Traditional Herbal Medicine Street: Explore a Different Side of Saigon’s Chinatown

Traditional Herbal Medicine Street offers a distinctive cultural stop in Ho Chi Minh City’s Cho Lon neighbourhood. Centred around Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, this trading area is associated with shops selling Chinese and Vietnamese medicinal herbs.

For curious travelers, a visit provides a glimpse into a specialised trade that forms part of Chinatown’s identity. Learn more about the area’s herbal trading heritage.

The Story Behind the Name

Hai Thuong Lan Ong was the pen name of Le Huu Trac, an influential eighteenth-century Vietnamese physician. His name connects the street with Vietnam’s medical heritage, adding context to the businesses found in this part of Cho Lon. Read about Hai Thuong Lan Ong.

Things to Do on Traditional Herbal Medicine Street

Explore the Herbal Shops

Take a relaxed walk and look at the products displayed by different businesses. Ask before entering a shop to browse, especially when staff are serving customers or preparing orders.

Rather than treating the area as a souvenir market, approach it as a working neighbourhood where specialist knowledge and daily commerce meet.

Learn About Local Traditions

A local guide can help translate product names and explain the cultural background of the trade. Ask about how ingredients are stored, how shops organise their stock and how the neighbourhood has changed over time.

Keep the focus on cultural discovery; learning about traditional practices does not establish the safety or effectiveness of a remedy.

Photograph the Streetscape

Look for shopfront details, signs and everyday trading scenes. Ask permission before taking close-up photographs of people or products, and avoid interrupting consultations or business transactions.

The most rewarding photographs often come from taking your time and observing respectfully.

Tips for Visiting

Allow approximately 30–45 minutes for a short walk, with extra time for a guided explanation or permitted shop visits. Choose a morning visit if you prefer to explore before the afternoon heat.

Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and stay aware of traffic and deliveries. Individual businesses keep their own hours, so avoid planning around a particular shop without checking first.

Treat the visit as a cultural experience rather than an opportunity to choose a treatment. If you intend to purchase medicinal products, seek qualified advice and check the import requirements of your destination.

Include It in a Cho Lon Itinerary

Combine Traditional Herbal Medicine Street with Thien Hau Temple and Binh Tay Market for a broader introduction to Saigon’s Chinatown. These stops offer complementary perspectives on local beliefs, commercial traditions and neighbourhood life.

Leave time between attractions for refreshments and questions, rather than rushing through the area.