Where is Ben Thanh Market?
The Ben Thanh Market is situated at the junction of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao, and Le Lai Streets in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. If you're within 500 meters of the market and need clarification on the direction, just follow the crowd of tourists heading towards it.
Ben Thanh Market in Saigon, Vietnam
This market is more than just a shopping destination; it offers cultural and culinary exploration opportunities. From fresh vegetables, meat, and seafood to various Vietnamese street food, vendors fill the market from early morning till late at night. Visitors can try authentic dishes such as pho, banh mi, and spring rolls or shop for traditional items like ao dai, lacquerware, and silk.
What is Ben Thanh Market Known For?
Ben Thanh Market is the oldest and most iconic market and has become a popular tourist destination. The market is known for several reasons:
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Shopping:
At Ben Thanh Market, you'll find a diverse selection of clothing, including traditional Vietnamese ao dai for women, silk garments, t-shirts, and fabrics. Whether you prefer ready-made clothes or want something tailored to your specific preferences, you'll find what you need here.
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Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine:
Ben Thanh Market is famous for its food section, where visitors can enjoy various delicious Vietnamese street food. This includes local favorites such as pho bo (beef noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and sweet treats. The market provides a delightful culinary experience for all food enthusiasts.
Ben Thanh Street Food
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Cultural Experience:
The market is lively and vibrant, immersing visitors in Vietnamese culture. It allows them to experience the daily life of locals and witness their trading customs while interacting with vendors. The market is a feast for the senses with its vivid displays, bustling crowds, and energetic atmosphere.
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Historical Significance:
The Ben Thanh Market has a rich historical significance, as it has been a hub for trade since the 17th century. It has witnessed Saigon's transformation during different stages of Vietnamese history, from the era of French colonial rule to the Vietnam War and the subsequent economic development.
Ben Thanh Market in the era of French colonial
Opening Hours and Night Market
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Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh
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Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Even though Vietnam's Ben Thanh Market shuts down at 7 PM, it remains a vibrant and lively spot, with many street food vendors surrounding it. These stalls offer diverse local delicacies, contributing to the festive ambiance with the scent of sizzling spices and meats. If you want to experience the dynamic nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City, it is highly recommended to visit this market at night.
Explore the Street Food Delights
Ben Thanh Market's extensive dining space is a must-visit destination for those who appreciate Vietnamese cuisine. The market offers a wide range of delectable dishes from every region of Vietnam, drawing local and foreign tourists. Some of the most highly recommended Vietnamese delicacies in this market include:
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Vietnamese pancakes
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Avocado ice cream
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Vietnamese noodles with grilled pork
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Grilled spring rolls
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Vermicelli with snails
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Grilled meat skewers
The dynamic flavors of these Vietnamese dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Bun Mam is one of the signature food in Ben Thanh Street Food
Looking for more information? Explore our guide to Vietnam!
What to Buy in Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market in Saigon is the biggest retail market, with approximately 1,450 stalls. It is well-known for its diverse variety of products available for purchase.
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Clothing and accessories
At Ben Thanh Market, visitors can discover many shops selling fashion items like silk, shoes, and garments. Several stores provide affordable options for those interested in purchasing an ao dai - the traditional dress of Vietnamese women. With a diverse selection of designs and colors, finding a beautiful ao dai for yourself or your loved ones is easy.
Clothing area in Ben Thanh Market
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Dried specialties
Finding gifts for your loved ones at Ben Thanh Market's dry specialty section is easy. The market has a wide range of high-quality dried seafood like dried squid, shrimp, and simmered crab, as well as Saigon's dried specialties such as beef jerky and dried mango. Prices vary from 2 - 40 USD.
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Handicrafts
In addition to the Saigon specialties mentioned earlier, you can also purchase exquisite handicrafts to take home. These handicrafts are skillfully crafted from sedges and rattan, resulting in intricate and time-consuming production processes. As a result, these products are priced higher due to the labor-intensive nature of their production.
Various handicrafts in Ben Thanh Market
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Fruits
Ben Thanh Market is an excellent place for locals and travelers to purchase fresh fruits in the morning. These fruits are transported directly from nearby farms so you can be assured of their freshness. The market offers a range of fresh vegetables and tropical fruits, including durians, watermelons, pineapples, and coconuts, all at reasonable prices.
Shopping Tips
When visiting Ben Thanh Market, here are some shopping tips to enhance your experience:
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Bargaining: In Vietnamese markets, like Ben Thanh Market, bargaining is expected. Be polite and friendly for the best outcome.
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Compare Prices: Before making a purchase, exploring various stalls and comparing prices is advisable. Prices can differ from one booth to another, making it necessary to check multiple options to ensure you get the best value for your money.
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Quality Check: Inspect the items you wish to buy carefully. While many authentic and high-quality products are available, counterfeit or lower-quality goods may also exist. Examine the materials, stitching, and overall craftsmanship to ensure you purchase a genuine and well-made item.
Material quality check before buying
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Cash in Vietnamese Dong: Make sure to carry enough Vietnamese Dong (VND) as most vendors at Ben Thanh Market prefer cash transactions. Having smaller denominations can also be helpful during bargaining, as it allows you to negotiate more effectively.
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Be Mindful of Pickpockets: Ben Thanh Market can attract pickpockets like any crowded market. Stay vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings at all times. It's advisable to carry a secure bag or backpack and avoid displaying valuable items or large amounts of cash.
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Opening Hours: Ben Thanh Market is typically open from early morning until late evening. If you prefer a less crowded experience, consider visiting in the morning or during weekdays when the market is quieter.
Ben Thanh Market is a vibrant and bustling marketplace where visitors can immerse themselves in a wide range of goods, street food, and cultural encounters. It presents diverse products, encompassing clothing, accessories, handicrafts, and fresh fruits. By offering shopping guidance, visitors can make well-informed purchases while relishing an unforgettable experience in this lively hub of commerce and culture. If you are looking for quality Vietnam package tour, don't hesitate to contact us for more details!
