Self-Guided Walking Tour: Ho Chi Minh City District 1, Cholon (Chinatown) & Saigon River Cruise | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

Today we will finish exploring District 1, and then head to Chinatown. We will finish the day with a romantic Saigon River Dinner Cruise.

Here is today’s self-guided walking tour of District 1, Cholon (Chinatown) and the Saigon River Cruise in Ho Chi Minh City:

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

Ben Thanh Market

(map, reviews, website)

Step into the beating heart of Saigon at Ben Thanh Market, a century-old icon where the city's history, commerce, and legendary street food collide under one roof. Easily recognized by its iconic French colonial clock tower, this market offers a captivating sensory overload: from mountains of aromatic Vietnamese coffee beans and vibrant silks to unique, locally made lacquerware. While it is a premier spot to test your bargaining skills and hunt for the perfect souvenir, the real thrill lies in its chaotic energy, especially as the sun sets and the area transforms into a massive, sizzling food court. Click here for the Detailed Ben Thanh Market Guide.

Mariamman Hindu Temple

(map, reviews)

Take a spiritual detour and explore the vibrant, century-old Mariamman Hindu Temple. A stunning splash of South Indian architecture in the middle of Saigon, this temple is instantly recognizable by its towering gopuram (ornate entrance tower) adorned with a kaleidoscope of colorful Hindu deities. Dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, who is revered for bringing protection and good fortune, this small but potent sanctuary offers a peaceful, incense-scented contrast to the city's surrounding chaos. To understand the history of the temple, and the significance of the 18 deities on the prayer wall, please continue to the Detailed Mariamman Temple Guide.

Cao Dai Temple

(map)

Witness a mesmerizing blend of East and West at the local Cao Dai Temple, a colorful architectural snapshot of Vietnam’s home-grown religion. Founded on the principle of unifying all major faiths—from Buddhism and Christianity to Islam and Taoism—this temple is a vibrant spectacle of color, symbolism, and serenity. Its façade, columns, and interior are decorated with dragons, lotus flowers, and the striking Divine Eye, representing the omnipresence of God. Step inside to see the unique fusion of a Catholic cathedral and an Asian pagoda, or simply pause for a moment of quiet reflection on the universal message of unity it conveys. To fully grasp the tenets of Caodaism and identify the pantheon of saints, click here for our detailed Guide to Cao Dai Temple.

Hao Si Phuong Alley

(map, reviews)

Step off the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and into a century-old, two-story residential alley that feels entirely detached from modern Saigon. Hào Sĩ Phường Alley is a rare, living time capsule tucked deep within Chợ Lớn (Chinatown). You will instantly be mesmerized by the quiet alleyway, framed by balconies and stairwells painted in peeling shades of jade, turquoise, and yellow, where the daily lives of generations of Chinese-Vietnamese families unfold. Click Here for our Guide to Hào Sĩ Phường Alley.

Thien Hau Temple / Tue Thanh Assembly Hall

(map, reviews)

Step into one of the oldest and most atmospheric temples in Ho Chi Minh City, where centuries of Chinese-Vietnamese faith have been perfectly preserved. Dedicated to the revered sea goddess Mazu (Thien Hau), this spiritual landmark is an astonishing display of classic Cantonese architecture, featuring a roof line covered in intricate ceramic dioramas and halls filled with a fragrant haze of incense. Be sure to look up in the main courtyard to see the iconic, hanging coils of circular incense, which burn for days and carry the written wishes of the faithful up to the heavens. To lean more about the temple and its history and significance, click here for the Guide to Thien Hau Temple.

Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street

(map, reviews)

This street in Chinatown transforms into a dazzling, glowing wonderland every evening, where thousands of brightly colored lanterns—from traditional cellophane star-shapes to elaborate silk and modern designs—are strung from every balcony and stall. While the atmosphere is festive year-round during daytime, visiting in the evening (especially in the weeks leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival) is a fantastic opportunity to see the street at its vibrant peak. Wander through the shimmering corridor, soak up the palpable festive energy, and grab the perfect souvenir to light up your own home. Click here for our Guide to Lương Nhữ Học Lantern Street.

Binh Tay Market

(map, reviews)

Step away from the typical tourist trail and dive into the authentic commercial soul of Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown at Bình Tây Market (Chợ Lớn). Unlike central tourist markets, Bình Tây is a massive, working wholesale hub where locals shop for everything from fresh produce and mountains of aromatic dried goods (spices, tea, seafood) to colorful textiles and household wares. Its architecture is interesting: a grand, yellow-hued structure built in the 1920s, blending classic French colonial design with traditional Chinese elements, complete with an iconic clock tower and a serene central courtyard. Come early to witness the true hustle of commerce, find unbeatable wholesale prices, and most importantly, sample a spectacular array of authentic Chinese-Vietnamese street food in the bustling food court and surrounding lanes. Click here for the our Guide to Bình Tây Market.

Saigon River Dinner Cruise

(map)

As your walking tour concludes, extend your exploration into the evening with the magical Saigon River Dinner Cruise. Glide along the shimmering waters of the Saigon River aboard a luxury ship, offering a breathtaking, panoramic views of the city’s illuminated skyline — a stark contrast to the daytime bustle you just experienced. This is the perfect finale to a busy day, combining a delicious meal with live music and the dazzling spectacle of floodlit landmarks like the Bitexco Financial Tower. To choose the perfect cruise for your budget and style, and to get all the details on booking, and menus, please check our dedicated Saigon River Dinner Cruise Guide.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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