Chinatown! Binondo simply the world's best in vibrant colors

Binondo a small district of manila is the oldest chinatown in the world. Established by the spaniards in 1594, Binondo is not only a mere tourist comeon or attraction for foreigners and locals. It is a living legacy of chinese migrant's significant influence in Philippine culture and society.This chinatown may not be properly mapped out as the chinese have spread their presence throughout the capital city of metro manila. But many chinoys have established binondo as their base and signs of their chinese heritage and dominance in the city is evident throughout binondo. Binondo is roughly cornered by the pasig river, tondo and sta cruz districts. Its merely a bridge away from the famous walled city of Intramuros, another historcical place where it was once the spanish colonizer's seat of government.

no theyre not M&Ms

OK hear me out, what are the chances in your lifetime that you'd see four godzillas at the back of a truck? LOL

The chinese who have positioned themselves in binondo have embraced christianity. Numerous chapels and churches stand alongside buddhist temples which dot the binondo area. The biggest landmark here is the binondo church or the Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz which prides itself for being the home of the first filipino saint, lorenzo ruiz who himself is of chinese descent.

What is a chinatown without business? Binondo is actually within walking distance to divisoria which is the center of the universe if youre one who likes to shop really cheap goods. But binondo has its own areas for shopping and dining, and its quite spreadout to adjoining sta cruz and divisoria districts. Ongpin street is ground zero for chinese restaurants, chinese gift shops and souvenirs, chinese drugstores, and so much more. The food! OH there are endless blogs on how people love the food in binondo, you can check them out. People also go to binondo for custom made chinese jewelry, jades, etc. Benavidez street is another famous street in binondo with schools, hospitals, restos etc.

Binondo is best visited during the dry season, traffic can get pretty bad during peak seasons like christmas and before school opennings. Sundays and Saturdays are also less busy days. There are hotels in the area. You can check them in trip advisory. Prices vary considerably depending on the luxury of the accomodation or lack of it hehe. And dont forget to walk along carvajal street, its also called umbrella alley, its a narrow walkway between buildings, they have the best streetfood in town.