1. Where is District 5 in Ho Chi Minh City?

District 5 was officially established in 1959 as part of Saigon’s urban development. However, its roots go back centuries when Chinese immigrants began settling here, building temples, markets, and trading posts that shaped its distinctive character. Over the decades, it has remained a significant cultural and economic zone.

District 5 spans approximately 4.27 square kilometers and is home to more than 160,000 residents. Despite its modest size, it has a high population density, mainly due to its long-established residential areas and commercial streets filled with markets and traditional shophouses.

District 5 in Ho Chi Minh City is bordered by District 10 to the north, District 8 to the south, District 1 to the east, and District 6 to the west

District 5 Vietnam consists of 15 wards, each with its own charm and identity. From traditional medicine streets in Ward 10 to vibrant food alleys in Ward 13, each area offers something unique.

The district is a vibrant and culturally rich area in Ho Chi Minh City, best known as the long-standing home of the Hoa (Chinese-Vietnamese) community, many of whom have lived here for generations. This historic district boasts a dynamic commercial scene with bustling markets, traditional herbal medicine shops, authentic dim sum eateries, and centuries-old temples.

Architecturally, it showcases a unique blend of French colonial buildings, Chinese temples, and modern Vietnamese shophouses. Walking through District 5 feels like stepping into a living museum where traditional Asian heritage harmoniously coexists with the pulse of contemporary Saigon.

Important notice: As of July 1st, District 5 in Ho Chi Minh City no longer exists as an administrative unit. The area has been reorganized into several new wards as part of a government effort to streamline local governance, including: Cho Lon ward, An Dong ward, Cho Quan ward. In this guide, we will refer to District 5 as the old territory of this district.

2. How To Travel Around District 5?

2.1. Transportation Options

Exploring District 5 Ho Chi Minh City is a rewarding experience thanks to its convenient and diverse transportation options.

• Public buses: District 5 is well-connected by multiple bus lines such as Bus No. 1, 8, 11, 56, and 150, making it easy and affordable to get around.
• Motorbike: The most flexible and popular choice. You can rent a motorbike or use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek.
• Taxi/Car: Taxis are easy to find and useful if you're traveling with luggage or during bad weather.

2.2. Directions from Key Locations

Getting to District 5 Ho Chi Minh City is simple, no matter where you’re coming from. Here’s how to get to District 5 from key points in the city:

• From District 1: Just a 10-minute drive via Tran Hung Dao or Nguyen Trai street.
• From Tan Son Nhat Airport: Around 30–40 minutes depending on traffic, via Nguyen Van Cu or Cong Hoa street.
• From Eastern Bus Station: Take Bus No. 91 or ride a taxi, about 45 minutes.
• From Western Bus Station: Very close, about 15–20 minutes drive.

3. Top 10 Places to Explore District 5

District 5 in Saigon is filled with historical landmarks, religious sites, and local attractions that reflect its deep-rooted Chinese heritage.

3.1. Phuoc An Assembly Hall

• Address: 184 Hong Bang, District 5
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Free entry

Phuoc An Assembly Hall, built in 1865 and renovated in 1902, is a cultural gem in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its intricate wood carvings, it honors figures like Guan Yu and Bodhisattva Guanyin and hosts an annual ceremony on the 13th day of the lunar new year.

Phuoc An Assembly Hall is considered one of the most revered spiritual sites in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

3.2. House No. 5 Chau Van Liem

• Address: 5 Chau Van Liem Street, District 5
• Free entry

Also known as the Ho Chi Minh Memorial House, this historic site at No. 5 Chau Van Liem Street was recognized as a national relic in 1988. From September 1910 to June 1911, it served as a temporary residence for President Ho Chi Minh during his early revolutionary years.

The house where Ho Chi Minh once lived before beginning his journey to seek national salvation

Here, he connected with patriotic scholars, observed working-class life, and prepared for his journey abroad to find a path for Vietnam’s liberation. The townhouse features a tiled roof, wooden stairs, and a spacious balcony. Visitors can explore an altar on the ground floor and historical displays about the Lien Thanh Company upstairs.

