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Private tailor-made journeys of a life time
Aug 3, 2023
By Ms. Minh Thu
Ho Chi Minh City is not only famous for Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh Market, Mekong River, but also Cho Lon Chinatown Ho Chi Minh. Cho Lon Chinatown Ho Chi Minh is a suitable place for you to explore interesting Chinese places and delicious dishes in the very heart of Ho Chi Minh city. What are you waiting for? Let’s discover Cho Lon Chinatown Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Escape Tours!
Before 1698, in De Ngan (later called Cho Lon) there was Minh Huong village of the Chinese (because they did not follow the Qing Dynasty, they left China to settle in Dang Trong, Vietnam). As a result, Saigon and Cho Lon were two distinct cities prior to the French colonial era. Cho Lon area used to be called Saigon market street, and today's Saigon area (District 1) was called Ben Nghe. The two were separated by a suburb in the middle.
Later, the French took the name Saigon and attached it to the urban area in Ben Nghe (District 1). The name Cho Lon probably comes from comparing the larger Chinese market with other Vietnamese markets such as Tan Kieng market (Quan market).
The two cities were combined into a one administrative entity called Saigon-Cho Lon by proclamation of the then-president of France in 1931. The name Cho Lon no longer exists in administrative terms, but becomes an experiential cultural area in districts 5, 6 and 11.
Cho Lon Chinatown in the 1950s
The cultural, architectural, and religious values of the Cho Lon area are still present today. Particularly, it appears that the temple, the assembly hall, and the roofs covered in dark pipes covered in moss have escaped the effects of time. Restaurants, hotels, and commercial streets bearing the identity of hundred-year-old overseas Chinese still exist.
In addition, referring to Chinatown, it would be remiss not to talk about diverse and culturally rich cuisine such as Dan Ich hot pot with a variety of homemade dipping sauces that have the aroma of time, Yangzhou fried rice, bowl cake, Sichuan tofu, roasted pork, or chicken nuggets...
Chinese people nowadays are still making efforts in preserving their hometown’s culture and language. Many people living in Cho Lon Chinese Town still use Chinese in daily conversation with parents and siblings so as not to forget their mother tongue. They still maintain traditions and customs on big holidays. For example, in the Lunar New Year, they will prepare fireworks, Chinese medicine, best wishes to give each other,...or in the Middle Autumn Festival, they never forget to prepare a five-fruit tray, baked mooncakes, and incense.
Chinese people in Cho Lon Chinatown nowadays
The current Cho Lon area, despite many changes, is still one of the prosperous trading centers of not only the Chinese but also the Vietnamese, and at the same time it is also an indispensable economic center. One of the most dynamic cities in Southeast Asia is Ho Chi Minh City.
The cultural, architectural, and religious values of Cho Lon from many centuries ago are still present today. With this place it seems that the destructive power of time slows down a lot. Some economic experts said that the legacy of Cho Lon can nurture tourism culture and bring revenue to Ho Chi Minh City similar to the way Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore develop Chinatowns.
1. Hao Sy Phuong Alley
This place is situated at 802 Nguyen Trai, District 5. You don’t have to go to China to see up-close the lives as well as architecture of middle-classed people. Because you just need to visit Hao Sy Phuong Valley, which accommodates hundreds of Chinese people. Being 1 hundred years old, the valley is impressive with a yellow cover, bringing about a vintage ambience at the first look. The architecture here is also very Chinese when the corridors are at the front of the apartments, which we often see in modern Chinese movies. It is different from Vietnamese architecture, whose corridors are in the middle of each storey. The Valley is also typical because of the decorations which are dragons, phoenix, or houses.
2. Hau Pagoda
Thien Hau pagoda is one of the most famous sacred places in Cho Lon Chinatown Ho Chi Minh. The pagoda was constructed in 1760 and has since undergone numerous repairs, but it still has the same ancient appearance of solitude and tranquility. The goddess Thien Hau, the defender of seafarers and sailors, is the subject of this magnificent temple. Within the temple, you can be astounded by the elaborate altars, vibrant decorations, delicate porcelain figurines, and intricate wood carvings that highlight the rich Chinese cultural heritage.
3. Chinese medicine Pharmacies
China has a long history of using herbs as medicine in treating illnesses and nourishing the body. During their move to Vietnam, Chinese people also brought this custom to Vietnam. In Cho Lon Chinatown Ho Chi Minh, there are still many shops selling herbal medicines. You can take a tour around these shops, take photos, enjoy the fragrant smells of dry herbs, and buy some remedies to nourish your own body or give it to your beloved ones as a gift.
4. Lantern Street
One more place that makes you think as if you’re in China streets is Lantern Street in Cho Lon Chinatown Ho Chi Minh. The particular address is at Luong Nhu Hoc Street. This is a beautiful place where you can enjoy the rich Chinese culture. This Street is even more hustling and lively in great festivals such as Lunar New year or Mid-Autumn Festival. People often come here to buy lanterns, drums, and other decorations.
5. Binh Tay Market
Chinatown in Saigon is home to the dynamic and varied Binh Tay Market, a bustling and genuine market. Unlike the tourist-oriented Ben Thanh Market, Binh Tay Market mostly serves residents, making it a great spot to get a feel for the neighborhood's daily life. The market is a gourmet joy where you can experience delicious snacks, fresh fruit, and traditional Chinese ingredients thanks to its large choice of Chinese food and items.
1. Duong Chau fried rice
Duong Chau fried rice plate is like a colorful picture. Rice is grainy, apricot yellow alternating with eye-catching egg veins, fresh and dry vegetables. When eating, it feels sweet enough and has a fragrant, fleshy taste. The unique flavor that makes this dish distinctive from other fried rice is Chinese sausages, which is made of fresh meat from Duong Chau province.
2. Sichuan tofu
Sichuan tofu is one of the famous dishes of China that anyone who has tasted it will never forget. The spicy, aromatic flavor of the soft tofu pieces soaked in thick sauce will make you linger forever. When it comes to delicious dishes from young tofu, it is impossible to ignore dishes such as tofu braised with eggplant, young tofu with minced meat sauce, braised white radish tofu, minced tofu soup... Among them, the most special ingredient is the Sichuan Sauce, also known as Mapo. This dish is a harmony of many different flavors that help stimulate the taste of users, including hot, aromatic, soft, fleshy, spicy.
3. Spicy Sichuan boneless duck feet
The spicy Sichuan boneless duck feet is finished with a very attractive coating of sauce. The dish stands out with duck skin when eaten crispy, soft and easy to eat. The chewy, crunchy boneless chicken feet, combined with the signature spicy Sichuan chili sauce, will definitely make you irresistible to try.
4. Dumplings
Dumplings are a dish originating from Chaozhou, China and are commonly used in breakfast and in dimsum. The crust and the meat filling are the two components that make up a dumpling. The crust is made from flour, dumpling flour, tapioca flour, and the filling can be varied including meat, shrimp, vegetables, fruits, spices, etc. This is regarded as the typical dish of Chinese cuisine.
5. Hu Tieu
Hu Tieu is a dish originating from the Chinese people, precisely the homeland of Chaozhou. The main ingredient of the noodle dish is noodle soup, the main broth is with minced meat, pork intestines cooked together. Then lightly coat the noodles with the broth, then add the extra ingredients such as bean sprouts, shallots, minced meat. You can enjoy this dish with beef balls, chili paste, and soy sauce.
Vietnam Escape Tours hopes you can derive some useful information from the article below. In short, Cho Lon Chinatown Ho Chi Minh City is worth visiting in your Vietnam Tour. Come and save pretty memories with your beloved ones at this place. Many thanks for reading!
