Hao Si Phuong Alley, Saigon: Chinatown's Colorful, Century-Old Residential Block | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

(map, reviews)

Tucked away behind and unassuming tunnel-like entrance off bustling Tran Hung Dao Street in District 5, Hao Si Phuong Alley is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s best-kept secrets. It is a quiet, picturesque lane that transports you to a bygone era of colonial Saigon and traditional Chinese-Vietnamese culture.

Pro Tip: This is a beautiful residential complex and you will walk along private residences. Please treat it as such, and be very respectful to residents and do not photograph them without their permission, and absolutely do not enter their homes.

For an off-the-beaten-path attraction, and an authentic glimpse into local life, Hao Si Phuong offers a striking contrast to the city’s modern skyline.
With its colorfully decorated row houses, communal spirit, and cinematic ambiance, Hao Si Phuong Alley has become a favorite subject for photographers, filmmakers (the alley was featured in Vietnamese movies like The Tailor), and travelers looking to experience the hidden cultural corners of Chợ Lớn, Saigon’s historic Chinatown.

History of Hao Si Phuong

Built in 1910 during the French colonial period, Hao Si Phuong was originally designed as a residential complex for Chinese immigrants, many of whom had come to Saigon from Guangdong, Fujian, and Hainan provinces in southern China. The name ‘Hao Si Phuong’ loosely translates to ‘Alley of Kind-Hearted People’, reflecting the sense of community and shared heritage that continues today.
Over the decades, the alley has housed multiple generations of Chinese-Vietnamese families (known as Hoa people), many of whom maintain the traditions, language, and religious practices of their ancestors. The community is close-knit and deeply rooted in Chinese customs, especially around Lunar New Year, ancestral rites, and festivals like the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.

Here are some photos that we took:

What Makes Hao Si Phuong Alley Unique

Despite being located just steps from the chaos of District 5’s markets and traffic, Hao Si Phuong offers a very peaceful, quiet, and atmospheric escape.
Architectural Charm:

• Narrow alleyway only about 350 ft (100 m) long

• Rows of two-story shophouses painted in pastel yellows, greens, and blues

• Green louvered windows and wooden balconies evoking 20th-century Cantonese style

• Central staircase that leads to the upper-level residences, often draped with laundry and plants

• A small communal shrine, regularly maintained and decorated by residents

This historic housing block is an excellent example of collective living architecture in colonial Vietnam, where dozens of families lived in a single complex and shared courtyards, kitchens, and balconies.

Visitors often describe it as ‘stepping into a living museum’, where the pace slows down, and you can hear neighbors chatting in Cantonese or Teochew as incense drifts from family altars. We really liked walking along this relatively short corridor downstairs and upstairs. Plan 15min for a visit.

How to Visit Hao Si Phuong Alley

• Admission: Free (this is a residential area, so be respectful)

• Photography: Allowed, but ask permission if photographing residents

• Etiquette: Keep voices low, avoid blocking pathways, and do not intrude into private homes

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.

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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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