Cholon, Chinese heritage district in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Cholon is the Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City, stretching through the western part of District 5 with narrow streets full of shops and temples. The area has preserved the structure of a traditional Chinese quarter with shophouses, markets, and shrines at many corners.
Chinese merchants founded the settlement in the 18th century when fleeing from Tay Son forces, creating what became Vietnam's largest Chinese enclave. This district grew into an important commercial center that shaped the economic and social structure of the city.
The Thien Hau Temple serves as a spiritual center where visitors can light incense and observe traditional Chinese ceremonies in action. Residents maintain their heritage through daily practices like shrine worship and local festivals that shape the character of the neighborhood.
Binh Tay Market is the heart of the quarter and one of the city's largest markets with hundreds of suppliers selling textiles, food, and traditional medicines. The best time to visit is early morning when activity is highest and the streets are most crowded with action.
The Cha Tam Church marks where President Ngo Dinh Diem spent his final hours in 1963 before his capture. This Catholic church stands as a quiet witness to a critical moment in the country's recent past.
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