Ben Thanh Market: Ho Chi Minh City’s Iconic Trading Hub

📍 Location: Junction of Le Loi & Le Lai
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily, from dawn to dusk
💰 Entry Fee: Free

A Historic Marketplace with Timeless Charm

Nestled beneath its distinctive clock tower, Ben Thanh Market has remained the city’s busiest commercial hub for nearly a century. Originally established during the French colonial era—when it was known as Les Halles Centrales—this sprawling marketplace has long outgrown its original boundaries, spilling onto the surrounding sidewalks with a vibrant mix of street vendors and makeshift stalls.

A Shopper’s Paradise

Inside, the market’s tightly packed aisles are organized by product type, offering an extensive selection of:
✔️ Souvenirs & Handicrafts – Conical hats, lacquerware, woven baskets, and “Good Morning Vietnam” T-shirts
✔️ Fashion & Accessories – Shoes, bags, and traditional Vietnamese garments
✔️ Local Delicacies – Da Lat coffee, dried fruits, and authentic spices

While bargaining was once a tradition here, many stalls now operate under fixed pricing policies, meaning prices may be slightly higher compared to other markets.

A Culinary Experience Like No Other

Venture towards the wet market section at the back, where you’ll encounter an array of live seafood, exotic meats, and fresh produce—from buckets of eels and tied-together frogs to baskets overflowing with hens.

If you’re feeling peckish, you won’t have to look far. The market’s rear section is home to numerous vendors serving Vietnamese staples such as pho, banh mi, and com tam. As night falls, outdoor seafood stalls set up along the market’s perimeter, attracting both locals and tourists eager to savor grilled specialties.

Though it’s a shame that the Ben Thanh Street Food Market—a modern dining venue once located nearby—closed in 2020, Ben Thanh Market remains a must-visit destination for those looking to experience authentic Saigonese culture.