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
The Ben Thanh Market, Vietnam is located 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 6 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.
Best Time to Visit 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.
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.
Where To Eat Near Ben Thanh Market?
Your trip to Vietnam is incomplete if you don’t relish the delicious food here. Near the Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh many restaurants serve some of the best dishes. The famous places to eat are as follows:
- Hue Banh Beo: Upon arriving, guests will be “enlightened” by a variety of meals featuring Central regional cuisines, such as Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Bot Loc, etc. A cake can be consumed with cha lua, nem chua, and the incredibly delicious sweet-and-sour fish sauce.
- Bun Rieu Ganh: This Bun Rieu’s thick broth, natural red hue, and aromatic crab scent are distinctive of the South’s cuisine. It includes tofu, pig’s blood, and a piece of sour Rieu with firm flesh in a bowl of noodles.
- Bun Moc Thanh Mai: The visually appealing bowl of noodles expertly and precisely arranges various toppings, including ribs, meatballs, cha lua, cha que, and more. The broth, which is cooked from bones, has a sweet flavour.
Read More: A Journey Through Banh Xeo 46A Restaurant- A Culinary Gem In Vietnam
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.
Places To Visit Near The Ben Thanh Market
The Reunification Palace, the old home and office of the South Vietnamese president during the Vietnam War, is a historical and political monument. Visitors can learn about the conflict's history and events and view the original and restored chambers, furnishings, and relics.
The War Remnants Museum provides a simulation of the effects and consequences of the Vietnam War that affected not only people but also the nature of that time. The papers, photographs, and exhibits will help you understand what people went through and the tragedies that all of them endured throughout the war.
Notre Dame Cathedral made a huge contribution to Thailand during French Colonialism in the 19th century and functions as a religious site and a work of art. It includes architectural and design features, sculptures, stained glass, and a bell tower.
The Central Post Office is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most famous cultural structures built in the 19th century by the architectural genius Gustave Eiffel. It houses paintings, maps, and clocks, to name a few. You can also write letters, postcards, and parcels and enclose stamps, souvenirs, and books to be posted.
Read More: Top 20 Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City: Must-See Attractions
- 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.
Quick Tips for Travelers!
- Ask for a better deal politely. Learn a few simple Vietnamese words to interact with the people and vendors. For instance, “cam on” (thank you), “xin chao” (hello), and “bao nhieu” (how much).
- Keep your money ready and be mindful of your possessions.
- Dine and eat in Bui Vien and Nguyen Hue Street for a more Vietnamese experience.
- Book a sightseeing bus trip to view the area’s well-known sights: the Vietnam War museum, Independence Palace, Central Post Office, and Basilica of St.Joseph Cathedral.
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!
