If Hanoi is known for the famous Dong Xuan Market, then Saigon boasts the iconic Ben Thanh Market. This must-visit destination in Ho Chi Minh City attracts tourists throughout the day and comes alive with vibrant energy at night. In this article, let’s explore the exciting Ben Thanh Night Market and discover what to buy and eat, with the help of Vietnam Car Rental’s for a smooth journey.
About Ben Thanh Market
- Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ben Thanh Market is one of the most iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City and a must-visit destination for travelers. With a history dating back over a hundred years—even before the French colonial period—this market holds deep cultural significance. Originally located along the banks of the Ben Nghe River near the old Gia Dinh Citadel, it was named “Ben Thanh,” meaning “harbor citadel.” In 1911, the French authorities relocated the market to its current location.
Today, Ben Thanh Market sits in the heart of District 1, the downtown area of Saigon. Surrounded by four major streets—Phan Chu Trinh, Phan Boi Chau, Luu Van Lang, and Nguyen An Ninh—the market is easily accessible and hard to miss. It features 4 main entrances (East, West, South, and North) and 12 side entrances that open in every direction.
Spanning more than 13,000 square meters (13 hectares), Ben Thanh Market is home to over 1,500 stalls, run by thousands of local vendors. The market attracts around 10,000 visitors per day, both domestic and international, making it a bustling center of commerce and culture.
Inside, the market is organized into different sections, each offering a wide range of products—from fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, and spices to clothing, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. There’s also a popular food court area, where you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes such as pho (noodle soup), bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodles), bun thit nuong (grilled pork vermicelli), and a variety of sweet desserts (che) representing flavors from the North to the South of Vietnam.
History of Ben Thanh Market: A Cultural Icon of Saigon
Join VnCarRentals.com in exploring the history of Ben Thanh Market through its various stages of development, and understand the importance of this iconic landmark in Saigon.
The Early Years of the Market (17th Century – 1859)
Ben Thanh Market has a long history dating back to the 17th century, predating the arrival of the French in Gia Dinh. Initially, the market was located along the banks of the Ben Nghe River, near the Gia Dinh Citadel. This riverbank was where visitors and soldiers entered the city, which gave rise to the name “Ben Thanh” – a name that has since become synonymous with the bustling market.
Old Ben Thanh Market (1859 – 1911)
In 1870, when Saigon was under French colonial rule, the old Ben Thanh Market was rebuilt with a more solid structure, positioned near the Ben Nghe River. Its prime location made the market a thriving trading hub, attracting merchants and locals from various regions.
New Ben Thanh Market (1912 – 1914)
The construction of the new Ben Thanh Market began in 1912 and was completed in March 1914. Featuring a unique design with a clock tower, the new market became a cultural symbol not only for the local people but also for international tourists.
Ben Thanh Market Through the Decades (1945 – 1975)
From 1945 to 1975, Ben Thanh Market solidified its role as a key player in Saigon’s economic and cultural development. Amid the country’s many upheavals, the market continued to thrive, becoming a vibrant center of commerce, connecting people through trade in everything from everyday essentials to high-end goods.
Ben Thanh Market After Reunification (1975 – Present)
Since 1975, Ben Thanh Market has maintained its status as an essential commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City. While it may no longer retain the same quiet charm as in the past, the market continues to preserve its unique cultural and historical values. Today, Ben Thanh Market is not just a place for shopping but also a cultural melting pot, showcasing the diversity and unity of the Vietnamese people.
Main Entrances to Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market has four main entrances, each located on a busy street and offering unique shopping experiences for visitors:
South Entrance: Located on Le Loi Street, this main entrance is easily recognized by its iconic three-faced clock tower. The South Entrance is home to a variety of stalls selling fabrics, clothing, and dry food items.
North Entrance: Situated on Le Thanh Ton Street, the North Entrance is where fresh produce is sold. Visitors can find a wide selection of tropical fruits and fresh vegetables, representing the vibrant flavors of the region.
East Entrance: Found on Phan Boi Chau Street, the East Entrance is a paradise for those looking for sweets and cosmetics. It is filled with numerous stalls offering perfumes, a variety of confectioneries, and other beauty products.
West Entrance: Located on Phan Chu Trinh Street, the West Entrance is the go-to place for handicrafts and souvenirs. It’s the perfect spot for visitors to pick up memorable gifts and traditional items.
What Makes Ben Thanh Night Market So Attractive?
A Famous Shopping Destination in Saigon
Ben Thanh Night Market officially opened in 2002 and has since become a must-visit hotspot in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. It takes place around the iconic Ben Thanh Market, specifically along Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chu Trinh streets.
With over 300 stalls, the night market offers a vibrant shopping experience where you can find a wide variety of goods such as souvenirs, jewelry, handicrafts, brocade items, clothes, shoes, and bags—perfect for picking up a unique memento of your trip.
Fashion Finds at Every Corner
The most crowded areas of the night market are undoubtedly the clothing, footwear, and accessories stalls. You’ll find everything from casual T-shirts and linen pants to colorful brocade skirts, silk dresses, and wide-brimmed hats. Fabric and silk are also sold by the meter in every texture and color imaginable.
Pro tip for visitors: Bargaining is part of the experience! Sellers often quote high prices initially, so don’t be afraid to negotiate. Aim to offer 50%–75% of the original price. For example:
T-shirts: 100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–6)
Pants: 80,000–100,000 VND (~$3–4)
Hats: 40,000–60,000 VND (~$2–2.5)
Fabric/Silk: 120,000–150,000 VND per meter (~$5–6)
Affordable Handmade Jewelry
Jewelry is another highlight of Ben Thanh Night Market. Most pieces are handmade and affordable, typically ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 VND (~$1.2–4). These make charming gifts or keepsakes for your loved ones back home.
Traditional Vietnamese Handicrafts
International visitors, especially Western tourists, love the handicraft section. You’ll discover:
Embroidery artworks
Lacquerware
Sand paintings
Ceramics
Miniature conical hats
Each piece reflects Vietnamese cultural identity, making it a meaningful souvenir or decorative item for your home.
A Vibrant Street Food Heaven
One of the top reasons to visit Ben Thanh Night Market is the diverse and mouthwatering food scene. From sizzling grills to bubbling soup pots, the aroma alone will tempt you to stop and grab a bite.
You can sample both Southern specialties and dishes from across Vietnam, such as:
Saigon dishes: Nam Vang noodle soup, Trang Bang rice noodles, grilled pork vermicelli
Northern dishes: Hanoi-style pho
Central specialties: Hue beef noodle soup, Ninh Hoa grilled pork rolls (Nha Trang), Tam Ky chicken sticky rice, Hoi An cao lau, Quang noodles
What Time Does Ben Thanh Market Close?
Ben Thanh Market opens at 4:00 AM and closes at 7:00 PM. After 7:00 PM, the area around the market transforms into a night market, vibrant and bustling, attracting visitors with its lively atmosphere and colorful lights. There are two ideal times to visit the market:
From 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM: This is the perfect time for sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying delicious food inside the market.
After 7:00 PM: This is for those who enjoy the bustling market atmosphere, with dazzling lights from food stalls and outdoor shopping at night.
Conclusion
Ben Thanh Market is not just a place for trade, but also an essential part of Saigon’s culture. Here, visitors can find unique souvenirs and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Don’t forget to experience the private car service in Ho Chi Minh City from VnCarRentals.com for a smooth and convenient journey!
