Ben Thanh Walking Street is city’s oldest marketplace located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The first settlement, Sieu Thi, was launched in the 17th century as small shops along the Saigon River which has now become one of the best places to visit in Vietnam when it comes to Ho Chi Minh Night market.
You can now book the best Vietnam travel packages to explore this place in detail! Ben Thanh Market, Vietnam is the city’s most famous tourist shopping centre which you must visit if you wish to go shopping in Vietnam. Let’s find out all the details from location to things to do, in this blog.
Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh Location
Ben Thanh Market Location: Le Loi, Ben Thanh, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
The Ben Thanh Market location is in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. As one of the earliest structures in Vietnam, it is very popular with tourists and locals alike. Over 10,000 people visit the market every day, starting at 7:30 a.m.!
Ben Thanh market Opening Hours
The Ben Thanh market opening hours start from 7:30 AM in the morning in which you can shop all you want from here. The Ben Thanh market closing time of the day market is 6:00 PM. If you want to explore one of the best Ho Chi Minh Night market then the Ben Thanh market timings at night start from 6:00 PM till midnight.
How to Reach Ben Thanh Market?
You can reach the Ben Thanh Market, Vietnam via your preferred ways of transportation. These primarily include:
- By Taxi or Ride-sharing Services: An efficient way to reach the market is to hire a taxi or use online ride-sourcing services such as Grab. The nearest airport is Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) which is 8.4 km away from the marketplace. You can cover this distance within 8 minutes via cab/taxi.
- Public Transportation: A bus service has been established in Ho Chi Minh City, and the fares are also quite affordable. You can easily get on a bus and reach the market.36 Nguyen Thi Nghia is the nearest bus stop to the centre market.
- Walking or Biking: If you are staying nearby, there is always a relieving experience of walking or exploring the market while cycling. It will take around 25 minutes to cover 7.4 km via bike and an hour and 35 minutes by walking from the Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
When to Go to Ben Thanh Market?
The best time to visit Ben Thanh market should be during the dry season, which starts in December and ends in April. There is also a rainfall deficiency with a sunny and leafy climate persistently ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius or 77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to Buy in Ben Thanh Market?
Ben Thanh Market, in the center of the Ho Chi Minh Market, is a lively market for shopping and tasting local food. From aromatic coffee to handmade souvenirs, this Vietnam shopping market offers everything travelers love about a true Vietnamese store experience.
A must-buy at this market for shopping, local coffee brands like Trung Nguyen and G7 are famous for their rich aroma and strong flavor. Visit a Vietnamese store inside the market to sample and choose between roasted beans, ground coffee, or traditional drip sets.
Ben Thanh is the best spot in the Ho Chi Minh Market to try freshly made spring rolls filled with shrimp, noodles, and herbs. They’re light, healthy, and make a perfect snack while you explore.
The dessert section of the Vietnam shopping market is full of color and flavor. Try “che” (sweet soup made with beans, coconut milk, and jelly) or traditional iced coffee topped with condensed milk — both local favorites.
4. Local Spices and Sauces
Bring home the authentic taste of Vietnam! Browse the market for shopping for chili flakes, star anise, pepper, or bottles of rich fish sauce. These are perfect souvenirs for anyone who loves to cook.
Don’t miss the fruit stalls near the north gate of the Ho Chi Minh Market. You’ll find mangoes, dragon fruit, and star apples — fresh, juicy, and beautifully displayed at this colorful Vietnam shopping market.
6. Handicrafts and Souvenirs
Apart from food, this market for shopping also features handmade lacquerware, paper lanterns, and jewelry crafted by local artisans. These pieces make meaningful keepsakes that reflect Vietnamese artistry.
Things To Do in Ben Thanh Market
From shopping to culinary delight, there are various things to do in Ben Thanh market, Vietnam which you must try. They are as follows:
- Shopping Extravaganza: The market, which currently has over 3000 sellers, involves countless merchandise in areas such as electronics, handicrafts, souvenirs, apparel textiles, accessories, etc. Price negotiation is usual here, so you should employ it to get the best offers.
