CholonCholon occupies much of District 5 west of central Saigon and is the city’s traditional Chinatown. Streets such as Nguyễn Tri Phương and Trần Hưng Đạo host mills of small wholesale shops, herbal stores, vegetarian restaurants and ornate temples.
Daytime is market-focused: An Đông Market, Chợ Lớn lanes and the Ho Thi Ky flower market are busy and colourful. Nights are much quieter than District 1, you’ll find low-key bars and KTVs rather than a club scene, and many restaurants close earlier than downtown.
The area suits travellers who want authentic markets, Chinese-Vietnamese cuisine and inexpensive guesthouses. It’s also handy for events at Thống Nhất Stadium and makes a calm base if you plan frequent trips into central Ho Chi Minh City.
Cholon at a Glance
Markets and temples, cheap eats and traditional shops clustered around Nguyễn Tri Phương and An Đông.
- Best for: Markets, Chinese-Vietnamese food and culture
- Vibe: Busy daytime markets, quiet evenings, temple-lined streets
- Nearest station: Bến Thành transport hub (District 1)
- Price level: Mostly $ - very affordable for food and shopping
- To the main sights: 10-20 minutes from central District 1 attractions
- Safety: Generally safe; normal city caution at night
Who's Cholon For?
Great for:
- Market shopping and bargains
- Cultural sightseeing and temples
- Budget travellers seeking cheap eats
- Photographers of street life and markets
Maybe skip it if:
- You want a lively nightclub scene
- You need five-star luxury hotels in the neighbourhood
- You have only a couple of hours in Saigon
Getting Your Bearings in Cholon
Cholon sits in District 5 west of the main Saigon river arm, centred on Nguyễn Tri Phương and the An Đông shopping area. It borders District 1 to the east and is a 10-20 minute drive from the city-centre sights.
Plan Your Visit to Cholon
- Markets: Bargain politely; bring cash and inspect goods closely.
- Temple etiquette: Dress modestly and remove shoes when required at temples.
- Best time: Visit markets early morning or late afternoon for peak activity.
- Transport: Use Grab for quick, cheap cross-city trips after dark.
Things to Do in Cholon
- An Đông Market: Traditional multi-storey market for textiles, fashion wholesale and street food stalls.
- Chợ Thiếc (Cho Thiet): Old Chinatown market with fabrics, household goods and bargain hunting.
- Ho Thi Ky Flower Market: A fragrant, hectic flower wholesale market best visited early morning or late evening.
- Thien Hau and other Chinese temples: Wander temple alleys to see incense-filled altars and Chinese-Vietnamese religious life.
- Ho Chi Minh City stadium: Thống Nhất Stadium hosts football matches and occasional events near Cholon.
How to Get to Cholon
- Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN): Public transport: Airport bus or shuttle to Bến Thành in District 1, then a short local bus or Grab/Taxi into District 5; allow 45-75 minutes depending on traffic, cheap single-journey fare. Taxi/ride-hail: 25-40 minutes, straightforward door-to-door; expect a mid-range city taxi fare (roughly in the low hundreds of thousands of VND).
- From the main sights: From central District 1 (Ben Thanh/War Remnants Museum) take a local bus or a 10-20 minute Grab/taxi ride into Cholon; buses are inexpensive but slower, taxis are quickest off-peak.
Getting Around Cholon
- On foot: Streets around An Đông and Nguyễn Tri Phương are compact and walkable; bring comfortable shoes for market lanes.
- Motorbike taxi and Grab: Fast and cheap for short hops; use GrabBike or flag down a xe om for quick trips between markets.
- Public bus and taxi: Local buses criss-cross the area and are very cheap; taxis/Grab cars are sensible for nights or when you have luggage.
Where to Stay in Cholon
Accommodation in Cholon ranges from small budget guesthouses to a few big-name hotels near the district border. Most choices are inexpensive and family-run; streets around Nguyễn Tri Phương and Hùng Vương concentrate guesthouses and mid-range hotels. If you need high-end facilities, consider hotels near the District 1 boundary.
