Visiting Ho Chi Minh City without stopping by Ben Thanh Market is like going to London and skipping Big Ben, or heading to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. It’s that iconic. This century-old market is a testament to the city’s rich history. Let’s dive into some lesser-known facts and fun activities you can do at Ben Thanh Market.
Address: Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the wet market and food court opening as early as 4 a.m. That said, from 7 p.m. until late, the market transforms again with vibrant LED-lit stalls and a lively nighttime atmosphere.
A brief history of Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market, as it stands today, is the third iteration of this iconic marketplace, following the demolition of its first two locations.
In 1868, as part of urban planning, the original Ben Thanh Market was built near the Thu Ngu flagpole by the Saigon River, near Gia Dinh Citadel. The name Ben Thanh Market originated from this location, with Ben meaning “river dock” and Thanh referring to the citadel. It quickly became a bustling central market at the time.
Around 1872, a fire destroyed this market, leading to the construction of a new one with wooden pillars, a tile roof, and a granite floor along Kinh Lon (Large Canal) to bolster trade. However, the canal quickly grew polluted with waste from the market and merchant ships, harming public health and the city’s aesthetics. This sparked discussions about constructing a new market in 1894, especially as the existing one had become weather-beaten and was deteriorating. However, at the time, other major city projects, such as City Hall and the Opera House, took priority, causing delays in the market’s reconstruction.
By 1907, pollution from the market had intensified, with foul odors wafting near City Hall and sparking numerous complaints. In 1911, as the market’s deteriorating condition became a pressing issue, authorities approved the construction of a new facility. After roughly three years of work, the new Ben Thanh Market officially opened in March 1914. Its design emphasized practicality, enhancing air circulation, sanitation, and convenience for trade.
As soon as the new market opened, the old one was demolished, leaving only a few solid stalls. Today, this old market still exists and operates daily at the corner of Ton That Dam and Ham Nghi streets, known locally as Cho Cu (the Old Market).
In 1944, Ben Thanh Market was bombed by Allied forces during World War II, leaving only its framework intact. The French rebuilt it in 1946. In 1952, its external walls were adorned with ceramic reliefs showcasing traditional Vietnamese flora and fauna, such as buffalo and orchids.
Today, Ben Thanh Market remains a bustling hub for locals and a must-visit for tourists, offering a window into Saigon’s rich history, culture, and cuisine.
Ben Thanh Market plan
Ben Thanh Market spans over 13,000 square meters and houses nearly 1,400 vendors, offering a diverse range of products. To help visitors navigate the market and have a blast while shopping, here’s a quick guide to its layout.
Entering from the South Gate on Le Loi Street, where the iconic clock tower stands, the first section on the right features fabrics, clothing, leather goods, handbags, cosmetics, and jewelry. Crossing the aisle to the left side, you’ll find a similar selection, with additional items like bedding, shoes, stationery, and household goods. Here, tourists can find traditional dresses, unique print T-shirts, and customized handbags as mementos of their trip.
Advancing further along the main aisle, the next section on the right is dedicated to processed foods, tropical fruits, and fresh produce. This is a great spot to pick up specialty teas, coffee, and dried tropical fruits to bring home as souvenirs. At the back of this section, you can catch a glimpse of the local wet market.
Lastly, on the left side, visitors will discover handmade products, such as intricate mosaics and woven bamboo and rattan crafts. As you exit through the North Gate, you’ll be greeted by vibrant stalls selling fresh fruits and flowers, adding a burst of color to your visit.
How to get there
By bus
Ben Thanh Central Bus Station is located right next to Ben Thanh Market. Most city buses, including numbers 01, 02, 03, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20, stop at the central bus station. From here, you can easily spot the market’s iconic clock tower and walk there in less than five minutes.
By motorbike
Another way to reach Ben Thanh Market is by motorbike. If you’re riding your own bike, note that there is no parking lot at the South Gate on Le Loi Street, where the clock tower is located. Instead, head to Phan Chu Trinh or Phan Boi Chau, where you’ll find motorbike parking lots along the sidewalks. Be sure to ask for the price in advance – it should be 10,000 VND ($0.40), or at most 20,000 VND ($0.80).
By motorbike taxi
If you want to experience the thrill of riding through Saigon’s streets without dealing with paperwork or navigating yourself, a motorbike taxi is a great option. Ride-hailing apps are widely used by both locals and tourists. Be, Xanh SM, and Grab are the most popular choices. These apps display the route and fare before booking, and drivers can drop you off anywhere around the market. Feel free to tip them a little if you’re happy with the ride.
By taxi
If you’re traveling in a group, taking a taxi is a convenient option. Traditional street taxis offer fair rates and have taximeters installed for transparent pricing. However, if you want to plan your route and fare in advance to avoid any hassle, consider booking through ride-hailing apps like Be, Xanh SM, or Grab. These apps allow you to select the type of car, pick-up time, and other preferences.
By e-buggy cart
A newly launched and tourist-friendly way to reach Ben Thanh Market is by Saigon.PT e-buggy carts. They feature a covered roof to protect against heat and rain while keeping the sides open so passengers can experience the sights, sounds, and scents of the city. A small table in the middle makes it easy to place snacks or chat with fellow passengers. Each cart can accommodate up to seven people, making it an excellent choice for groups and families.
On foot
Walking to Ben Thanh Market can be a rewarding experience, as the surrounding area is filled with souvenir shops, fashion boutiques, and cozy cafés. However, keep in mind that sidewalks in this area can be crowded, and pedestrian crossings may be busy. Always stay alert, even when walking on the pavement.
