District 5, Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

Explore District 5 in Ho Chi Minh City: A Cultural Mosaic of Vibrant Markets, Historic Temples, and Culinary Delights.

District 5, also known as Cholon, is the vibrant heart of Ho Chi Minh City's Chinese community. This bustling neighbourhood is famous for its eclectic mix of cultures, mouth-watering street food, and historical landmarks. As you stroll through the streets, you'll encounter a blend of Vietnamese and Chinese influences, from the architecture to the lively markets and temples. One of the must-visit spots in District 5 is the Binh Tay Market. This historic market, built in the 1920s, offers an authentic shopping experience with a wide range of goods, from fresh produce to traditional handicrafts. Don't miss the opportunity to try some local delicacies, such as banh bao (steamed buns) and hu tieu (rice noodle soup), as you explore the bustling stalls. Another highlight of District 5 is its beautiful temples and pagodas. The Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, is one of the oldest and most revered temples in the area. Its intricate carvings and vibrant altars offer a glimpse into the spiritual life of the local community. For a touch of history, visit the Cha Tam Church, a unique blend of Gothic and Chinese architectural styles, where President Ngo Dinh Diem sought refuge during the 1963 coup. District 5 is also home to a thriving culinary scene. From traditional dim sum to the exotic flavors of Vietnamese-Chinese fusion cuisine, the neighbourhood's many restaurants and street vendors offer a feast for the senses. Be sure to visit the famous food street, Nguyen Trai, where you can sample a variety of dishes and experience the lively atmosphere that defines this part of the city.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring District 5.

Visit early in the morning to experience Binh Tay Market at its liveliest and to avoid the midday heat.
Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas to show respect for local customs.
Carry cash, as many street vendors and small shops do not accept credit cards.
Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
Try the street food but make sure to choose stalls with a high turnover to ensure freshness.

Explore District 5: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in District 5

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Tao Dan Park

Explore the serene beauty of Tao Dan Park, a lush urban escape in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, perfect for relaxation and cultural immersion.

4.5

Ten Thousand Buddha Temple

Explore the serene Ten Thousand Buddha Temple in Ho Chi Minh City, a cultural gem adorned with golden Buddhas and lush gardens, perfect for spiritual seekers.

4.7

三山會館-Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda

Explore the serene Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, a stunning blend of spirituality and architectural beauty.

4.3

kênh Tàu Hủ

Discover the vibrant local culture along Kênh Tàu Hũ, a picturesque canal in Ho Chi Minh City filled with life, colors, and authentic experiences.

4.0

Best landmarks in District 5

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Ho Chi Minh Statue

Explore the Ho Chi Minh Statue, a historic monument reflecting Vietnam's legacy and vibrant culture in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

4.6

Ten Thousand Buddha Temple

Explore the serene beauty of Ten Thousand Buddha Temple, a cultural gem in Ho Chi Minh City filled with intricate architecture and thousands of Buddha statues.

4.7

Phước An Hội Quán

Discover the spiritual beauty and cultural heritage of Phước An Hội Quán, a vibrant temple in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

4.4

Ha Chuong Assembly Hall

Discover the enchanting Ha Chuong Assembly Hall, a spiritual and cultural gem in Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing exquisite architecture and local traditions.

4.6

Best restaurants in District 5

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Dong Nguyen Chicken Rice

Discover the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine at Dong Nguyen Chicken Rice - A must-visit destination for food lovers in Ho Chi Minh City.

4.3

Dim Tu Tac

Experience authentic dim sum at Dim Tu Tac in Ho Chi Minh City – a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking delightful flavors.

4.2

Tiến Phát - Điểm tâm Hồng Kông

Experience authentic Hong Kong dim sum at Tiến Phát - Điểm tâm Hồng Kông, a culinary gem in Ho Chi Minh City offering delicious flavors and vibrant atmosphere.

4.4

Hai Lua Restaurant

Discover authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Hai Lua Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City - a culinary delight with traditional flavors.

