Inside Saigon's "Chợ Lớn"

[Abelard]

"Chợ Lớn" (literally, "big market") is Saigon's "Chinatown." It was established by refugees from the collapse of the Ming Dynasty, and is actually older than the Vietnamese city of Saigon. The two cities were only formally amalgamated in the in the 1956. The "big market" these days is Chợ Bình Tây, built in 1928.









































chè, a sweet, bean-based drink with dozens of varieties



xôi, a sweet or savoury rice snack

[Yorkie]

Was that a reflection of you in the mirror?....Dam, what a tour. That is truly a way too see how the locals live and eat, that is true with any country, visit the local farmers market. It looks like the place was full of cheap Chinese exports as well. It must have been mid day judging by the lack of people and venders relaxing with each other and the amount of people sleeping..

[Tony]

Interesting set! Didn't know there was such a large indoor market in Saigon Chinatown. Thanks for sharing.

[IMBY]

You really wonder, what will become of these exciting shopping places over time, with online shopping. Similar, in some ways, to the public markets of Latin America!

Thanks for sharing!

[diskojoe]

nice tour. I need some lunch and a nap now.

[audiomuse]

I love markets. So fun to get lost in the maze of sensory overload. I wish we had such beautiful chaos like this in the U.S.

Unfortunately health codes and fire hazard restrictions would prevent something like this..

[Dr Awesomesauce]

You captured the vibe of the market really well - slippery, chaotic and yet sleepy all at the same time.

There are a few things to see in Cho Lon but overall, as a Chinatown, it's a little disappointing. After all, the last thing you're going to see in Vietnam is a celebration of Chinese culture - too much history there.

Cheers for the tour.

[Abelard]

that's not me in the mirror... just a lucky shot.

thanks everyone!