Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Market in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Riza

Ben Thanh Market is one of the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, famous for its buzzing atmosphere, colourful stalls, and endless variety of goods. Established in the 17th century and later rebuilt in the early 20th century, the market has become a great place to visit on a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City, especially for travellers eager to dive into local life. This spot is one of the must-see places in Ho Chi Minh City if you're looking for authentic food, vibrant shopping, and rich cultural encounters.

Inside, the market is a maze of stalls selling everything from spices and coffee to clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The scent of street food fills the air, and the iconic clock tower outside stands as a proud symbol of the city’s heritage.

History and Significance of Ben Thanh Market
Things to See and Do in Ben Thanh Market
How to Get to Ben Thanh Market
Practical Tips on Visiting Ben Thanh Market
Where to Stay close to Ben Thanh Market
Add a Is Ben Thanh Market Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Ben Thanh Market
Nearby Attractions to Ben Thanh Market

History and Significance of Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market originated as a small informal gathering of vendors in the 1600s and gradually developed into a major trading hub during the French colonial period. In 1914, the market was moved to its current location and rebuilt into the structure that remains today, complete with its distinctive clock tower.

Over time, Ben Thanh evolved into not just a commercial centre but also a cultural landmark, representing the vibrancy and entrepreneurial spirit of Ho Chi Minh City. It continues to play a central role in daily life, where locals shop for fresh produce and visitors search for unique souvenirs.

Things to See and Do in Ben Thanh Market

As you enter the market, you’ll find aisles filled with colourful textiles, locally made crafts, traditional conical hats, and souvenirs of all kinds. The centre of the market features fresh produce, spices, and dried goods that showcase Vietnam’s culinary heritage.

The food stalls are a major highlight. Here, visitors can enjoy pho, banh xeo, fresh spring rolls, banh mi, and local desserts. These stalls offer an easy and delicious way to taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine at affordable prices.

Ben Thanh is also an excellent place to practice bargaining and interact with friendly vendors, adding a lively cultural exchange to your visit.

How to Get to Ben Thanh Market

Travellers typically arrive in Ho Chi Minh City via Tan Son Nhat International Airport before heading to District 1, where the market is located. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) on Booking.com.

Visitors arriving by rail at Saigon Railway Station can reach the market easily by taxi or bus. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travelling by car or taxi to Ben Thanh is straightforward, though parking can be limited during busy shopping hours. The market’s central location makes it a convenient stop during a day of sightseeing.

Practical Tips on Visiting Ben Thanh Market

Suggested tips: Bargain politely; prices are often negotiable.
Best time to visit: Morning for quieter shopping or evening for the lively night market.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: Approximately 6:00-18:00; night market follows.
Official website: Not available
How long to spend: 1-2 hours.
Accessibility: Main entrances are accessible, though narrow aisles can be crowded.
Facilities: Restrooms, ATMs, food stalls, and souvenir shops.
Photography tip: Capture the clock tower at sunrise for the best light.
Guided tours: Often included in city and food tours.
Nearby food options: Countless Vietnamese eateries and cafés around the market area.

Where to Stay close to Ben Thanh Market

There are many hotels within walking distance of the market. A popular nearby option is Liberty Central Saigon Centre, offering modern comfort just steps away. Another great choice is The Luxe Hotel, ideal for travellers wanting easy access to the market and surrounding attractions.

Add a Is Ben Thanh Market Worth Visiting?

Yes, Ben Thanh Market is absolutely worth visiting. Whether you're looking for unique shopping, delicious street food, or a snapshot of daily life in Ho Chi Minh City, the market offers an energetic and engaging experience.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.0 (77,304)

Ben Thanh Market in District 1 is a bustling indoor market known for a huge selection of handbags, luggage, clothing, souvenirs and handicrafts, with an outer ring of fixed‑price stalls selling more traditional garments; many visitors recommend haggling (initial prices can be much higher than elsewhere) while checking quality on items like zippers and suitcase wheels, and note some stalls accept cards or foreign currency but cash is common. Expect a crowded, colorful, tourist‑oriented maze where persistent bargaining often pays off, food stalls compete loudly outside the main market and there's a lively evening scene when vendors set up beyond the gates.

Alex Haas

4 weeks ago

"This indoor market was just a short walk away from our Hotel. It's open until around 6pm and offers lots of products. Most of it is about clothes,bags, accessories and stuff like that. Cheap stuff or fake brands In the middle of the market it's all about haggle for a good price. It's fun to browse, but most products didn't catch our attention. In the outer "ring" of the market there are more - also traditional - clothes to be found. With fixed prices, so you won't have to haggle aorund. We actually liked that and found some nice clothes and caps here. Good quality, fair prices and friendly staff. It's not mainly a food market, but there is a good number of food stalls, quite aggressively fighting for customers. If you can ignore that, you will find some enjoyable food here. We did. Quality wasn't the very best on this trip, but cheap and cheerful. At night, when the main market is closed, lots of stalls will line up just outside the market, offering all kinds of products. A nice time to enjoy the evening, with all the bustling life, the lights...it's a nice atmosphere. We enjoyed our visit. Not something to do daily, but surely a must if you've never been to...."

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Nur Syafiqah

a month ago

"I was on a tightly scheduled business trip and didnt have time to explore elsewhere for souvenirs. I stumbled upon this market unintentionally duringmy morning run. Since I was in a rush, I just went inside, picked one shop, and bought everything I needed there like a few fridge magnets and some bags. Actually I was lucky they accepted cards, as my colleague had warned me that most shops here only take cash, and I had none. I know the prices are a bit high, but with my limited time, I didnt have much choice. What I found fu y was that a few other shopkeepers, whose stalls I didnt buy from, seemed irritated or frustrated when I tried to bargain, even slightly. The initial prices are often three to four times higher than in other places. If you have the time, its wise to do your due diligence and research fair prices for goods so you can negotiate effectively here or at other tourist markets like Saigon Square etc. Nevertheless, for the experience, its fine to go there once for a quick walkthrough to see the bustling action. Have fun, embrace the experience, and dont take offense if sellers get angry or curse in their native tongue. Just let it roll off and keep walking. Its a wonderful market, I can say. Its like a maze. I almost forgot which gate I came in from and ended up exiting through a different one, which was quite exciting..."

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Da y K

2 weeks ago

"Largest selection of goods by far in Ho chi Minh City. You will surely find what you are looking for here, just be prepared to haggle and stick toyour price. Persistence paid off for me here when I could not find the exact item I was looking for at Saigon square or Binh tay markets which I shopped at first. Every shopkeeper will try and get you buy at their booth, they are quite persistent and yes it a tourist oriented venue. At my fifth try I got what I wanted at my price. Just be as focused on your end game as them and you'll be OK. Great food options and thanks so much for the experience 😁..."

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FAQs for Visiting Ben Thanh Market

Yes, bargaining is common and expected for many items.

Yes, the night market outside offers food stalls, souvenirs, and a lively evening atmosphere.

No, it is not, so visit early for cooler temperatures.

Nearby Attractions to Ben Thanh Market

Reunification Palace: A major historical landmark a short walk away.
Saigon Central Post Office: A beautiful French-colonial post office.
Nguyen Hue Street: A lively pedestrian boulevard nearby.
Tao Dan Park: A green oasis close to the market.
Bitexco Financial Tower: A modern skyscraper offering city views.

The Ben Thanh Market appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)!

Moira & Andy

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