3.8

Best bars in District 5

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Karaoke ICOOL

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City at Karaoke ICOOL, where every night is a celebration of music and fun.

4.4

Johama Bar & Restaurant

Discover the vibrant flavors and live music at Johama Bar & Restaurant, a cultural hotspot in Ho Chi Minh City.

4.4

Voilà Bar Chinatown

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Voilà Bar Chinatown, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere in Ho Chi Minh City.

4.7

1135.Nhuận Phát

Discover the vibrant nightlife at 1135.Nhuận Phát, a quintessential bar in Ho Chi Minh City offering a blend of local culture and delightful drinks.

4.3

Best nightclubs in District 5

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Dragon-K

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City at Dragon-K, a lively karaoke bar and restaurant where fun meets delicious dining.

4.1

New DC Club

Discover the electrifying atmosphere and vibrant nightlife at New DC Club, the premier destination for unforgettable nights in Ho Chi Minh City.

4.1

Nhà Huy Minh

Discover the pulse of Ho Chi Minh City nightlife at Nhà Huy Minh, where exhilarating music meets vibrant energy in an unforgettable club experience.

5.0

Cafe Cây Bàng

Discover the vibrant fusion of café culture and cabaret entertainment at Cafe Cây Bàng in Ho Chi Minh City.

4.4

Best shops in District 5

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Lemon Gift Shop

Discover unique souvenirs, delicious pastries, and seasonal gifts at Lemon Gift Shop in Ho Chi Minh City.

4.5

Gift Shop 8-3

Discover unique Vietnamese souvenirs and traditional crafts at Gift Shop 8-3 in Ho Chi Minh City, a perfect stop for memorable mementos.

3.9

7 Gift Shop (Shop Quà Tặng)

Discover unique gifts, toys, and jewelry at 7 Gift Shop in Ho Chi Minh City, where every item tells a story.

4.1

Zippo Vietnam

Explore Zippo Vietnam, a unique gift shop in Ho Chi Minh City offering authentic Zippo lighters and memorable souvenirs.

4.5

Explore District 5 on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in District 5, mapped for you.

District 5 Essentials

District 5, also known as Cholon, can be easily accessed from other neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City. From District 1, you can take a taxi or grab ride, which typically takes around 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. Public buses are also available, with routes like Bus 1 and Bus 19 connecting District 1 to District 5. If you're coming from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient option, taking approximately 30-45 minutes.
District 5 offers various transportation options for getting around. The local bus system is efficient, with several lines serving the area. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are widely used and affordable. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the neighborhood at a leisurely pace, especially in areas like the bustling markets. Walking is also a viable option, as many attractions are close to each other.
District 5 is generally safe for tourists, but caution is advised, especially in crowded areas like markets and bus stations. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur. Areas such as the Binh Tay Market can be busy, so stay vigilant with your belongings. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and always be aware of your surroundings.
In case of an emergency, dial 113 for police, 115 for medical assistance, and 114 for fire services. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital, such as Cho Quan Hospital. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are widely available. Always keep emergency contact numbers accessible.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and pagodas. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and practices. Always remove shoes before entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a slight bow. Don't be overly familiar without a proper introduction. Eating & Drinking: Do try street food but ensure it’s from a busy vendor for safety. Don't refuse food and drink offered by locals, as it can be seen as impolite.
To experience District 5 like a local, visit the historic Binh Tay Market to sample authentic food and shop for local goods. Try to learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases, as locals appreciate the effort. Consider visiting the Thien Hau Temple, which is a significant cultural site. Take time to explore the neighborhood's hidden alleyways to discover street art and lesser-known eateries. Engaging with local vendors can lead to unique insights about the area's history and traditions.

