Cholon

Cholon, also spelled Cho Lon (Chợ Lớn), is the historic Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is centered in District 5 and constitutes one of the city’s oldest commercial and cultural districts.

Historically it developed as a hub for ethnic Chinese merchants and immigrants from southern China who settled in the area from the 17th to 19th centuries. Under French rule it grew into a major wholesale and retail trading district serving Chinese-Vietnamese communities across the south.

Key landmarks include Thien Hau Temple (Chua Thien Hau), a temple to the sea goddess Mazu, and the Quan Am Pagoda. The Binh Tay Market (Chợ Bình Tây) is a large traditional market and trading center known for textiles, herbs, and goods.

The area remains a vibrant commercial center and cultural enclave, with a concentration of Chinese-language shops, temples, and clan houses, as well as foods blending Vietnamese and Cantonese and other regional Chinese cuisines. The district continues to be associated with the Hoa people, descendants of Chinese immigrants, and hosts celebrations such as the Lunar New Year.

Today Cholon is part of Ho Chi Minh City's urban fabric and is frequently visited for its markets and religious sites, offering a window into the historical Sino-Vietnamese community.