January
26.9°C ~ 80°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Cholon and Thien Hau Temple
The old Chinese quarter of Saigon, with its busy markets, herbal medicine shops and the beautiful Thien Hau Temple.
- Location
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Time needed
- 2 – 3 hours
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best months
- Dec – Apr
Overview
Cholon is the old Chinese quarter of Ho Chi Minh City and one of the best places to see a different side of the city. Narrow streets, wholesale markets and temples sit side by side with food stalls and herbal medicine shops.
Thien Hau Temple is dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea, and is the most visited temple in the area. Its roof is decorated with tiny ceramic figures, and the hall is filled with hanging coils of incense.
Highlights
- Look up at the hanging incense coils in Thien Hau Temple
- Walk through Binh Tay Market, the largest wholesale market in Cholon
- Visit herbal medicine shops on Hai Thuong Lan Ong street
- Try dim sum or roast duck at a local restaurant
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Thien Hau Temple: daily, about 6:00 – 17:00 Binh Tay Market: daily, early morning to late afternoon |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free |
| Time needed | 2 – 3 hours |
| Best time of day | Morning |
| Good for | Culture lovers, food fans, photographers |
| Accessibility | Narrow, crowded streets; temple has steps and uneven floors |
| Facilities | Cafes, street food, small shops, public toilets at markets |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Ho Chi Minh City by month.
February
27.6°C ~ 82°F
3 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
28.6°C ~ 83°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
29.3°C ~ 85°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
28.8°C ~ 84°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
27.7°C ~ 82°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
27.2°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
26.9°C ~ 80°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
26.7°C ~ 80°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
26.8°C ~ 80°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
26.5°C ~ 80°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
- From Ho Chi Minh City centre
Cholon is in Districts 5 and 6, about 20 to 30 minutes by taxi or Grab from the centre. The 02 bus line serves the area, but a taxi is easier if you want to see several stops.
- Cholon and Thien Hau Temple
Tips before you go
- Go in the morning when markets are busiest and the weather is cooler
- Wear light clothes and comfortable shoes for walking
- Cover shoulders and knees at the temples
- Grab can drop you at the temple, then walk to the market
Location
Thien Hau Temple, 710 Nguyen Trai, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
More attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
FAQs
What is Cholon?
Cholon means “big market” and is the historic Chinese district of Ho Chi Minh City, known for its markets, temples and food.
Is Thien Hau Temple free?
Yes. Entry is free, and you can light incense or leave a small donation if you wish.
How should I get around?
Take a Grab to the temple and walk from there to Binh Tay Market. The distance is short, and the streets are better explored on foot.