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for District 5

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in District 5. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
- GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tahm byet]
- YesCó
  [kaw]
- NoKhông
  [kohng]
- Please/You're welcomeLàm ơn
  [lam uhn]
- Thank youCám ơn
  [kahm uhn]
- Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
  [sin loy]
- How are you?Bạn khỏe không?
  [bahn kweh kohng]
- Fine. And you?Khỏe. Còn bạn?
  [kweh. kawn bahn]
- Do you speak English?Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?
  [bahn kaw noy tyeng ang kohng]
- I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy kohng hyeo]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCho xem menu, vui lòng
  [cho sem menu, vui long]
- I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy kohng an tiet]
- Cheers!Chúc sức khỏe!
  [chuhk sook kweh]
- I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, vui lòng
  [toy mawn thanh toan, vui long]
- Help!Cứu!
  [kyoo]
- Go away!Đi đi!
  [dee dee]
- Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát!
  [goy kahn saht]
- Call a doctor!Gọi bác sĩ!
  [goy bahk see]
- I'm lostTôi lạc đường
  [toy lahk doong]
- I'm illTôi ốm
  [toy ohm]
- I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy mawn mwa]
- I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem thôi
  [toy chi sem toy]
- How much is it?Nó giá bao nhiêu?
  [noh zah baow nyew]
- That's too expensiveĐắt quá
  [daht kwah]
- Can you lower the price?Bạn có thể giảm giá không?
  [bahn kaw thee zam zah kohng]
- What time is it?Bây giờ mấy giờ?
  [bay zoh may zoh]
- It's one o'clockMột giờ
  [moht zoh]
- Half past (10)Mười giờ rưỡi
  [moo-ee zoh rooy]
- MorningBuổi sáng
  [bwee sahng]
- AfternoonBuổi chiều
  [bwee chee-ew]
- EveningBuổi tối
  [bwee toy]
- YesterdayHôm qua
  [hohm kwa]
- TodayHôm nay
  [hohm nai]
- TomorrowNgày mai
  [nyai mai]
- 1Một
  [moht]
- 2Hai
  [hai]
- 3Ba
  [ba]
- 4Bốn
  [bohn]
- 5Năm
  [nahm]
- 6Sáu
  [sow]
- 7Bảy
  [bahy]
- 8Tám
  [tahm]
- 9Chín
  [cheen]
- 10Mười
  [moo-ee]
- Where's a/the...?Chỗ...ở đâu?
  [cho...uh doh]
- What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?
  [dia chee la zee]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi (trên bản đồ) không?
  [bahn kaw thee chee chaw toy (trern bahn doh) kohng]
- When's the next (bus)?Khi nào là chuyến tiếp theo?
  [khi now la chwien tyep theo]
- A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đến ....)
  [moht veh (den ....)]

History of District 5

District 5, known as Cholon, is the largest Chinatown in Vietnam and has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century when Vietnamese and Chinese immigrants began to settle in the area. This influx led to the establishment of a vibrant community that maintained its cultural identity, evident in the architecture, festivals, and cuisine that define the neighborhood today.
During the 19th century, District 5 became a focal point for the Chinese diaspora in Vietnam. The establishment of trade routes and economic opportunities attracted many merchants and artisans. As a result, the area became known for its bustling markets, traditional medicine shops, and a variety of Chinese restaurants, preserving cultural practices unique to the Chinese community.
The French colonial era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought significant changes to District 5. The French administration introduced urban planning concepts, paving roads and developing infrastructure while also imposing Western architectural styles on some buildings. Despite this, many traditional Chinese structures and temples, such as the Thien Hau Temple, continued to flourish, showcasing a blend of cultures.
During the Vietnam War, District 5 was heavily impacted by the conflict. The area served as a strategic location for both military and civilian activities. The vibrant community faced challenges, yet it remained resilient, continuing to celebrate its culture through festivals like the Lunar New Year, which became more significant as a means of preserving identity amid turmoil.
After the reunification of Vietnam in 1975, District 5 underwent significant transformations. The government invested in urban development, improving infrastructure and public services. This period also saw a resurgence of cultural pride, as the Chinese community actively promoted their heritage, leading to the establishment of cultural centers and the preservation of traditional practices.