Visit of the Chinese District

Visit to the Chinese district of Cholon, the multicultural heart of Saigon

In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cholon Chinatown reveals a fascinating side of Vietnam, between spirituality, effervescence and millenary traditions.
Founded in the 18th century by Chinese communities who came to settle in the south of the country, Cholon - literally "big market" - is today a real cultural crossroads, where Vietnamese, Cantonese and Hokkian influences mingle.

During this guided tour in English, you will dive into the lively atmosphere of the shopping alleys, the pagodas perfumed with incense and the apothecaries' shops that perpetuate ancient knowledge.
It is a place where each facade, each lantern and each stall tell a story of exchanges and crossbreeding.

Accompanied by your English-speaking guide, you will discover emblematic places such as the pagoda of the Celestial Lady (Thien Hau), dedicated to the protective goddess of sailors, the shopping streets of the Binh Tay market, and the Fito museum, devoted to traditional Vietnamese medicine.

Mais au-delà des sites, c’est surtout l’âme de Cholon qui séduit : celle d’un quartier vivant, vibrant, où les traditions chinoises se sont harmonieusement mêlées à la culture vietnamienne pour donner naissance à un univers unique et intemporel.

Exploring the Chinatown of Saigon is to go back in time while feeling the vitality of modern Vietnam.
A sensory and cultural experience, between aromas of incense, bell sounds and benevolent smiles.

Planning of the visit to Cholon’s Chinatown

Our English-speaking tour guide meets you at your hotel in the city center around 8 a.m.

Start the day by immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Chinatown. Venture through the stalls of the Soai Kinh Lam fabric market and visit the Thien Hau Pagoda known as the Heavenly Lady’s Pagoda, which protects the sailors and the fishermen.

Visit a temple dedicated to the founder of the goldsmith then Van Phat Pagoda.

In the afternoon, after lunch, discover traditional Asian medicine during the visit of the Fito museum and then discover the streets of district 10 before returning to the hotel.

Price 2025 - 2026

2 pax: 2.050.000 VND / pax

3 pax: 1.780.000 VND / pax

4 pax: 1.570.000 VND / pax

Why visit Cholon’s Chinatown?

True multicultural heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cholon Chinatown is much more than a simple place to visit: it is a sensory and human experience that reveals another facet of Vietnam.
Between history, spirituality and daily life, this historic district invites you to a journey through time and traditions.

A living cultural heritage

Founded by the Chinese communities settled in the 18th century, Cholon is one of the oldest districts of Saigon.
Its temples, pagodas and markets testify to a harmonious cohabitation between the Vietnamese and Chinese cultures.
Visitors feel the spiritual depth of the place, through richly decorated temples, Buddhist ceremonies and Lunar New Year festivities, celebrated with fervor.

Exploring Cholon is discovering a Vietnam with multiple influences, where each alley tells a story of exchanges, beliefs and know-how passed down for generations.

Pagodas imbued with spirituality

The pagodas of Cholon, including the famous pagoda Thien Hau (Heavenly Lady), are real architectural gems.
Their varnished tile roofs, carved woodwork and protective statues reflect the finesse of Sino-Vietnamese art.
The atmosphere is unique: between incense floating in the light, murmured prayers and colorful offerings, these temples invite to meditation and contemplation.