Thing to do
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
A broad pedestrian boulevard running from City Hall to the Saigon River, converted in 2015 and busiest in the evening when families and visitors stroll its…
Ben Thanh Market
The covered market of central Saigon, in its clock-towered building since 1914, selling food, coffee, crafts and clothing, with a night market on the streets outside.
At a glance
- Type
- Covered market
- Area
- District 1 (Ben Thanh), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Good to know
- Food stalls
- Night market on surrounding streets
- Next to Ben Thanh metro station
Why we recommend it
Ben Thanh Market is the most famous market in Ho Chi Minh City and a landmark in its own right. Street vendors traded near the Saigon River from the early seventeenth century, and the market was formally established under French rule in 1859. After a fire in 1870 it was rebuilt, and between 1912 and 1914 it moved into the present building, which used a fireproof metal structure. The clock tower over the south entrance is one of the best-known sights in District 1. The building has been renovated several times, most recently in 2022.
Inside, the market covers more than 13,000 square metres and is loosely arranged by gate. Around the south entrance, on Le Loi Boulevard and Quach Thi Trang Square, you will find clothing, textiles, shoes, jewellery and cosmetics. The east side, on Phan Boi Chau Street, is good for packaged goods such as dried seafood, roasted peanuts, coffee, tea, fish sauce and spices, which make practical souvenirs. Crafts and ceramics are mostly on the west side. The national tourism board also points visitors to the conical hats, weasel coffee and lacquerware.
The north side is where the food is. Fresh fruit, fish and poultry are sold here, and food stalls serve dishes such as pho and bun bo Hue, as well as banh xeo and banh mi. Eating at the counters is a good way to try several southern dishes in one sitting.
After the day market closes in the early evening, a night market sets up along Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chau Trinh streets and runs until around 22:00, with an emphasis on food and some stalls growing into small open-air restaurants. Bargaining is normal for clothes and souvenirs, so check prices at a few stalls before you buy and agree the price before you pay. Keep an eye on your bag and phone in the crowded aisles.
The market sits at a busy junction of four streets and is right beside Ben Thanh station on Metro Line 1, as well as being a major bus hub. Independence Palace and Nguyen Hue Walking Street are a short walk away, and the market makes an easy first stop on the way to them. Allow an hour or two, more if you plan to eat.
Ben Thanh Market FAQs
When was the current market building built?
The market moved into its present building between 1912 and 1914.
What can I buy at Ben Thanh Market?
Clothing, shoes and jewellery, coffee, tea, spices, dried goods, crafts and ceramics, plus fresh produce and ready-to-eat food.
Where are the food stalls?
Mainly on the north side of the market, where stalls serve dishes such as pho and bun bo Hue.
Is there a night market?
Yes, after the day market closes, stalls set up on Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chau Trinh streets until around 22:00.
Should I bargain?
Bargaining is normal for clothes and souvenirs, so compare prices and agree them before paying.
How do I get there?
Ben Thanh station on Metro Line 1 is right beside the market, and it is also a major bus hub.
How long should I allow?
An hour or two, or longer if you plan to eat at the stalls.
What is nearby?
Independence Palace and Nguyen Hue Walking Street are a short walk away.