Ben Thanh Market Guide: Ho Chi Minh City's Iconic Shopping & Street Food Hub | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide

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Located in the heart of District 1, Ben Thanh Market is one of the most famous and oldest landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. If you are looking to buy souvenirs, taste authentic southern Vietnamese dishes, or experience daily life in Saigon, Ben Thanh Market is a worthy destination.

A Historic and Cultural Icon of Saigon

Originally established as a wet market by the Saigon River in the early 17th century, Ben Thanh Market was relocated to its current location and opened in 1914 by the French colonial administration.
The market is instantly recognizable by its iconic clock tower and French colonial architecture. Inside, the experience is a vibrant mix of colors, aromas, and activity, with hundreds of vendors under one roof selling everything from food to fashion.

What to Buy at Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is a good place to shop in Ho Chi Minh City, especially if you are looking for Vietnamese souvenirs, handicrafts, and textiles. Some of the most popular items to buy include:

• Silk scarves, ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), and custom-tailored clothing

• Handmade crafts, lacquerware, and bamboo products

• Vietnamese coffee beans and drip filters

• Spices, dried fruits, and packaged snacks

• T-shirts, hats, and bags with Vietnam-themed prints

• Shoes, handbags, and accessories at negotiable prices

Insider Tip: Bargaining is expected and part of the fun. Don’t be shy to negotiate prices — most vendors are used to it and will often offer a lower price after some friendly back-and-forth.

Ben Thanh Market - A Food Lover’s Paradise

Ben Thanh Market is also an excellent place to eat street food in Ho Chi Minh City, with countless food stalls serving up local favorites. The market is especially popular with those on the hunt for authentic Vietnamese cuisine in Saigon.
Some must-try dishes at Ben Thanh Market include:

• Phở (Vietnamese beef noodle soup)

• Bún thịt nướng (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles)

• Bánh xèo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes)

• Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls)

• Bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwich)

• Chè (Vietnamese sweet dessert soups)

Fresh juices, smoothies, and traditional Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá) are also widely available, offering a cool break from the heat.

Night Market: Ben Thanh After Dark

As the sun sets, the area around Ben Thanh transforms into a lively night market. Vendors set up stalls outside the main building, selling clothing, souvenirs, and street food late into the evening. This is a great time to shop in cooler temperatures and enjoy a more festive atmosphere. The Ben Thanh Night Market is one of the top evening attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, ideal for those looking to experience Saigon’s nightlife in a safe and local setting.

Practical Information

• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (main market), 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (night market)

• Tips:

  • The fresh food sections opens at 4am. Arrive early in the morning for the freshest produce and best shopping experience, or for the night market.

  • Carry cash (Vietnamese Dong), as many vendors do not accept cards.

  • Watch your belongings; like any busy market, it can get crowded.

Here are some photos that we took:

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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