Ben Thanh Market is one of the most well-known destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, famous for its buzzing atmosphere and various goods. It is a must-see if you love the local culture, food, and traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.
Introduction To Ben Thanh Market
More than just a destination for national goods, Ben Thanh Market – located just north of the center of District 1 – is a cultural icon that has stood the test of time as a historic landmark holding true to the old Saigon. Its French colonial architecture is emblematic of the old-world charm and timeless marketplace atmosphere established since the early 20th century. With around 1,500 stalls offering an unparalleled array of handcrafted goods, traditional textiles, a variety of aromatic spices, and local food options, it is a shopper’s and food-lover’s paradise.
What makes Ben Thanh Market unique is its replication of the daily pulse of local life. Early morning commerce has, gives way to a colorful night market that radiates under lights, combining old traditions with the energy of a modern city. For souvenirs, authentic food, or merely the intentionally colorful chaos of it all, Ben Thanh Market is a genuine representation of Saigon’s heart and heritage.
History Of Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market has an exciting and historic story all the way back to the 17th century, when it was first built on the banks of the Ben Nghe River to accommodate merchants, travelers, and soldiers entering Gia Dinh Citadel. The name “Ben Thanh” combines the words “Ben” (harbor) and “Thanh” (citadel), alluding to the market’s origin as a riverside trading post. The market was originally built with simple materials (wood, brick, and thatch), but soon became a bustling marketplace day and night, full of boats, people, and goods.
Eventually, the old structure began to deteriorate, so the French colonial government decided to build a new, larger market. In 1912, the construction of the new Ben Thanh Market was approved, and construction was started after filling up the swampy Bo Ret area. The French contractor Brossard et Maupin completed the project two years later. Since then, Ben Thanh Market has served as a historic symbol of Saigon, one of the key landmarks in the city. After a major renovation in 1985, it also preserved some historic style and, at the same time, reflected modern daily life in a Vietnamese city caught between colonial architecture and major renovations.
Unique Architecture Of Ben Thanh Market
This market is a rectangular structure with a high vaulted ceiling, wide walkways, and, of course, a three-sided clock tower that has become a landmark in the city. It has four primary gates and twelve larger entrances to each quadrant of the market, each providing its own distinct vibe and shopping experience.
The South Gate
The Le Loi Street entrance is the largest, welcoming shoppers into the market and presenting a view of Quach Thi Trang Park. This main entrance features the iconic three-sided clock tower, and rightly so, as it is one of the most photographed symbols of Saigon. To your left, you will find a collection of stalls filled with cloth and fabric goods, items that are a perfect introduction to the market atmosphere and the shopping experience that will follow.
The East Gate
The East Gate, located on Phan Boi Chau Street, is a paradise for beauty enthusiasts as it is mainly comprised of products and goods available for personal care, skincare, cosmetics, haircare products, etc. These products feature local and imported brand options.
The West Gate
The West Gate, found on Phan Chu Trinh Street, is a haven for anyone looking for a souvenir. This area of the market has what seems to be an unending assortment of options and stalls filled with shoes, handicrafts, keepsakes, etc. This is a great place to begin souvenir shopping in Vietnam.
The North Gate
The North Gate looks out onto Le Thanh Ton Street, welcoming travelers with the dazzling colors and fragrance of fresh flowers and tropical fruit. It is one of the most photogenic settings of the market and a fun place to feel the energy of Saigon’s everyday life.
Ben Thanh Market’s unique design incorporates both French colonial architectural influence and traditional Vietnamese design features. It’s more than a shopping destination; it has become a lasting symbol of the historic heritage of Ho Chi Minh City.
3 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
A visit to Ben Thanh Market is more than just shopping; it’s an experience into the culture, flavors, and history of Saigon. Below are some of the experiences not to miss that make Ben Thanh an unforgettable outing.
Admire The Iconic Architecture Of Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is an iconic symbol of Ho Chi Minh City that combines both Indochinese and French styles of architecture in its design. The rectangular shape of the market is distinguished by a clock tower and by high wooden vaulted ceilings, providing a light and airy atmosphere. Even though the market has undergone several renovations over the years, the façade of the market and the clock tower are still preserved. Be sure to take some pictures by the historic backdrop that embodies the spirit of Saigon.
Savor The Taste Of Ben Thanh Market
For food lovers in Ho Chi Minh City, the market’s big food hall is a food lover’s dream. Here you can enjoy using Vietnamese cuisine, including Banh Xeo (a sort of crispy pancake), Bun Thit Nuong (grilled pork vermicelli), goi cuon (Vietnamese fresh spring rolls), Com Tam (broken rice), and even sweet desserts like Kem Bo (avocado ice cream).
