Vietnam travel, Ben Thanh Market is not only one of the oldest markets but also a cultural and historical symbol in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. For foreign tourists, it’s a must-visit destination to experience local life, from diverse cuisine and handcrafted goods to traditional Vietnamese costumes. With its unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere, Ben Thanh Market is the perfect place to feel the pulse of the city, where the past and present blend seamlessly.
History of Ben Thanh Market
Before French colonial times (1859-1911), Ben Thanh Market already played a crucial role as a trading and exchange hub for essential goods. The market hosted numerous people and boats carrying goods on the river. The name “Ben Thanh” comes from the market’s role in frequently receiving passersby and soldiers heading to the citadel. However, when the French occupied the area, the market was burned down, and it took a year to rebuild it at its original site.
After many years of operation, Ben Thanh Market gradually deteriorated and was at risk of collapse. The French decided to rebuild the market on a former pond called Bo Ret after draining it. Construction began in 1912 and took two years under the supervision of the French contractor Brossard and Maupin. Architectural features from that time have been preserved to this day, although the market underwent a major renovation in 1985.
Market Entrances
Ben Thanh Market is located on Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The market has 4 main entrances and 12 secondary entrances, leading in different directions. Each main entrance is located on a different street and offers a variety of popular products, making it an ideal spot for visitors to buy souvenirs or enjoy local cuisine:
- South Entrance: Featuring the iconic three-sided clock tower, this entrance is on Le Loi Street, opposite Quach Thi Trang Park. It’s a popular photo spot with stalls selling fabrics and dry foods.
South Entrance of Ben Thanh market
- East Entrance: Located on Phan Boi Chau Street, this entrance attracts visitors with its stalls selling colorful candies and cosmetics.
- West Entrance: Situated on Phan Chu Trinh Street, this entrance features many stalls selling shoes, crafts, and a variety of souvenirs.
- North Entrance: Located on Le Thanh Ton Street, this entrance welcomes visitors with a selection of fresh flowers and enticing tropical fruits.
Recommended Visiting Hours
Ben Thanh Market generally opens from 4 AM to 7 PM, but to enjoy the most lively atmosphere, it’s best to visit during peak hours when locals are heading to school or work, making the market busier.
Two ideal times to visit Ben Thanh Market:
- From 7:30 AM to 6 PM: Perfect for those wanting to explore and shop inside the market.
- After 7 PM: Great for those looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the brightly colored stalls at night.
With its large area and numerous stalls in different sections, visitors may need 1 to 2 hours to explore the entire market. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan your visit carefully for a complete experience.
Ben Thanh Market is extremely large
Highlights of Ben Thanh Market
1. Century-Old Architecture in the Heart of Saigon
Ben Thanh Market, rebuilt by the French with brick and wooden tiles in 1912 after its deterioration, has preserved its ancient and unique architecture to this day. The market’s four entrances feature distinctive elements, such as artistic bas-reliefs depicting southern Vietnamese specialties or a clock tower designed as a small tower at the main entrance.
2. A Multitude of Colorful Stalls
2.1. Shopping Stalls
Ben Thanh Market is Saigon’s largest retail market, with nearly 1,450 stalls and 6,000 vendors, offering a full range of products from basic to luxury items to meet all shopping needs. These stands will allow you to discover Vietnam from the perspective of its commercial culture.
- Clothing and Accessories Stalls: Inside the market and on Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chu Trinh streets, visitors can easily find numerous stalls selling colorful clothes, souvenirs, and accessories at various prices.
- Dry Specialty Stalls: Here, most dried products, salted fish, jams, and dried fruits from across the country are on sale. Visitors can taste these products with the seller’s permission before buying them as gifts or eating on-site.
- Craft Stalls: This area is a colorful world of handcrafted products at varying prices, from multicolored brocade scarves to wooden boxes and refined ceramics. Visitors can find unique gifts for their loved ones.
Colorful stalls at Ben Thanh Market
- Fruit Stalls: Visitors will be drawn to the fresh fruit stalls with vibrant colors and enticing aromas, offering a variety of tempting tropical fruits.
2.2. Food Stalls
Inside the market, numerous stalls offer specialties from all regions of Vietnam, as well as characteristic dishes from many European and Asian countries. Here are some delicious dishes you can try:
- Main Dishes: Spring rolls, fried rolls, Hu Tieu My Tho, broken rice, grilled pork rice, rice porridge, Bun Mam, Bun Bo Hue, grilled pork noodles, Bun Rieu, seven-color sticky rice, Hanoi Pho, Hue Banh Beo, Banh Xeo, etc.
- Snacks: Che, Suong Sa Hat Luu, meat skewers, Thai ice cream, mixed rice paper, shellfish dishes, mussels, Banh Bot Loc, Com,…
- Desserts: Bubble tea, soft drinks, fresh and refreshing fruit juices.
3. Ben Thanh Market at Night
Although Ben Thanh Market closes at 7 PM, the adventure doesn’t end there. Saigon’s nightlife becomes even more vibrant as the area around the market transforms into a lively night market with stalls selling specialties, grilled foods, beer, and seafood restaurants.
- Operating Hours: From 7 PM.
- Location: The two streets next to the market are Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chu Trinh.
During peak tourist seasons, this night market often attracts nearly 1,000 visitors each night, including locals and tourists from both domestic and international locations.
Tips for Visiting
Although often crowded, security in this area has improved significantly. However, it’s always advisable to be cautious with your personal belongings.
Local authorities are also working to improve the quality of products and vendor service, providing visitors with a safe environment to explore and enjoy. Nonetheless, it’s recommended to check prices before buying to ensure you get reasonable rates.
Around the market, streets are often very busy with dense traffic. When crossing the street or taking photos, be sure to pay close attention to ensure your safety.
Ben Thanh Market in the evening
Ben Thanh Market is not only a cultural and historical symbol of Saigon but also a place where the treasures of Vietnamese cuisine and products converge. Every corner of the market, every stall offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to better understand the life and people of the area. Whether you’re a shopping enthusiast, a food lover, or simply eager to discover local culture, Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit destination during your trip to Saigon.
If you’re planning a travel to south Vietnam and want to explore fascinating places like Ben Thanh Market, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will help you design exceptional tours tailored to all tastes and needs. Let us accompany you on your adventure to discover the wonders of Vietnam!
Read more: Why visit Ho Chi Minh City, the economic center of Vietnam?