Things to do at Ben Thanh Market
Check in at the South Gate
It’s time to brush up on your Instagram feed with an iconic photo taken at one of the most photographed spots in Ho Chi Minh City – the distinct clock tower at the South Gate of Ben Thanh Market. Understanding the urge for snapshots at this historical entrance, the city council has barricaded the area in front of this façade for pedestrians and avid photographers. Strike a pose, and you’ll have something to look back on and treasure forever.
Shop for souvenirs
No trip is complete without a few souvenirs to remember it by. Ben Thanh Market is the place to snag the goods. Whether you are after typical gifts like magnets, keychains, and clothing or more intricate items like mosaic paintings and handicrafts, this market has something for everyone. Other items that make perfect gifts to bring home include premade broth packages for noodle dishes, from famous pho and bun bo Hue to bun rieu (crab noodle soup) and bo kho (Vietnamese beef stew). These powdered ingredient combinations can be carried on the plane and allow you to recreate the sensational flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Don’t forget to bargain – it’s practically a sport here! A little back-and-forth will make you feel like a local in no time (we’ll show you how to do it in the practical tips section).
Get tailor-made suits and dresses (Ready-made wouldn’t hurt)
Need a sharp suit or a chic dress for a night out? Don’t wait until you get to Hoi An to walk away with a custom-made outfit! At Ben Thanh Market, the tailoring experience is no less exciting. Shop for your favorite fabrics, and the tailors here can bring all your dream designs to life in a day. Just show them a photo or describe your vision, get your measurements taken, and prepare to look fabulous.
If you’re staying in the city for less than a day or two, don’t hesitate to try a ready-made traditional outfit – Ao Dai or Ao Ba Ba – designed for both men and women. Generally, the sizes are well-made to fit most figures, but you can have them slightly adjusted for a small extra cost and pick them up in just a few hours.
Taste tropical fruits and specialty sweets
Ready to venture into the exotic side of Vietnam? Ben Thanh Market is your playground for never-seen-before fruits and quirky sweets. Ever tried soursop, mangosteen, jackfruit, or durian (if you dare)? The market’s vendors display the freshest fruits, ready for you to sample before buying. If you find blissful fruits that you’d love to bring home to your friends and family, you can find most (if not all) of them dried, vacuum-packed, and ready to travel thousands of miles to your loved ones. Also, don’t miss out on the collection of exotic sweets, ranging from coconut pandan candies and mung bean cakes to peanut caramel crackers. These one-of-a-kind specialties will make you a real food explorer in the eyes of those receiving them as gifts back home.
Explore the food court if you’re hungry, or even if you aren’t
We’ve seen some reviews claiming that the food at Ben Thanh Market is overrated, which we believe doesn’t do justice to the amazing food collection here. The food court at Ben Thanh Market is your ticket to some seriously delicious and legit local eats from all across the country. If you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, grab a table and try some lesser-known but equally tasty dishes. Banh cuon (steamed rice paper rolls), bun rieu (crab noodle soup), and che (sweet soup desserts), along with seafood, snails, and Hue steamed cakes wrapped in banana leaves, are the stars here in case you get lost in the scrumptious maze. Oh, and they’re very well-priced too.
Dive into tea and coffee culture
Ben Thanh Market, like all parts of the country, is a caffeine lover’s paradise. Whether you’re into intense coffee powders or refined teas, the market won’t fail to please you. Take your time (always a good idea to look before you leap) and listen to the vendors’ demonstrations about their specialty beans and leaves: wild civet coffee, Culi Dak Lak coffee, Cau Dat Moka coffee, oolong tea, and ancient tea, to name a few. Want something beyond the ordinary? Try vanilla tea, lotus-brewed tea, hand-roasted coffee beans, or butter-roasted coffee. It’s the perfect combination of a shopping spree and a specialty adventure. Not in the mood to carry goods in your hands? Then grab a seat (most likely a plastic stool) at one of the cafés inside the market, order your favorite beans, and watch them brewed right in front of you.
Practical tips
Here are some tips to keep in mind to become an expert shopper at Ben Thanh Market.
- Take a photo of the Product Planning Diagram (displayed at the South Gate entrance), which shows the arrangement of nearly 1,400 vendors. This will help you navigate the vast covered market.
- The best time to visit the market is late morning or afternoon. Visiting at these times allows you to avoid being the first customer, which can be a tense experience for both you and the sellers. Vendors are often superstitious about their first sale – if a customer bargains but leaves without buying, they believe it’s a bad omen for the rest of the day.
- If you arrive early in the morning, avoid haggling unless you genuinely intend to buy. If you’re not planning to make a big purchase, consider picking up small, inexpensive items. Vendors believe that generous first customers bring them good fortune for the day.
- Practice your bargaining skills! Start by offering 30-40% less than the initial price and observe the seller’s reaction. They will likely counter with their desired price. At this point, you can either pretend to walk away (to show you’re serious about your offer) or meet the seller halfway for a fair deal.
- Keep a close eye on your belongings at all times, as the market can get very crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays. If needed, security guards are stationed at all entrances and are available to assist.
Ben Thanh Market isn’t just a place to shop – it’s where the cultural pulse meets a shopper’s paradise. From handicrafts to tropical fruits, bustling food stalls to vibrant clothing vendors, it’s a one-stop shop that has it all. Grab your wallet, your camera, and your appetite, and get ready to explore the magic of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic market. See you there!
