About this experience
In the insanely colorful area known only to insiders, I will tell you how three centuries ago the Chinese started to settle there, and introduce you to the culture that has an amazing ability to maintain unity in any country in the world. And in the background, there will be workshops with dragon costumes, shops of alternative medicine, sizzling food, and much more!
What to Expect
History of the Chinese Quarter
We will briefly talk about the founding of Saigon (present-day Ho Chi Minh City) on the site of the Cambodian fishing village of Prey Nokor. You will hear about the ancient Chams settlement that existed previously. You will learn about the colonial French development of the center from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. And finally, you will delve into the part of history when the Chinese started to settle - about how political refugees from China began to settle in the late 17th century and how they influenced the city's development, culture, and appearance, which will be covered during the tour.
Along the Streets of Chinatown
I will take you along the street of pharmacies, where medicinal raw materials are sold, and doctors diagnose illness based on the patient's pulse. I will tell you about Chinese craftsmen on the knife and scissor street, and a little later in the program, there will be a silver shop where you will meet local jewelers and see handmade jewelry. In addition, you will walk along the lantern street, where we will talk about their symbolism in Chinese culture. And you will visit the street where scenes of the famous movie 'The Lover' were filmed. And if you want to try traditional food - we will head to a separate street where the most popular dishes of Chinese cuisine are presented.
Flowers in a Thousand Colors and a Temple of a Thousand Buddhas
In Chinatown, you will see how this area stands out with an incredible variety of colors and the most unexpected things. I will show you a workshop where elaborate costumes for statues of pagan goddesses and gods in local temples are sewn, costumes of dragons, lions, and unicorns for dancers. At the flower market, you will appreciate the impressive variety of flowers. And you will visit the largest wholesale market Bin Tay, where I will tell you about its founder - a Chinese oligarch who lived in the early 20th century. In addition, on the walk, you will visit the Temple of the Sea Goddess, General Guan Yu, and thousands of Buddhas, next to which we will discuss their history and significance for Chinese immigrants.
Who This Tour Is For
Travelers who have been in the city for more than a day or are familiar with the main attractions and want to expand their knowledge of Ho Chi Minh City.
Organizational Details
- Included in the Tour Cost: transport and entrance tickets.
- Extra Cost: food and drinks.
- The tour will be conducted by one of our team's guides.
