Cho Lon Exploration: Immersing in Vibrant Chinese Culture in Saigon's Chinatown
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1 Rating
Ho Chi Minh City
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Chinese culture of Saigon's Chinatown, Cho Lon. Explore the old streets, learn about Chinese way of living, bargain in the bustling markets, and taste unique local snacks.
Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chinatown (Cho Lon) - District 5 - We will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Ming City at around 8 am. Known as Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, Cho Lon is where visitors will explore the various sights and sounds of Vietnam’s tight connection with Chinese heritage. Home of landmarks such as the Thien Hau Pagoda and the bustling Binh Tay Market, Cho Lon lies in the heart of the city and just west of the Saigon River. Often crowded and brimming with life, it is here where back-alley exploration and looking for authenticity comes to life.

Our tour commences with a walk through colourful merchant streets and markets in Cho Lon to learn how the Minh Huong community has been integrating into Vietnamese life. The overwhelming atmosphere will give each visitor immediately the feeling that they are in something really special. It takes almost half of one of Ho Chi Minh’s main districts!

  • St Francis Xavier Church - During our walk, we visit the Francis Xavier Church, built for Chinese Christians which witnessed the last prayer of President Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother on the fatal morning of his passing.
  • Ba Thien Hau Temple - In the heart of Cho Lon, you can find the Thien Hau Pagoda. It was built by Cantonese in the 19th century and dedicated to Thien Hau - the Goddess of the Sea -, who was known for saving people who run into trouble when travelling over water. Recorded as one of the oldest temples in the city, the Thien Hau Pagoda is known to be a popular meeting point for the Chinese community, both for paying respect and meeting friends and family. Mingle beneath the large coils of suspended incense in Chinese Assembly hall, this temple certainly will bring forward some Instagrammable moments. The decorative ceramic figurine, the altars and worshipping objects will reveal untold stories, such as the arrival of Marco Polo or legends of Yue Lao \
What's Included
  • All taxes and service charges included
  • Air-conditioned transport with a professional driver
  • Entrance fees to all attractions included
  • Half-day tour with an English-speaking guide
What's Not Included
  • Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees
  • Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
  • Single supplement charges for single travellers, where applicable
  • Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
  • Transfers from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
  • Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)
Additional Information

Cho Lon, with its pronounced Chinese flair, somehow manages to exceed the dynamic liveliness of downtown Ho Chi Minh City. It’s an unforgettable place, teeming with myriad sights, sounds, and aromas that call it home. Predominantly inhabited by the Minh Huong (of Chinese origin), Saigon’s Chinatown deserves at least a half-day of exploration. This morning excursion will allow you to penetrate the traditional core of Cho Lon, giving you a deeper understanding of the unique customs, value systems, and religious beliefs that shape this segment of Ho Chi Minh City.

• Meander through the ancient byways and lanes of Cho Lon
• Understand the Chinese lifestyle in Saigon
• Experience the perpetual haggling that infuses the city’s atmosphere
• Honor the Sea Goddess at Thien Hau
• Taste some localized delicacies and dishes - unique to Vietnam

  • This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply
  • Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Ho Chi Minh City centre. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside the city, harbour and the Ho Chi Minh’s International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
  • Customers are advised that during the TET celebrations (celebration of Vietnamese New Year), excursions and tours may be subject to supplementary charges and/or may see longer waiting times than normal.
  • To respect local customs and respecting the religious sites and temples on this tour, it is customary for guests to take off their shoes before allowed entrance. Your guide will inform you in advance for which of these sites this is applicable.
  • We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
  • Please note pickup and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off.
  • Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this.
  • Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
  • It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.
  • In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.
Location
Chinatown (Cho Lon) - District 5
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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Patrick
Jul 28, 2016
Ms. Jade offered a fantastic and... - <p>Ms. Jade offered a fantastic and informative tour of Ho Chi Minh City. She gave options and took her time explaining the insights of the places visited. Highly recommended!</p>
Review provided by Viator
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minimum 2 guests
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up to 15 guests
2 Adult
June 2024
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