- Culinary Delights: The market is a haven for foodies. The food vendors promise a culinary adventure, offering everything from unusual cuisine to traditional Vietnamese pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. Don’t miss the chance to sample fresh fruit juices and local coffee.
- Night Market: The place turns into one of the busiest Ho Chi Minh night market in the evening. The numerous booths and restaurants surrounding Ben Thanh’s streets provide a longer shopping and eating experience beneath the city lights. Exploring the night market is one of the best things to do in Ben Thanh market.
Your trip to Vietnam will be considered incomplete if you don’t shop at Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City which is one of the best things to do in Vietnam. You will be amazed by the Ben Thanh market history which will take you back in time as it is one of the oldest Ho Chi Minh Night markets.
- Early Beginnings in the 17th Century: In the 17th century, local vendors gathered near the Saigon River to create an informal market to serve city residents. This bustling spot quickly became an essential hub for trading in daily life.
- French Colonial Influence in 1859: When the French arrived in 1859, they recognized the market's importance hence, they decided to provide the formal structure to this market. They built a wooden structure with a thatched roof, giving the market a more organized feel.
- Rebuilding After the 1870 Fire: Unfortunately in the year of 1870, a fire destroyed the wooden market. The community rebuilt it using fireproof materials which ensured it remained the city's central trading hub.
- The Iconic 1914 Structure: By 1914, the market had outgrown its space. A new, modern building with the now-famous clock tower was constructed on reclaimed wetlands. This is the Ben Thanh Market we recognize today.
- Renovations in 1985: To preserve its legacy, a significant renovation took place in 1985, ensuring the market continued to serve both locals and tourists effectively.
The Ben Thanh market at night is a lively outdoor market in Ho Chi Minh City that comes alive around 6:00 PM. Unlike the daytime market, it offers a cooler, more spacious environment, making it ideal for strolling, tasting street food, and exploring local shops.
Open from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the Ho Chi Minh night market is less crowded than the day market, though weekends can still be busy. The atmosphere is relaxed, but watch out for motorbike traffic on nearby streets.
2. Clothing and Souvenirs
This Ben Thanh night market experience is perfect for picking up clothes, bags, hats, and souvenirs. Many stalls are run by local Vietnamese stores offering affordable prices if you’re ready to bargain.
Food lovers will enjoy a wide selection of Vietnamese street food at the Ho Chi Minh night market. Try specialties like Bun Rieu Ganh (crab paste vermicelli soup) or Com Tam (broken rice). Food stalls often stay open a little past closing time.
For the best Ho Chi Minh City market shopping, visit early in the evening to avoid weekend crowds. Bring small cash denominations and be prepared to negotiate with vendors for clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
Beyond food and fashion, you can find handicrafts, jewelry, and handmade items from local Vietnamese stores, making the Ben Thanh market at night a memorable shopping experience.
- Average Cost: The fare for entering the alley is INR 35, and the street food is sold at INR 65 or below. Food costs depend on goods and services, such as souvenirs and handicrafts, which cost INR 17. A cab from the airport to the market costs about INR 1000.
- Payment Options: Card payments (for restaurant bills) and Cash (VND) can be used to make payments at the market entrance and in nearby accommodations. However, it is advisable to have currency on hand to cover park-related fees.
Ben Thanh Market is a lively, dynamic microcosm of Vietnamese culture. Whether it’s the vibrant daytime market, the alluring Ben Thanh Market at night market, or its historical importance — this well-known spot gives a complete journey through the heart and soul of Ho Chi Minh City.
This is the perfect place for shopping lovers and travellers interested in Vietnam’s nightlife. Book your trip to Ben Thanh Market Ho Chi Minh today with the best Vietnam tour packages and discover its hidden beauty!
