Thing to do
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.
Binh Tay Market
Cholon's great trading market, opened in 1930 in an East Asian-style building with a central courtyard, and still a working hub for traders from across the south.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic market
- Area
- Cholon (District 6), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Good to know
- Wholesale and retail stalls
- Central courtyard
Why we recommend it
Binh Tay Market is the commercial heart of Cholon, the historic Chinese quarter of Ho Chi Minh City, and a far less touristy experience than Ben Thanh. Construction began in 1928 and the market opened in 1930. It is associated with Quach Dam, a wealthy Chinese businessman who is credited with building or financing it, and the building is classified as an architectural monument. The national tourism board describes it as a large wholesale trading centre, and it remains a working hub for traders, including farmers and merchants from across southern Vietnam.
The building is laid out in an East Asian style around a central courtyard, covering about 2.5 hectares, with a footprint of roughly 89 by 109 metres. A fountain once stood at the centre, with bronze dragons spouting water. The market was renovated in 1992 and again between 2016 and 2018. Four bronze lions were recorded as still standing in 2007. The rooftops and courtyard are photogenic, and the scale of the place gives a real sense of Cholon's importance as a trading district.
Most stalls sell in bulk to shopkeepers and restaurants, so it is more a place to watch the trade than to shop for souvenirs, although you can buy small quantities of dried goods, snacks and household items. Mornings are generally the busiest time for trading, and the best time to see the market at work.
Keep to the side of the aisles so that traders can move their goods, and ask before photographing people. The market is hot and crowded in the middle of the day, so bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Allow an hour for the market, and more if you plan to explore the surrounding streets.
Binh Tay is around 6 kilometres west of central District 1, so most visitors come by taxi or ride-hailing motorbike, often combining the market with Thien Hau Temple and other Chinese temples in the area. The national tourism board recommends exploring Cholon on foot, and a morning spent between the market and the temples is one of the best ways to see a different side of the city.
Binh Tay Market FAQs
When did Binh Tay Market open?
Construction began in 1928 and the market opened in 1930.
Is it a good place for souvenirs?
It is mainly a wholesale market, so it is better for watching the trade, though some small purchases are possible.
When is the best time to visit?
In the morning, when trading is at its busiest.
Where is it?
At 57A Thap Muoi Street in Cholon, west of central Ho Chi Minh City.
How do I get there?
By taxi or ride-hailing from District 1, which is around 6 kilometres away.
Was it renovated?
Yes, in 1992 and again between 2016 and 2018.
How long should I allow?
About an hour for the market, longer if you explore the surrounding streets.
What can I combine it with?
Thien Hau Temple and a walk around the streets of Cholon.