Luxury
- Khách sạn Nikko Saigon: Five-star hotel on the edge of central Saigon, comfortable rooms and full services; a short drive to District 5.
- Khách Sạn Windsor Plaza Sài Gòn: Large well-known hotel offering reliable upscale rooms and amenities within easy reach of Cholon by taxi.
Mid-range
- Khách Sạn Phong Phú: Simple mid-range hotel close to market streets, practical for shoppers and short stays.
- Khách Sạn Minh Hiếu: Basic, clean rooms and a neighbourhood location handy for local eateries.
- Khách Sạn Ngọc Yên: A straightforward mid-range option with easy access to Cholon’s main lanes.
Budget
- Khách Sạn Phương Anh: Budget guesthouse within easy walking distance of market areas; good for solo travellers.
- Khách Sạn DaBlend: Hostel-style accommodation suitable for travellers on a tight budget.
- Khách Sạn Huy Lộc 1: No-frills budget hotel with basic amenities close to local shops.
- NATURAL HOUSE hostel: Hostel option offering dorms and private rooms a short ride from An Đông Market.
Where to Eat in Cholon
Cholon is strong on Chinese-Vietnamese and vegetarian cuisine, with many family-run restaurants and cheap street-food stalls. Head to Nguyễn Tri Phương, the lanes around An Đông Market and the Ho Thi Ky area for the best local choices. Prices are mostly low ($) to moderate ($$), and many popular spots close earlier than downtown venues.
- Cơm Chay Thuyền Tịnh: Vietnamese vegetarian restaurant; very affordable and popular with locals.
- Tiệm Chay Thong Thả: Vegetarian eatery serving simple Vietnamese dishes at budget prices.
- Bún Riêu Chay: Local spot for a vegetarian version of the classic bún riêu; cheap and authentic.
- Phở Hùng - Nguyễn Tri Phương: Well-known pho stall on Nguyễn Tri Phương; wallet-friendly and filling.
- Seafoods.Snails.Clams.Crab: Seafood and hotpot place offering cooked shellfish and communal dishes; moderate price level.
- Tokyo Deli: Japanese and sushi options for when you want something familiar; mid-range prices.
- Highlands Coffee: Local coffee chain for coffee and light snacks; inexpensive and convenient.
Nightlife in Cholon
Cholon is much quieter after dark than District 1, with a scattering of small bars and karaoke venues rather than clubs. If you want a relaxed evening try a local bar or KTV; for a big night out take a short taxi to District 1. Most nightlife here is low-key and neighbourhood-orientated, often closing earlier than downtown spots.
- Quán Bar Phoenix: Small local bar with a laid-back neighbourhood feel.
- 1127 KTV: Karaoke venue popular with groups; typical late-evening Vietnamese nightspot.
- Quán Bar Tokyo Club: Modest bar a short ride from market areas; low-key evening option.
- Hừng Hoa Beer & Cinema: Beer-focused venue with screenings; a different evening option near Cholon.
Shopping in Cholon
Cholon is a buyer’s neighbourhood, wholesale textiles, flower markets and traditional stalls dominate. Walk the lanes around An Đông Market and Chợ Thiếc for fabrics and small retailers; early mornings and late afternoons are busiest. Prices are generally very low and best bargained for in markets rather than fixed-price malls.
- An Dong Market: Multi-storey market for textiles, tailoring and wholesale goods.
- Ho Thi Ky Flower Market: Wholesale flower market supplying florists across the city; lively at dawn and dusk.
- Chợ Thiếc: Historic market in Chinatown known for fabrics, trinkets and bargains.
- Vạn Hạnh Mall: Modern shopping mall with a mix of brands and food options near District 5.
- Chợ Nhật Tảo: Electronics and small-goods market a short walk from the heart of Cholon.