Known as “a miniature version of Da Lat”, Ho Thi Ky flower market is a bustling place for shopping and selling fresh flowers in Ho Chi Minh City. Locals often say, “If you want to truly experience the vibrant life of Saigon, you must visit the Ho Thi Ky flower market at least once.”
Introduction To Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
The name says it all. Ho Thi Ky flower market is located on Ho Thi Ky street, hidden next to the Le Hong Phong apartment building, Ward 1, District 10. The market sells hundreds of different types of flowers, mainly originating from Da Lat city and the provinces of the Southwest. As a wholesale market, the price of flowers at Ho Thi Ky market is relatively “soft”; specifically, the price of roses at Ho Thi Ky market only fluctuates from 2,000 to 3,000 VND/flower.
History Of Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market was established in 1987 as a modest trading spot in Saigon. Through more than 30 years of development, it has grown into Ho Chi Minh’s premium wholesale flower market and earned the nickname “Mini Da Lat in the heart of Sai Gon” for importing highland blooms.
Recently, not only specializing in flowers, this market also sells many types of woven baskets and other specialized flower arranging items. You can wander around the market to explore the sparkling beauty of fragrant flower bouquets, take some souvenir photos, and enjoy the delicious street food!
Top 3 Iconic Attractions In Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
Ho Thi Ky flower market is not only a place to buy and sell fresh flowers but also a vivid picture of culture and life. Below are interesting things that make visiting this flower market one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
A Variety Of Flowers At Cheap Prices
Every morning, the Ho Thi Ky market welcomes thousands of fresh flower bouquets from Da Lat, the Mekong Delta, and neighboring provinces. In addition to the most popular flowers, such as roses, orchids, chrysanthemums, carnations, baby’s breath, and daisies, locals and tourists can come here to find rare flowers such as cosmos or dahlias.
With an area of over 2,000 m², the stalls stretch through small alleys filled with colors from cut flowers and potted plants to decorative accessories such as rattan baskets and vases. The prices here are among the cheapest in the city: a flower branch costs only 2,000-5,000 VND, a small bouquet for 20,000-50,000 VND, and decorative potted plants from 50,000 to 200,000 VND, much lower than in a regular flower shop. This abundance not only serves traders but also attracts tourists, photographers, and locals who want to bring back fresh bouquets as gifts or home decorations.
Unique Street Food Alley
It is surprising to know that inside a famous flower market, there is a unique and rich culinary space. If early mornings are the golden times for flower buyers, then from 3 PM every day, the culinary area begins to bustle. With around 100 stalls selling a variety of special dishes, Ho Thi Ky market offers visitors a full experience of food in Ho Chi Minh City, from the cuisine of the three regions of Vietnam to the dishes of Cambodia. Some outstanding dishes that you cannot miss include rice paper, hot pot, sweet soup, and other snacks.
Surrounding Neighborhood Vibes
If you have time to walk around the residential area at Ho Thi Ky flower market, you will see that this place looks like a vivid picture combining the past and the present. There are French colonial-style buildings with square architecture, iron balconies, and whitewashed walls that have yellowed over time.
They tell stories of old Saigon, when horse-drawn carriages rolled on newly paved roads and French ladies strolled under rows of ancient tamarind trees. Right next to them are small, pretty local cafes and fresh vegetable stalls, creating a cozy and simple atmosphere amidst the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.
4 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
Just as vibrant and Saigon-style as Ben Thanh market, Ho Thi Ky flower market offers a unique experience with the vibrant colors and overwhelming fragrance of flowers. Below are the 4 best experiences you should try when visiting this place, compiled by Seni World.
Bargain For Fresh Blooms Like A Local
One of the most exciting experiences at Ho Thi Ky flower market is bargaining, particularly when purchasing in bulk or early in the morning. When asking for the price, the saleswoman smiles and says, “100,000 VND per bouquet!”
But with just a few pleasant conversations, such as praising the beautiful flowers or asking about the flower source, you can easily bargain the price down to 70,000 VND. The interesting thing here is not how much you can bargain, but the feeling of victory after you buy a satisfactory bouquet at a lower price than the original.
Savor Street Food Under the Stars
Visitors to Ho Thi Ky flower market often joke that they can “travel” through dozens of cuisines without leaving this alley. With prices ranging from only 7,000 to 70,000 VND, you can try all the delicious dishes without worrying about going broke. Start with grilled cheese skewers, a street food with a layer of melted cheese covering the soft, fragrant beef.
Another highly recommended dish is grilled lemongrass beef spring rolls wrapped in rice paper, dipped in a rich, sweet, and sour fish sauce. If you want to be truly Cambodian, don’t miss the spicy Nam Vang noodles or the crispy fried squid tentacles covered in Thai powder that you will remember forever after just one bite.
