Ho Chi Minh City HCM or HCMC or HCM City is famous as Chinatown

HCM City is the heart of Vietnam. Over 8 million inhabitants make the growing metropolis an absolute megacity. The economic heart of Vietnam also beats here. It has grown more and more and has long since become a cosmopolitan city. In addition to typical architectural structures and signs of globalization such as the Saigon Skydeck, which offers a fantastic view of the city, visitors will also find many traditional buildings. The Cholon district in the 5th district is the oldest. But there are also many buildings that remind of the past colonial history and the time of the colonial war. Since the two great colonial wars shaped Saigon and HCM City, there are also many testimonies and memories and museums to visit. However, the young city with its young population is completely uncomplicated and always ready for new experiences, including from the cultural west. The fascination of the city lives from the many contrasts from the past, the future and the various cultural influences. The traditional Cholon neighborhood is the best example of this.

Ho Chi Minh City HCM or HCMC or HCM City is famous as Chinatown
Ho Chi Minh City HCM or HCMC or HCM City is famous as Chinatown

Ho Chi Minh City – pulsating metropolis with history and Chinatown

The Cholon neighborhood of HCMC is also the oldest neighborhood in Saigon. More precisely, it is in the 5th district and is so different and original than, for example, the 1st district, which is flooded by tourists. Here the district has retained its original character over the centuries. Of course, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown has long since become a part of the city. The residents have all belonged to Vietnam for a long time and also have citizenship. Nevertheless, all old traditions and cultural breaks are carefully preserved here. This is also evident in the architecture. In Cholon, as the old quarter of HCMC is called, the Jade Emperor Pagoda Temple is the most famous and must be seen. Buddhist and Taoist deities are worshiped here. A total of several hundred pagodas and temples can be admired in Cholon. The Thien Hau Pagoda should also not be missed. This was built in honor of a deity of the sea. In Cholon you can find many typical traditional shops as well as countless colorful markets that invite you to shop and stroll. Even if Cholon is a world of its own, the airport and train station etc. are also nearby and easy to reach. This original wilt lies in the middle of HCM. Cholon has definitely retained more charm than many other such quarters around the world, which often seem interchangeable and arbitrary. You can book complete tours by bus through the Cholon district or explore the 5th district on your own. Of course, there is also a rich and typical gastronomic offer here.

Conclusion – a city in transition with tradition

HCMC is a world in one. If you want to get a feel for traditional life, you can look at the old parts of the city and testimonies from the old colonial times or visit Cholon. Those interested in the breathtaking nature can use HCM City as a starting point for trips to the Mekong Delta or for a tour to the nearby sea. And in addition to tradition, the cosmopolitan flair is also present everywhere. Ho Chi Minh City is an old and young city.