Our day in Cholon - Saigon Chinatown!
Saigon Chinatown
District 5 and 6
Our first stop in Chinatown was the Binh Tay Market, 1800s.
We spent a good 5 hours here, walking, exploring, then caught in the rain, found shelter for a good hour, then walked again.
Chợ Lớn is what Saigon Chinatown is called. Founded in 1778 as a settlement for Chinese traders who migrated there during that period of time. Some say it is one of the world's largest Chinatowns... it is bloody gigantic in area!
Section selling plastic wares
Park
St Francis Xavier Church, 1902
Sweaty, grumpy and needed iced coffee!
Saw this interesting dessert shop. Crossed the road and went into the shop. Not opened yet. It was another 30 minute wait. No thank you!
Ha Chuong Hoi Quan is also known as Chang Chow Assembly Hall, 1809
Dong Nguyen Chicken Rice, District 5
So hungry… brunch time! And looked like it was going to rain. Better find food and shelter.
Yummy Steamed Chicken Rice
Side dishes ~ Pork & Yam, Fish, Mapo Tofu, Steamed egg
Chrysanthemum herbal tea
Thien Hau Temple, 1760
We took shelter in this temple as it rained heavily for a good hour.
Nghia An Hoi Quan Temple, 19th century
(Miếu Ông - Hội Quán Nghĩa An) - Ong Temple
When the rained stopped we continued our walk.
Cholon Mosque, 1932
Just an attractive dilapidated looking coffee place!
Hao Si Phuong Alley, 1910
Quynh Phu Temple, 1824
(Hội Quán Quỳnh Phủ or Chùa Bà Hải Nam)
Minh Huong Gia Thanh Assembly Hall, 1698
Used by descendents of Ming Dynasty immigrants who settled in Vietnam in the 16th and 18th centuries.
We were exhausted. Could not reach the Lantern Market. We saw it when we came in the morning, in our cab. The sun came on stronger after the rain. Took a Grab back to District 1. We really did enjoy Chinatown although I wished we got to stay one night here and continue our walk the next day!
No comments:
Post a Comment