Each entrance would have some authentic experience of street food in Vietnam, simple, delicious, and comforting! The area is clean and vibrant; most booths even speak basic English, which makes the experience conveniently accessible and satisfactory for travelers.
Enjoy Ben Thanh Night Market
With sunset behind the market, Ben Thanh becomes a vibrant night market full of color and energy. After 7:00 PM, more than a hundred stalls spill over Phan Chu Trinh and Phan Boi Chau streets, selling handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and accessories.
Grilled seafood and other local specialties waft through the hot night air, promising visitors they can enjoy authentic Saigon street food while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the night market. Every night, the market attracts tourists and locals alike – the ideal nighttime activity for those wanting to experience the true culture of Saigon.
Entrance Fee
Ben Thanh Market has no entry fee, so you can wander and take in the bustling energy without charge. However, should you choose to shop or eat local food, you will need to pay based on what you buy or eat. Prices are negotiable depending on the food or item and your negotiating skills, so it is good to compare and negotiate to get what you want.
Opening Hours
Ben Thanh Market operates every day, giving visitors two different experiences: the busy daytime market and the fun night market.
- Day Market: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Night Market: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
During the daytime, you’ll see a busy market atmosphere with vendors selling fresh vegetables, local food, clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts. At night, the streets next to Ben Thanh Market light up, a lively night market with food stalls and souvenir shops.
Note that the health market opening hours may depend on the vendor type; vendors selling fresh food or dry goods tend to close earlier than snack or food vendors. If you are looking to shop and experience local culture, consider visiting during the day or early afternoon. If you are looking to enjoy local street food or an active nightlife atmosphere, consider visiting in the evening.
The optimal visiting period for the Ben Thanh Market is in the dry season from December to April, when it is warm and sunny, and nice to walk and take pictures. While Saigon definitely has a tropical climate and has two seasons, a rainy season and a dry season, each has its own charm. If you visit in the rainy season, mornings are the best time, as it often rains in the afternoons. However, visiting in the dry season will provide the best trip because it is easier to navigate the streets, and the colors really pop in the market.
How To Get To Ben Thanh Market
Located in the central location of District 1, Ben Thanh Market is easily accessible from most of Ho Chi Minh City, while also being a popular tourist destination. The following are ways to travel:
By Motorbike
The market is easily accessible from District 1, Phu Nhuan, District 2, District 3, and neighboring districts. However, traffic can get congested in the city center during rush hour, so be smart about your trip. There are private parking lots around the market that charge only 10,000-20,000 VND per entry.
By Taxi Or Ride-Hailing App
Using a taxi or ride-hailing app like Grab is the easiest and most comfortable option for travelers who aren’t already familiar with Saigon’s streets. It is quick, easy, and gets you to the market entrance without having to worry about the journey.
By Metro
The Metro Line No. 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) has a station at Ben Thanh Market and provides the swiftest and most efficient way of getting to the market! This is probably a good option for travelers who want to avoid traffic, especially if you are coming from an outer district.
On Foot
If you are in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, you can easily walk to the market! If you are at Notre-Dame Cathedral, just head down Le Duan Street to turn left on Le Lai, which turns into Phan Chu Trinh Street. It’s a leisurely 10-minute walk and a chance to enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere!
Things To Know Before Traveling To Ben Thanh Market
It is good to keep some practical tips and suggestions handy to make your time at Ben Thanh Market fun and hassle-free. Here are a few suggested points that you should always keep in mind before you visit Ben Thanh Market:
- Always bargain before you buy; prices are probably higher because you are a tourist.
- Make sure you always keep your valuables and money safely secure from pickpockets.
- Always ask before you take photos or videos of either the vendors or their stand.
- Dress reasonably and don’t wear anything that is overtly revealing as a sign of respect and utility comfort.
- Go there early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid two things: the flow of people and the hot temperatures.
- Always take cash, as many of the vendors will not accept any type of cards.
- Drink plenty of water as Saigon has tropical weather and it can be quite hot, especially during lunchtime.
Final Thoughts: Is Ben Thanh Market Worth Visiting?
Ben Thanh Market is an excellent showcase of the spirit of Ho Chi Minh City: lively, bright, and full of color. It is a crossroads between history and modernity, shopping and tasting, and feeling out the local rhythm. The street food, artisan souvenirs, and the promise of culture, and no matter how many times you visit, you will never take it all in. Be sure to include this historical treasure chest on your next trip with Seni World!
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