Cho Lon lies on the west bank of the Saigon River, having Bình Tây Market as its central market. Cholon consists of the western half of District 5 as well as several adjoining neighborhoods in District 6.
Cho Lon is an indispensible and famous attraction in Ho Chi Minh tours. When hearing Cho Lon, people will think about a lively atmosphere with bustling handicraft workshops, shop-houses being in close proximity to one another and distinctive foods of Chinese. Chinese people currently concentrate in District 5 where has still preserved their priceless values on culture, religion and architecture existing thousands of years. The pipe-shaped tiled roofs in Chinatown streets combine typical Chinese architectures featuring a unique classic beauty. Tourists visiting Cholon actually feel like to be presence in a certain old town of the Chinese some centuries ago.
Cholon is bustling with buyers and sellers trading goods. Coming to Cho Lon, besides sightseeing and shopping, tourists also witness the vibrant life of Chinese people who has migrated here for decades, and those who was born and grew up on this land.
Referring Chinatown, it does not mean that tourists simply go to the market but can set foot in any restaurants and cafes. All restaurants and cafes signboards written 2 different language. A special thing here is that owners can speak both Vietnamese and Chinese. Here, tourists can catch the mold of the Chinese cafeteria bosses – that is a big belly man with his cheerful face and a towel squeezed his shoulder.
In the evening, Cholon seems to rejuvernate. From distance, one can see neon signs of various sizes, shapes, and colors. Tourists flock into this area not only for purchasing goods but tasting the gastronomy of the Hoa as well.