Take Photos Amidst The Flowery Scenery
When coming to the flower market, in addition to buying flowers, do not forget to check in with beautiful photos amidst the flower-filled scene. Imagine arriving at Ho Thi Ky at dawn, when the first light of the day filters through the fresh bouquets just brought back from Da Lat. Every corner of this market is a perfect scene. Taking photos here, you will feel the intersection between the natural beauty of flowers and the simple life of Saigon.
Especially during Tet, the market is decorated with lanterns and banners, bringing a brilliant festive atmosphere, ready for “million-like” photos on social networks.
Join The Midnight Wholesale Rush
One of the most cherished experiences for young people in Saigon is wandering through the vibrant flower market at midnight, immersed in its colorful charm. If you choose to go to the market early in the morning (5:30 AM-7:30 AM) or late at night (11:30 PM-3:00 AM), you can see flower carts transported from the highlands. This is the best time for you to negotiate a reasonable price and even get a few extra branches from the friendly saleswomen.
Entrance Fee
Visiting Ho Thi Ky Market is free of charge. However, if you’re buying flowers, eating some local food, or purchasing souvenirs, you’ll pay according to the prices specified at each shop.
Opening Hours
Ho Thi Ky flower market is open 24/7 all year round, including Tet holidays. The busiest time is from 3 AM to 6 AM, when fresh flowers from Da Lat and the West are brought in, ideal for shopping or taking photos. The night market, combined with food, is bustling from 3 PM to 11 PM, especially crowded on weekends and holidays, sometimes lasting all night.
How To Get To Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
There are many transportation options to get to Ho Thi Ky Market, depending on your budget and style of travel. Here are suggestions from Seni World about how to get to the Ho Thi Ky Flower Market. All options are different experiences.
| Mode of Transport | Duration | Price Range (VND) | Notes |
| Taxi/Grab | 15-25 minutes | 100,000 – 200,000 | Convenient pickup service. |
| Motorbike Rental | 15-25 minutes | 20,000 (fuel) + 100,000-150,000 (bike rental/day) | Flexible and popular. An international driving permit is required |
| Bus | 25-35 minutes | 6,000 – 10,000 | Bus routes 05, 139, 150, 27, 91 |
| Walking | 60-80 minutes | 0 | Suitable for exploring the streets |
Things To Know Before Traveling To Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
Here are some important notes for you to have a great and safe experience when visiting Ho Thi Ky flower market, especially for tourists:
- Bring cash (VND): Some sellers just accept cash, so you should prepare small change to buy flowers and pay for food.
- Weather and clothing: Saigon is hot and humid. Especially in the rainy season (May-November), the market can be wet, so you should bring an umbrella, wear comfortable clothes, and bring tissues. The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is the dry season, so you can choose this time to explore the Ho Thi Ky market.
- Be respectful when taking photos: You should ask permission before taking photos.
- Traffic safety and parking: Traffic around Le Hong Phong and Ly Thai To is crowded during rush hours (7AM – 9AM, 5PM – 7PM). You can park your vehicle in the lot near the market (fee: 5,000-10,000 VND).
- Be careful with personal belongings: The market is crowded and easy to jostle, especially on weekends and Tet. Keep your handbag, phone, and wallet carefully; avoid wearing a backpack on your back.
FAQs About Ho Thi Ky Flower Market
To make your journey to explore Ho Thi Ky flower market in Ho Chi Minh city go smoothly, let Seni World share the frequently asked questions.
How much does a market visit cost?
About 100,000-300,000 VND per person, including flowers (20,000-50,000 VND/bouquet), street food (15,000-50,000 VND/portion), and transportation (Grab/taxi 50,000 VND).
How to bargain for flowers effectively?
Start with a price 20-30% lower than the suggested price, smile, and compliment the flowers to create sympathy. Buy in bulk (from 5 bouquets) for further discounts; the vendors often give away green leaves or ribbons for free.
Is the market family-friendly and child-friendly?
It’s perfect for families with older children, especially in the evenings, with its lively atmosphere and varied food options. Avoid late hours (0:00 – 3:00 AM) as it can get crowded; strollers are recommended for small children, but the narrow alleys can be a bit difficult.
Are there any other attractions near the market?
Combine with Giac Vien Pagoda for a spiritual atmosphere, or explore Nguyen Tri Phuong walking street to try sidewalk coffee. Another option for tourists is the Independence Palace or War Remnants Museum, which are both about 3km from the market.
Is Ho Thi Ky flower market open on holidays?
Yes, it’s open 24/7 all year round, including Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day. However, come early to avoid crowds, especially during peak flower seasons, when prices may increase slightly due to high demand.
Final Thoughts: Is Ho Thi Ky Flower Market Worth Visiting?
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is a hidden gem of Saigon, where the vibrant colors of flowers blend with the flavors of street food and the vibrant local life. From surprisingly cheap fresh flower bouquets to delicious snacks, this place offers an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves culture and beauty. Whether you are a tourist or a native Saigonese, Ho Thi Ky will leave you spellbound! Make your plans today and join Seni World to discover more unique destinations to make your trip more complete!
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