in China Town, you should check out Dan Ich Fish Hotpot Restaurant. This place is famous for its traditional way of heating hot pots with charcoal. A full, super-quality hot pot set with lots of toppings like squid, fish balls, shrimp, raw vegetables, etc.

With many famous entertainment venues and diverse and delicious dishes, Chinatown in Saigon will definitely bring visitors many memorable experiences. If you are planning a trip to Saigon, please save the attractions and restaurants in China Town that Threeland Travel just suggested above to make the trip more complete and memorable. 

Don't forget to stop by Threeland Travel as best travel agency in Vietnam to take advantage of the Vietnam Holiday Deals and other exciting opportunities that await you on that tour to Vietnam.