3.3. Thien Hau Pagoda (Tue Thanh Assembly Hall)

• Address: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5
• Opening hours: 6:00  AM - 5:30 PM
• Free entry

Thien Hau Pagoda, also known as Tue Thanh Assembly Hall, is a famous spiritual site in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. Built in the 18th century by Chinese immigrants from Guangzhou, it honors the sea goddess Thien Hau. The pagoda retains its original beauty, with ornate wood carvings, calligraphy, and ceramic reliefs. Spiral incense coils hang from the ceiling, symbolizing prayers. Each year, a vibrant festival with rituals and performances is held on the 23rd day of the third lunar month.

Thien Hau Pagoda in District 5, Saigon, is a sacred temple with over 200 years of history (Source: Intermet)

3.4. Cho Quan Hospital Prison

• Address: 190 Ham Tu, District 5
• Only open in some special days

Cho Quan Hospital Prison, located in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, is a former detention center where Tran Phu, the first General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, was imprisoned and later died. Built in 1862, it served both French colonial and American forces as a place to confine sick prisoners under harsh surveillance. Recognized as a national historical site in 1988, the 822-square-meter facility has been preserved in its original form. Inside, visitors can see shackles and blood-written revolutionary slogans, powerful symbols of the courage and sacrifice of imprisoned revolutionaries.

The national historical relic at Cho Quan Hospital Prison in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 5 is the site where General Secretary Tran Phu sacrificed his life

3.5. On Lang Assembly Hall

• Address: 12 Lao Tu, District 5
• Opening hours: 6:15 AM - 5:00 PM
• Free entry

On Lang Assembly Hall, also known as Quan Am Pagoda, is a 250-year-old Chinese temple in Ho Chi Minh City. Dedicated to Thien Hau, it features traditional architecture, carved wooden panels, ceramic art, and a peaceful pond. Visitors can experience unique customs like fish releasing, “beating villains,” and celebrating Guanyin’s enlightenment during lunar festivals.

Quan Am Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City is a beautiful site worth visiting

3.6. Van Phat Pagoda

• Address: 66/14 Nghia Thuc, District 5
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Free entry

This peaceful Buddhist temple is renowned not only for its serene and spiritual atmosphere but also for its vibrant and meticulously maintained decorations that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese-Vietnamese (Hoa) community. The scent of incense lingers in the air, while the soft sounds of chanting and the sight of flickering candlelight contribute to the tranquil ambiance.

Chua Van Phat is a peaceful place for praying

3.7. Minh Huong Gia Thanh Communal House

• Address: 380 Tran Hung Dao B, District 5
• Opening hours: 8 :00 AM - 12:00  PM
• Free entry

Minh Huong Gia Thanh Communal House, located at 380 Tran Hung Dao Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, was recognized as a national architectural heritage site in 1993. It honors the Hoa (Chinese-Vietnamese) community’s history in southern Vietnam.

In 1679, former Ming officials Duong Ngan Dich and Tran Thuong Xuyen, refusing to submit to the Qing Dynasty, sought refuge under the Nguyen Lords and settled in My Tho and Dong Nai. By 1698, as Nguyen Huu Canh established Gia Dinh Prefecture, Chinese immigrants formed Minh Huong village, contributing to the growth of a busy market, early Saigon’s commercial foundation.

Minh Huong Gia Thanh Communal House is architectural heritage in district 5, Saigon

3.8. Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street

Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, one of the oldest roads in Cho Lon, has a rich history dating back to the French colonial era. Originally two separate boulevards, it was renamed several times before becoming Hai Thuong Lan Ong after 1975.

In the late 19th century, the Hoa (Chinese-Vietnamese) community built warehouses and homes here, eventually turning it into Saigon’s largest traditional medicine street.. In 2010, it was officially recognized as Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest quarter for its preserved architecture and vibrant cultural traditions.

