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- Destinations
- Asia
- Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Cholon
Cholon
Cholon is the thriving warren of streets comprising the Chinese
district of Saigon, first settled by the Chinese Hoa merchants at
the end of the 18th century, and now home to the biggest ethnic
minority community in the country. The difference in environment is
immediately noticeable. The cluster of Chinese-signed streets is a
fascinating labyrinth of temples, restaurants, exotic stores,
medicine shops and markets. The best place to experience the bustle
of trade is at the crowded Binh Tay Market where the corridors are
filled with stalls offering a variety of exotic produce, from live
tethered ducks to nuts and seeds, as well as other household items.
There are several temples of interest in Cholon, including the
colourful Emperor of Jade Temple, the Quan Am Pagoda with its
ornate exterior, Phuoc An Hoi Quan Temple, its roof exquisitely
ornamented with dragons and sea monsters, and the Thien Hau Pagoda
dedicated to the goddess of the sea.
Information & Facts
Language
The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. Some
Chinese, English and French are spoken. Tour guides can also speak
Russian and Japanese. Numerous ethnic languages are also spoken in
parts.
Money
The official currency is the Dông (VND). There are no smaller
denominations. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de
change, hotels and on the black market. Visa, MasterCard and
American Express are becoming more widely acceptable, particularly
in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but it is best not to rely on them
elsewhere. It is recommended that visitors bring travellers cheques
in US Dollars, which can be cashed at major banks in the main
cities and tourist areas. US currency acts as unofficial tender and
is useful as a back-up when banks won't cash travellers cheques
outside the main cities, but notes must be relatively new and
unmarked. Dông can be withdrawn from ATMs, which are becoming more
widespread.
Time
Local time in Vietnam is GMT +7.