Cholon Market District 5 in Saigon
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Cholon is the Chinese district or a sort of Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon. In fact it is the largest district of its kind in Vietnam. On the West bank of the Saigon River, ChoLon spans across two districts: that of district 5 and 6. Literally translated Cholon means “Big market” in Chinese.
The vast Binh Tay Market in Cholon lives up to its nomenclature. This market is not as centrally located as the more famous Ben Thanh Market. Cholon is like a step back in to time as much of it is almost the same as it was before the Vietnam War. Old colonial style architecture still surrounds this market and adds to its charm.
It gets rather warm inside the market as it tends to be very crowded. The constant din of people talking and bargaining in raised voices provides a certain atmosphere that is not replicable anywhere else.
A huge variety of goods can be found here. From pistachios to fake “Rolexes” the sheer range of products available is mind boggling. If you are a shopaholic and a good bargainer then this place is where you will be in your element. Rule of thumb: anything with out a price tag attached can be had for two-thirds of the price quoted.
The Cholon district also boasts of picturesque pagodas: The Thien Hau Pagoda is one such temple you cannot afford to miss. Dedicated to Thien Hau, protector of the sea it is very popular with local devotees.
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