Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown in District 5 is not your typical tourist destination, said to be lacking in architecture and Chinese culture itself. But if you visit the place and give yourself time to explore it, you'll realize and learn that the place holds more than what it's given credit for.

Binh Tay Market, also called Cho Lon (Big Market) is a place tourists would actually love. Its busy roads, noisy streets, and old buildings are a different but a welcome change from the usual urban life most Westerners live in.

Tian Hou Pagoda is the most famous attraction in the place. It was built in the mid-18th century. The temple was named after Tian Hou, a daughter of a fisherman. Legend has it that she became the Goddess of the Sea who had the power to control storms at sea. The pagoda is not as big as the other structures, but it is rich in Chinese-style architecture, something that tourists usually from mainland China and Taiwan continue to visit for. The place is filled especially during the Chinese New Year wherein a Kylin (unicorn/ rhinoceros) drum and dance performance is offered as a tribute to the goddess.

Guan Yu is another pagoda tourists would love to explore. Built around 200 years ago, it was to honor the legendary general of the same name during the Three Kingdoms period about 2,300 years ago in China. Today, the temple is being restored to its original structure and glory.

Quan Am Pagoda can be found at Lao Tu Street. It is the Bodhisatva of Limitless Compassion or the Buddhist version of the Cathloucs' Blessed Virgin Mary. Cha Tam Church in Hoc Lac Street is another place to visit.

But Cho Lon is so much more than pagodas, temples and churches. It has a business area that is even believed to be busier than downtown Ho Chi Minh City. At Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, herbal medicines are sold along the stretch, that is why the smell of strong perfumes emanates all throughout the area. Luong Nhu Hoc Street specializes in lanterns and kylin items. And as the mid-autumn festival is approaching, local residents and tourists alike flock to the place to buy lanterns and mooncakes to celebrate the annual festivity. At Trieu Quang Phuc Street, wares such as scissors, knives and choppers are being displayed, with the craftsmen making the products on the road itself.

After a tiring day of riding or walking around, tourists can refresh themselves at the many Chinese food stalls and restaurants lined along the area. Crysanthemum tea mixed with 24 herbs is one of the most popular drink in the Chinatown. The place is literally filled with different kinds of Chinese food, even considered to be a “wonderland” especially at night, for those who love the Asian cuisine.

Cho Lon may indeed not be your usual tourist attraction, but its hidden history and beauty are worthy to be discovered, just waiting for those adventurous enough to find it.