Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City: What to See & How to Explore

When you are planning a tour to Vietnam, you'll find that many tourists and tour companies recommend visiting Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City. Why is this market so popular? What can you see and experience there? Discover the ultimate travel guide in this article.

Why Visit Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is more than just a place to shop. It stands as a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City's history and daily life. During the day, you can wander through colorful stalls filled with traditional handicrafts and fragrant spices, sip strong Vietnamese coffee, and try authentic street food all in one spot. At night, it spills out onto nearby streets, turning into a lively night market with open-air dining, street food, and a laid-back vibe. Its energy and central location make this place a good way to experience the city like a local.

Fishmongers at Ben Thanh Market

Where Is Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, making it easily accessible from most major hotels and attractions. The market sits at the intersection of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Phan Boi Chau, and Tran Hung Dao streets, right in the city center. Its central location allows you to easily combine a visit with nearby landmarks such as the Old Saigon Post Office, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, and Dong Khoi Street. On Odynovo's Vietnam private tours, these sites are often arranged together in a single day for a seamless sightseeing experience.

Top Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market's Layout and Atmosphere

When you get close to Ben Thanh Market, you'll spot the clock tower above the main entrance. There are four main entrances, each opening into a busy maze of stalls. Inside, it is divided into zones, so it's easy to explore without losing your way. One area has fresh fruits, vegetables, and local snacks, while another is full of colorful handicrafts and souvenirs. You'll also find sections for clothes, shoes, and fabrics, plus smaller stalls selling spices, coffee, and teas. Though here only has one floor, it feels lively and full of surprises, with something new to see and smell at every turn.

What to Buy & How to Buy in Ben Thanh Market

For souvenirs, Ben Thanh Market is hard to beat. Travelers can find lacquerware, silk scarves, embroidered handbags, and traditional Vietnamese hats. Coffee beans, tea, spices, and dried tropical fruits are also popular take-home items. If you're interested in local Vietnamese clothing, you can shop for ready-made garments or buy fabrics and have custom outfits tailored on-site.

Most vendors speak basic English, and many show prices on a calculator, so bargaining is easy and can be enjoyable. Don't hesitate to negotiate a bit; it's part of the experience and can help you get a better deal. If you need extra help, your Odynovo tour guide can assist with translation and bargaining.

Ben Thanh Market

What to Eat in Ben Thanh Market

Beyond shopping, Ben Thanh Market is also a foodie's paradise. Both inside and around the market, you'll find stalls serving some of the best local dishes. Be sure to try pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), banh xeo (crispy pancakes), and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls). For drinks and desserts, Vietnamese iced coffee and sweet chè puddings are popular choices. Eating here lets you enjoy local flavors without spending a lot.

What to Expect in Ben Thanh Market at Night

After sunset, the area around Ben Thanh Market turns into a lively evening bazaar. Outdoor stalls fill the streets with food, clothes, and souvenirs. The atmosphere is more relaxed than during the day, making it a great place for an evening walk, casual meal, and people-watching under the city lights.

For food lovers, this is truly a paradise. Skewered meats, grilled seafood, and local snacks fill the air with irresistible aromas, inviting you to grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely dinner. With its vibrant energy and variety of flavors, this bustling night scene gives you an authentic taste of Ho Chi Minh City after dark.

Useful Travel Tips

• The best times to visit are in the morning when here is less crowded or in the late afternoon when it's cooler.
• Keep an eye on your belongings, as the busy environment can attract pickpockets.
• Carry small cash, since many stalls do not accept cards.
• The market combines aromas of spices, street food, and fresh produce. While lively and authentic, some areas may feel less clean, so be prepared.
• In local markets, you may come across stalls selling fresh organ meats, which are commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine.

Stalls Selling Fresh Organ Meats

Other Famous Markets in Vietnam

If you have more time to explore Vietnam beyond Ho Chi Minh City, you'll find that each major city has its own bustling market with a unique local flavor. These Vietnam local markets are not only shopping spots but also windows into daily life and culture. Here are some highlights for your reference:

City	Market	Highlights
Hanoi	Dong Xuan Market	Large wholesale market for clothes, fabrics, and snacks. Full of local trading energy.
	Quang Ba Flower Market	Bustling early morning flower market with vibrant colors and fragrances.
Hoi An	Hoi An Central Market	Riverside market with fresh seafood, spices, and Cao Lau noodles.
	Nguyen Hoang Night Market	Evening market with lanterns, souvenirs, and street food.
Hue	Dong Ba Market	Historic market famous for Bun Bo Hue and traditional crafts.
Da Nang	Han Market	Popular for dried seafood, sweets, and souvenirs.
	Con Market	Local favorite with street food and fresh produce.
Ho Chi Minh City	Binh Tay Market (Cholon)	Chinatown market with wholesale goods and Chinese-Vietnamese delicacies.
	An Dong Market	Well-known for fabrics, fashion, and handicrafts.
	Ho Thi Ky Flower Market	Largest flower market with colorful blossoms and lively atmosphere.
Phu Quoc Island	Duong Dong Night Market	Seaside night market with seafood, street food, and souvenirs.
Can Tho	Cai Rang Floating Market	Floating market on the river selling fruits and produce from boats.
Nha Trang	Cho Dam Market	Central market with seafood, tropical fruits, and coastal specialties.

Explore Ben Thanh Market With Odynovo

Visiting Ben Thanh Market is not only a shopping trip but also a cultural journey into the daily life of Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you're hunting for souvenirs, tasting authentic Vietnamese dishes, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, it has something for every traveler. For first-time visitors to Vietnam, it's an experience not to be missed. With an experienced Odynovo tour guide, you can enjoy the market at its best.