People is driving in Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street

3.9. The Garden Mall

• Address: 190 Hong Bang, District 5
• Opening hours: 10 :00 AM - 10:00  PM
• Free entry

Inspired by both Eastern and Western design, The Garden Mall blends traditional and modern architecture. The building was renovated with green paint, glass walls, and new elevators, while bamboo motifs decorate the podium facade. Green symbolizes life, growth, harmony, and renewal - reflecting the mall’s fresh identity.

Spanning 24,000 square meters over three floors, it houses a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, fashion and cosmetic stores, a supermarket, gym, swimming pool, game center, and theater. A standout feature is the city’s largest bookstore on the first floor, covering 2,000 square meters, making The Garden Mall a vibrant hub of shopping, culture, and lifestyle.

The building are impressed most of passengers and visitors

3.10. An Dong Market

• Address: 34 - 36 An Duong Vuong Street, Ward 9, District 5
• Opening hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (some food stalls operate later into the evening).

An Dong Market in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, is a historic shopping destination that offers a blend of traditional charm and modern commerce. Established in 1951 to serve local vendors in Cho Lon, it quickly became a thriving wholesale hub for the Chinese-Vietnamese (Hoa) community, especially before 1975.

In 1991, the market was renovated with Chinese and Hong Kong architectural influences, modernizing its look while preserving cultural roots. Though it flourished through the 1990s and 2000s, recent years have seen a decline in activity, with many stalls closed, making it a nostalgic reminder of Saigon’s vibrant commercial past.

An Dong Market is one of the busiest shopping destinations in Saigon

4. What To Eat At District 5 Ho Chi Minh City?

District 5 Saigon is a paradise for food lovers. It offers a vast array of Chinese-Vietnamese cuisine that reflects the district’s multicultural heritage.

Dim Sum

The Hoa community brought dim sum culture to Vietnam, and District 5 boasts some of the best in the city.

• Dimsum Ong Sui - 26-30 Chau Van Liem
• Hao Hue Quan - 412-416 Tran Phu

DimSum represents the rich culinary heritage of the Hoa community in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

Hu Tieu Sa Te (Satay Rice Noodles)

It is a spicy, aromatic noodle soup made with a rich peanut and satay-infused broth.

• Hu Tieu Sa Te Gia truyen To Ky - 36 Go Cong, Ward 13
• Hu tieu Quan Ty - 51 An Diem, Ward 10

Mi Vit Tiem (Stewed Duck Noodle Soup)

A tender duck leg is stewed in aromatic herbs and served with egg noodles in a rich, flavorful broth.

• Hai Ky Mi Gia - 351 Nguyen Trai, Ward 7
• Mi Vit Tiem Them Huy - 455 Nguyen Trai, Ward 7

Com Ga (Chicken Rice)

This chicken rice is inspired by traditional Hainanese cuisine, featuring tender poached chicken served with seasoned rice and a flavorful dipping sauce.

• Com ga Dong Nguyen - 801 Nguyen Trai

Dong Nguyen Chicken Rice has upheld over 80 years of culinary tradition in District 5

Che (Sweet Soup Desserts)

These popular Chinese-style sweet soups are enjoyed either hot or cold, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

• Che Ha Ky – 138 Chau Van Liem

Che Ha Ky, a 30-year-old legend in Cho Lon, is famous for its astonishing menu featuring nearly 40 dishes

Whether you're fascinated by history, hungry for authentic Chinese-Vietnamese cuisine, or simply exploring new neighborhoods, District 5 Ho Chi Minh City promises a journey like no other. With friendly locals, deep-rooted history, and unforgettable flavors, District 5 Vietnam stands as a living testament to the multicultural spirit of the city.

Ready to visit district 5? Book your Flight to Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Airlines today! For more details on flights, baggage policies, and travel itineraries, contact Vietnam Airlines via their hotline at 1900 1100, or through Fanpage or Zalo for expert advice.