What to do in District 5, Saigon

What to do in District 5, Saigon
Nghia Huynh
What to do in District 5, Saigon

District 5 is home to the nation’s largest and most fun Chinatown. The area, locally referred to as Cholon, is a mix of diverse culture and endless activity that spills from the noisy alleyways which twist boundlessly throughout the concrete expanse. Just off the tourist trail, it is a great place to see a different side of Saigon.


Thien Hau Pagoda

What to do in District 5, Saigon
Thien Hau Pagoda

The most popular and one of the impressive of Cho Lon’s Chinese pagodas, the temple is dedicated to Thien Hau, Goddess of the Sea. When the temple was established in mid eighteenth century, the Chinese community tended to be made up of merchants and seafarers who were grateful for the Goddess’s protection. The temple’s significance was reinforced again the in late 1970s when many from Cho Lon’s Chinese community fled Vietnam in small boats following China’s invasion of northern Vietnam.


An Dong Market

What to do in District 5, Saigon
Journey On Air

An Dong Market sells fabrics, clothing, home wares and craft goods. Handmade jewelry and hand-carved woodwork can be found scattered throughout the piles as well. From the outside the building is as uninviting as possible, a large square, white, Soviet looking block. However once inside, the colors, excitement and textures are as Vietnamese as any of the city’s other great shopping centers.


Street food in Cho Lon

What to do in District 5, Saigon
vnexpress.net

Cho Lon is home to a wide array of traditional Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants. In District 5, both Tan Nguyen Thai and Tien Phat Dim Sum have become somewhat famous among locals and expats. Both serve up an incredible variety of steamed or pan-fried Chinese dumplings.


Like the rest of Cho Lon and the rest of city for that matter, they are both a bit hectic and chaotic, yet make for a great meal if you are in the area exploring. Within the confines of Binh Tay Market, there is a great food court that serves up local specialties. It is usually on the busy side, yet a nice way to get a glimpse into the culture and to find a fantastically cheap meal.


Binh Tay Market

What to do in District 5, Saigon
angiangtourism.vn

A good day exploring will usually begin by the sprawling Binh Tay Market, which straddles the line between District 5 and 6. The market sells meats and seafood out front and pretty much everything else inside. Some goods can be bought individually, but most such as spices or silks, are sold in bulk. There is also a food court that serves up excellent traditional Vietnamese and Chinese dishes. 


Saigon is a city full of markets, yet most travelers only spend time at centrally located Ben Thanh. Binh Tay, on the other hand, have more locals shop. The vibe is much different and the vendors are almost entirely hands off.


Quan Am Pagoda

What to do in District 5, Saigon
Wikipedia tiếng Việt

Quan Am Pagoda is another favourite place. It was established by Cho Lon’s Fujianese community and dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. A recent renovation has removed some of its edge but it is still worth visiting. Phuc An Hoi Quan Pagoda is also close by.


Source Internet


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