Ben Thanh Market (Chợ Bến Thành) is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse goods, and delicious street food. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting:
Address: Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, HCMC (right in the city center).
How to get there:
Walking: Easy if you’re staying in District 1.
Taxi/Grab: Cheap and convenient (watch for meter scams).
Public Bus: Many routes stop nearby (e.g., Bus 01, 02).
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 7 PM (Day Market), Night Market (outside) 7 PM – 12 AM.
Ben Thanh Market has hundreds of stalls selling:
✔ Clothing & Souvenirs: Ao Dai (traditional dress), T-shirts, handicrafts, lacquerware.
✔ Coffee & Spices: Vietnamese coffee (Trung Nguyen, Weasel), cinnamon, pepper.
✔ Jewelry & Accessories: Silver, pearls, leather goods (check authenticity).
✔ Electronics & Fake Brands: Be cautious—quality varies.
Start at 50% of the asking price and negotiate politely.
Walk away if the price is too high—vendors may call you back.
Compare prices at multiple stalls before buying.
Cash (VND) preferred—some accept cards but with fees.
Ben Thanh is a food paradise—don’t miss:
Inside the Market:
Bánh Mì (Vietnamese sandwich)
Bún Thịt Nướng (grilled pork noodles)
Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang (Cambodian-style noodle soup)
Fresh Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn)
Exotic Fruits (mangosteen, dragon fruit, durian)
Night Market (Outside):
Seafood stalls (grilled squid, scallops)
BBQ skewers
Vietnamese pancakes (Bánh Xèo)
Sugar cane juice & coconut coffee
Overcharging: Always ask for prices before ordering/eating.
Pickpockets: Keep bags close in crowded areas.
Fake Goods: “Branded” items are usually low-quality copies.
Taxi Scams: Use Grab or Mai Linh/Vinasun taxis only.
Early Morning (6–9 AM): Less crowded, best for photos.
Evening (Night Market): Lively street food scene.
Avoid Midday: Hot and packed with tourists.
Souvenirs: T-shirts (~100,000–200,000 VND), Coffee (~50,000–150,000 VND).
Food: Dishes from 20,000–100,000 VND.
Budget: Around 200,000–500,000 VND for shopping & eating.
Since Ben Thanh is centrally located, you can easily visit:
Saigon Square (cheaper shopping)
Bitexco Tower & Sky Deck (city views)
Nguyen Hue Walking Street (nightlife)
War Remnants Museum (history)
✅ Yes! It’s chaotic but a must for first-time visitors.
❌ No if you hate crowds or aggressive vendors.
Pro Tip: Visit Tan Dinh Market or Binh Tay Market (Cholon) for a more local experience.
To get from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to Bến Thành Market, you have several convenient options, depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation. Here’s a detailed guide:
Apps: Grab (recommended), Gojek, or Be.
Cost: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~2–4 USD) from District 1 or nearby areas.
Time: 10–20 mins (depending on traffic).
Tip: Avoid rush hours (7–9 AM & 4–7 PM) to save time.
Several bus routes stop near Bến Thành Market (look for “Chợ Bến Thành” on signs):
Bus #03 (Bến Thành – Cộng Hòa)
Bus #19 (Bến Thành – Bình Tân)
Bus #152 (Chợ Lớn – Bến Thành)
Cost: 6,000–10,000 VND (~0.25–0.40) per trip.
Payment: Exact change in cash or use a Mobike card (if available).
Tip: Google Maps or BusMap app helps track routes.
Rent a bike: ~100,000–200,000 VND/day (~4–8).
Parking: Secure parking lots near the market (~10,000–20,000 VND).
Warning: Only ride if you’re experienced—HCMC traffic is chaotic!
Price: ~100,000–200,000 VND (~4–8) for a short ride.
Best for: Short distances in District 1 (e.g., from Notre-Dame Cathedral).
Negotiate: Agree on price before riding to avoid scams.
Walking distance: From Phạm Ngũ Lão (Backpacker Area) (~10–15 mins).
Landmarks to follow: Head toward the Bến Thành Roundabout with the clock tower.
Opening Hours: 6 AM–6 PM (Day Market), Night Market (6 PM–10 PM).
Bargaining: Start at 50% of the asking price and negotiate politely.
Watch for Pickpockets: Keep bags secure in crowded areas.
Must-Try Foods: Bánh mì, bánh xèo, fresh sugarcane juice.
Ben Thanh Market (Chợ Bến Thành) is one of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), offering a mix of shopping, street food, and local culture. Here’s what you can do there:
Ben Thanh is a great place to bargain for souvenirs, clothes, and local goods:
Vietnamese Silk & Tailored Clothes – Get custom-made áo dài (traditional dress) or suits.
Coffee & Tea – Buy Vietnamese coffee (Trung Nguyen, Weasel Coffee), lotus tea, or artichoke tea.
Handicrafts & Souvenirs – Lacquerware, conical hats (nón lá), embroidered items.
Spices & Local Snacks – Dried mango, coconut candy, fish sauce, pho spices.
Fake Brands? – Be cautious of counterfeit products (Nike, Adidas, etc.).
Bargaining Tip: Start at 30–50% of the asking price and settle around 60–70%.
Ben Thanh is a food paradise—don’t miss these dishes:
Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese sizzling pancake) – Crispy, filled with shrimp & bean sprouts.
Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang (Cambodian-style noodle soup).
Bún Thịt Nướng (Grilled pork with vermicelli).
Fresh Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn) – Dip in peanut sauce.
Exotic Fruits – Try mangosteen, rambutan, or durian (if you dare!).
Seafood BBQ – Grilled squid, scallops, tiger prawns.
Bánh Mì – Vietnamese baguette sandwich.
Chè (Sweet dessert soup) – Try chè ba màu (three-color dessert).
Bánh Tráng Trộn (Vietnamese rice paper salad) – A Saigon street food staple.
Tip: Go for stalls with lots of locals—it’s a sign of good quality!
Photography – Capture the vibrant market life, neon signs, and food stalls.
People-Watching – Observe local vendors and tourists haggling.
Coffee Break – Try Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá) at a nearby café.
Best Time to Go:
Morning (6–9 AM) – Fresh produce, fewer crowds.
Evening (6 PM–12 AM) – Night market with street food & livelier vibe.
Avoid:
Overpriced tourist traps (check prices before buying).
Pickpockets (keep bags secure in crowded areas).
Payment: Cash (VND) preferred, some stalls accept cards but with extra fees.
Location: Right in District 1, near major attractions (Walking Street, Independence Palace).
Saigon Square (Cheaper shopping, less touristy).
Nguyen Hue Walking Street (Great for evening strolls).
War Remnants Museum / Independence Palace (Historical sites).
Ben Thanh Market is touristy but worth visiting for its food, souvenirs, and lively atmosphere. If you want a more local market, check out Bình Tây Market (Chợ Lớn) in Chinatown.
Bến Thành Market is one of Saigon’s most famous markets, offering everything from souvenirs and clothing to street food and local delicacies. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:
Morning (6 AM – 9 AM): Fresh food market (locals shop here).
Daytime (9 AM – 5 PM): Best for souvenirs, clothes, and dry goods.
Night Market (6 PM – 10 PM): Lively street food stalls outside the market.
⚠️ Avoid midday heat (12 PM – 3 PM) – it gets very crowded and hot inside.
Coffee & Tea: Trung Nguyen, Weasel Coffee.
Local snacks: Dried fruits, coconut candy, sesame brittle.
Clothing & Accessories: Ao Dai (traditional dress), conical hats (nón lá), embroidered bags.
Handicrafts: Lacquerware, silk scarves, wooden carvings.
Bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwich)
Bánh xèo (crispy Vietnamese pancake)
Hủ tiếu (noodle soup)
Fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn)
Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá)
💡 Tip: Eat at stalls with lots of locals – it’s usually the best!
Start at 50% of the asking price and negotiate from there.
Stay polite but firm – vendors expect bargaining.
Walk away if the price is too high – often, they’ll call you back with a better offer.
Compare prices at a few stalls before buying.
⚠️ Avoid:
Overpriced “branded” goods (fake North Face, Nike, etc.).
Pushy vendors near the entrances (they target tourists).
Check your change – some vendors “accidentally” shortchange tourists.
Avoid “free” samples – some sellers pressure you to buy afterward.
Be cautious with jewelry & electronics – fakes are common.
Use small bills (10,000 – 50,000 VND) to avoid counterfeit money.
Location: District 1 (center of Saigon), near major hotels.
Grab/Taxi: Easy to reach from anywhere in HCMC.
Motorbike Parking: ~10,000 VND (~$0.40) – watch for scams (some charge tourists more).
Bring a reusable bag (vendors charge extra for plastic).
Wear comfortable shoes (crowded, lots of walking).
Keep belongings secure (pickpocketing can happen in crowds).
Visit nearby attractions:
Saigon Square (cheaper clothes, less touristy)
Tao Dan Park (local hangout spot)
Independence Palace (historic site)
Bến Thành Market is a must-visit for first-timers, but it’s very touristy. For a more local experience, check out Chợ Bình Tây (Chinatown Market) or Chợ Tân Định.
The best time to visit Bến Thành Market (Chợ Bến Thành) in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and shopping experience. Here’s a breakdown:
Early Morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM):
Pros: Fresh produce, local vibe, fewer tourists.
Ideal for: Photographers, foodies wanting authentic breakfast (try phở, bánh mì, or hủ tiếu).
Late Morning to Afternoon (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM):
Pros: All stalls are open (clothing, souvenirs, food).
Cons: Hot and crowded; haggle harder (tourist prices).
Evening (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM): Bến Thành Night Market (outside the main market):
Pros: Lively atmosphere, street food, cooler temps.
Cons: More touristy, higher prices.
Dry Season (Dec–Apr):
Sunny and less humid (best for comfort).
Peak tourism (Dec–Feb) = more crowds.
Wet Season (May–Nov):
Short afternoon showers (carry a poncho).
Fewer tourists, better deals.
Midday Heat (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM): Stifling inside the market.
Weekends: More crowded with locals.
Holidays (Tet, Reunification Day): Many stalls close.
Haggling: Start at 50% of the asking price (smile and be polite!).
Food Hygiene: Stick to busy stalls (high turnover = fresher food).
Pickpockets: Watch bags in crowded areas.
Best for Shopping? Early morning or evening.
Best for Photos? Sunrise or night market lights.