Ben Thanh market

If Dong Xuan Market is a cultural feature of Hanoi, Ben Thanh Market is one of the characteristics of Ho Chi Minh City that when it comes to anyone, it will be remembered first. It will really be a big regret when you come here and miss the Ben Thanh market.

Historical origins of Ben Thanh market

The market developed from informal markets created by early 17th-century street vendors gathering together near the Saigon River. The market was formally established by the French colonial powers after taking over the Gia Định citadel in 1859 (see Citadel of Saigon). This market was destroyed by fire in 1870 and rebuilt to become Saigon’s largest market. In 1912 the market was moved to a new building and called the New Ben Thanh Market to distinguish over its predecessor. The building was renovated in 1985.

Visit Ben Thanh Market – Ho Chi Minh City symbol

Ben Thanh market – visitors can enjoy countless delicious dishes

Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 is a great place to buy local handicrafts, branded goods, Vietnamese art, and other souvenirs. Here, you’ll find eating stalls inside the market where you can get a taste of hawker-style Vietnamese cuisine or simply cool off with a cold drink when the bargaining becomes too much. The market is big, difficult to navigate at times and certainly best avoided during the hottest part of the day but all the same its well worth a look. When night falls, restaurants around the perimeter of the market open their doors creating a vibrant street-side scene filling the air with the scents of wok-fried noodles, barbecued fish and meats. One of Saigon’s oldest landmarks, Ben Thanh offers a great atmosphere that is absolutely authentically Vietnamese.

Visitors can buy many items with beautiful designs

Save your appetite and head to Ben Thanh Market in the evening where you can be served some real street style local food at one of the 20 or so eateries that surround the market building. Chefs will cook in front of you with an endless array of cuisine choices including vegetarian noodles, fresh seafood, crispy rice pancakes, and steamed cakes. You will be in the great local company as most of the places thrive with locals enjoying a bite to eat and a quick drink on their way home from work. For shopping heaven head to the market preferably early morning to pick up some bargains including lacquer ware, bamboo goods, arts, and crafts. Also on sale are clothes, textiles, luggage, watches and an assortment of electronic goods. Spices, nuts and local fruits heavily scent the air which is also filled with the chatter of tourists and locals haggling for bargains. Do note however that some items will be strictly fixed price.

Ben Thanh Market is situated in District 1 in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City at the intersection of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tan Hung, and Le Lai streets. Shops close late afternoon with shopping best done in the morning before the heat of the day hits. The market is one of Ho Chi Minh’s most famous landmarks and is known by all taxi drivers, although if you are staying downtown check first to see if you can walk to it from your hotel as it’s very centrally located.

Although Ho Chi Minh City’s life is very fast but not in a hurry, go to the most familiar thing of this place. And you will see the deep beauty of Vietnam’s big city.