As a heritage landmark of Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon), Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit for foreign tourists. It’s not just a bustling shopping area, but also a place where you can dive deep into the lifestyle, historical cultural values, and cuisine of Vietnam. 

Ben Thanh Market is an essential stop when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Yet, what makes it truly special? Join Kampá Tour as we explore the unique allure of Ben Thanh Market in this article!
 

Written by Thanh NGUYEN (local expert)Updated on 11-07-2024

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1. Where Is Ben Thanh Market Located?

The Ben Thanh Market is located in the heart of District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City. Officially, the market's address is Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1. Opposite the market is the Quach Thi Trang construction site, which is now the Ben Thanh subway station. Additionally, the market has four main doors that lead out to the bustling streets of District 1. This provides visitors with convenient access. 

The distinctive south entrance along Le Loi Street, marked by a unique three-faced clock tower, is the suggested starting point for your visit to Ben Thanh. There are unique stalls in and around Ben Thanh, which we will discuss in detail.

2. Ben Thanh Market History: Heritage and Transformation

Many people are unaware that Ben Thanh Market's current location is not where it originally stood in the 17th century. The market we see today emerged from two significant reconstructions following the destruction of the original by a fire in 1870 and a storm in 1904. These events necessitated rebuilding to support Ho Chi Minh City's growing urban landscape.

The revitalization of the market began in 1868, coinciding with the city's urbanization and the construction of key landmarks like the Opera House and City Hall. However, unforeseen delays extended the project's completion to 1912.

The new market was strategically placed near the Bo Ret Lagoon (Marais Boresse), a large swampy area in the city's center, where the city's poorest once lived in makeshift homes. This relocation not only met the community's essential needs but also significantly advanced urban development.

Spanning over 13,000 square meters, Ben Thanh Market transformed from a marshy land into a grand marketplace within just two years (1912–1914). At this time Ben Thanh Market served as the primary retail hub, supplying food to renowned restaurants and hotels and catering to the elite. With its assortment of authentic and pricey clothes, shoes, and household items, it was regarded as one of the most opulent markets in Vietnam.

▶️Find out more about: Top Ho Chi Minh City's Museums & Historical Sites

3. Ben Thanh Market Entrance Guide, Opening Hours

Ben Thanh Market is open from Monday to Sunday, both as a day and night market.

• Daytime market: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Night market: 18:00 - 22:00

Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh District, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. To make your visit easier, here is a short guide to the four entrances to Ben Thanh Market:

• South Gate: With the famous three-sided clock tower, this entrance is on Le Loi Street, opposite Quach Thi Trang Park. It is popular with tourists for its rustic stalls selling dried fabrics and food products.
• East Gate: Located on Phan Boi Chau Street, this entrance attracts with its stalls selling colorful sweets and cosmetics.
• West Gate: Located on Phan Chu Trinh Street, it offers a variety of stalls selling shoes, handicrafts and various souvenirs.
• North Gate: Located on Le Thanh Tong Street, this entrance offers a range of fresh flowers and tropical fruits.

4. How To Get There?

Depending on your location, there are several convenient ways to reach Ben Thanh Market:

• Local Buses: Cheap but can be challenging to navigate without understanding Vietnamese.
• Taxis: More expensive but offer convenient door-to-door service. Be cautious of potential scams and consider using transportation apps instead.
• Transportation Apps: Grab, Gojek, and Be are popular choices for convenient travel with clear prices and guaranteed safety, whether by motorbike or car.

Ensure your phone is unlocked for a foreign SIM card and has a stable internet connection. Vietnamese SIM cards are available at many mobile phone stores in Ho Chi Minh City.

5. What To Do And See?

• Admire the ancient architecture

If you are an architecture enthusiast, Ben Thanh Market is a place worth visiting. The market's architecture seamlessly blends French and Indochinese influences. Historical records show that the French referred to it as "Les Halles Centrales" ("central market"), with its design inspired by Paris' Les Halles market, built-in 1769. The similarity is evident in the tall structures with overlapping tiled roofs, reminiscent of a factory or train station. 

The open-air concept allows sunlight to flood the aisles through high vaulted ceilings, creating an airy environment. You can observe intricate Vietnamese ceramic tiles alongside sturdy French ironwork. The market also features four gates adorned with unique relief paintings from 1952, created by Vietnamese artists expressing the patriotic spirit and aspirations of the Vietnamese people. 

>>> Good to know: Few people realize that beneath the clock tower of Ben Thanh Market is a sacred space for traders. This 30-square-meter room is dedicated to the worship of Buddha and other gods, believed to protect and bring good luck to the market's traders.

• Experience local life

Want to know the daily lives of the locals? Ben Thanh Market is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the culture of Saigon. Arrive early in the morning and check out the lively barter scene, with vans delivering fresh vegetables and fruits to the market, adding a real touch to local life. As the sun rises, the market gets busier; it is packed with tourists from all over the world.

For a richer experience, wander through the market and explore the nearby alleys. Here, you can witness the everyday routines of the residents up close.

• Savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine

Foodies, rejoice! Ben Thanh Market is a haven for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The food section overflows with vendors and stalls offering freshly prepared dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Discover an array of fruits and agricultural products from the West, South, and other regions of Vietnam. Indulge in banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), savory banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), fluffy banh beo (water fern cakes), crunchy cha gio (spring rolls), and flavorful hu tiu (noodle soup), as well as special southern cakes and the famous sweet soup of Vietnam—there's something for everyone. No need to travel across the country to savor these specialties; Ben Thanh Market brings them all to one place. Ben Thanh Market is the perfect choice if you want to take home some Saigon specialties as gifts.

Market prices may seem high, but that's understandable in an iconic location in Ho Chi Minh City. Trying these delicacies once will make your visit more complete. Ben Thanh Market also brings together all the specialties and is also the ideal choice if you want to take home Saigon specialties as a gift.

As the sun sets and the indoor market closes, the excitement continues! Two parallel roads around Ben Thanh Market are closed to traffic at night, transforming into a bustling culinary scene. Enjoy seafood, BBQ, and cold beer for around $1–3 per beer.

• Unique handicrafts and souvenirs

Back in the middle of the market, you’ll find a variety of items—from clothes, trinkets, shoes, and bags to jewelry, kitchenware, food, sweets, and great Vietnamese coffee—and it has it all! Remember to inquire about prices first and negotiate wisely.

Ben Thanh Market is also known for its dried foods, with an abundance of jams, cakes, and dried seafood. Discover hundreds of varieties of fruits and agricultural products from all over Vietnam, whether from the West, the South, or further afield. All of these items are conveniently assembled, making Ben Thanh Market the ideal destination for those looking for Sagonese gifts.

Plus, no trip to Ben Thanh Market is complete without exploring local handicrafts and souvenirs. From nón lá (traditional Vietnamese hats) and soft ceramics to various souvenirs, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for friends and family back home.

Conclusion

Ben Thanh Market is a must-see spot on your Saigon adventure. Pack your bags and come here, you can freely explore, experience shopping, and enjoy countless delicious dishes. Hopefully, the full experience of exploring Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City in this article will help you have the most complete journey!

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