Ben Thanh Market in Saigon

For those who have spent years shopping at some supermarkets and commercial centers, it would be an exhilarating experience to explore the Asian markets. Just visit Ben Thanh Market, you will understand why. It is truly a must-see attraction in the dynamic Saigon city as a bustling market in the daytime and a social center in the evening.

I. History of Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh has become one of the earliest surviving structures of Saigon with its long history. In the early 17^th century, there were just a few little stalls run by casual street vendors who gather together near the Saigon River. In 1859, French Imperialists overthrown the neighboring Gia Dinh Citadel, the market was built properly and established. Its name was changed from Les Halles Centrales (initial name) to Ben Thanh, or “wharf citadel” after it was destroyed in a fire and restored.

In 1914, the market was relocated to another location near the My Tho railway station (Saigon bus station today) and renamed as the “New Ben Thanh Market” to distinguish from the former market. It was renovated to keep up with Saigon’s progress in 1985. However, the famous clock tower on the south entrance remained unchanged.

II. Architecture and Layout of Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is not only a historical monument but also an enduring symbol of Saigon. Despite being over 100 years old, its architecture remains relevant amid the city’s modern bustle. According to Mr. Khuong Van Muoi, President of the City Architects’ Association, “People remember the clock tower first, but the surrounding banners and market design also provide shade and natural air-conditioning.”

Ben Thanh Market has four main gates and 12 entrances:

• South Gate (Le Loi Street): Recognizable by its iconic clock tower, this entrance leads to vibrant textile and clothing stalls.
• East Gate (Phan Boi Chau Street): A great spot to buy Vietnamese packaged goods, including coffee, tea, fish sauce, and dried foods.
• North Gate (Le Thanh Ton Street): Features fresh produce, seafood, meat, flowers, and processed foods.
• West Gate (Phan Chau Trinh Street): A paradise for souvenirs, including ceramics, handicrafts, and art.

III. Ben Thanh Street Food Market

Ben Thanh Street Food Market is a must-visit for both locals and tourists, offering a vibrant mix of Vietnamese specialties and international flavors. Located on Thu Khoa Huan Street, near Ben Thanh Market, this area is surrounded by bars, restaurants, nightclubs, fashion shops, and food courts, creating a lively atmosphere.

Especially if you have dinner here, you can enjoy the open culinary space under the red lanterns which give you the feeling of staying in the ancient city of Hoi An. 

Top 5 recommended spots:

• Gringo Tacos
• Got Bun
• Mr. B’s Philly Cheesesteak & Italian Sausages
• Mr. Kebab
• Sher-E-Punjab

IV. What to Buy in Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market has around 3,000 stalls, selling everything from fresh produce to handicrafts and souvenirs.

• North Gate: Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, and flowers. The wet market operates until midday.
• Inside the Market: A variety of electronics, clothes, jewelry, shoes, and food.

With over 15,000 visitors daily, it’s a top shopping destination for locals and tourists alike.

Best Souvenirs to Buy:

• Handmade lacquerware & coconut dinnerware (bowls, plates, chopsticks)
• Fabric creations with embroidery & patchwork
• Handcrafted wooden boats & figurines

Ben Thanh Market is a treasure trove of unique Vietnamese handicrafts, perfect for bringing home a piece of Vietnamese culture.

V. What to Eat in Ben Thanh Market 

Ben Thanh Market is a famous traditional market not only for the small souvenirs but also for interesting food courts inside. Now, let’s go on a food tour in Ben Thanh Market with must-try dishes.

1. Bun Rieu Ganh (or Crab paste vermicelli soup)

Price: VND 50.000

Bun Rieu Ganh is one of the most favorite dishes in Vietnam. Compared to other regions, Bun Rieu Ganh in Saigon is a bit sweeter. The soup includes many ingredients: crab paste, fried tofu, big blood curd, tomato, and vermicelli. They put many kinds of herbs inside also that make the dishes smell really good. To increase flavors, you can add to your bowl some types of sauce like shrimp paste, tamarind sauce, and some chili.

2. Banh Beo Hue (or Hue Bloating Fern-shaped Cake)

Price: VND 20.000 – VND 25.000

Even staying at Saigon, you still can try the traditional rice cake from Central Vietnam, called Bloating Fern-shaped Cake. It is made from rice flour and then steamed. When the guests order, the seller will add some shrimp powder, crispy fried bread, spring onion, pickled vegetables, sweet fish sauce, and a piece of Vietnamese sausage over the cake.

Normally, the guests also order some other kinds of cake such as rice dumpling cake and sticky rice cake for a plate. And, if you want your dish spicy, you can ask the seller to add chili to your dish.

3. Summer Rolls

Price: VND 30.000/ 3 rolls

Summer Roll is so famous that you can find a lot of summer roll stores inside Ben Thanh market. A roll includes many ingredients such as shrimp, a slice of pork, bean sprouts, vermicelli, chives, and herbs. Diners roll and wrap all of them inside a piece of rice paper.

Especially, the dipping sauce is the soul of this dish which decides it is delicious or not. It is the hoisin sauce which is added some pickled carrot and beet, and some peanuts. 

4. Broken rice (Cơm tấm)

Price: VND 50.000

It is a miss if you travel to Saigon without trying a plate of broken rice. Many people see it as the symbol of Saigon cuisine. A plate often includes rice, egg paste, grilled pork chop, and shredded pork skin. You can taste it with onion oil, pickled vegetables, and sweet fish sauce. You can find the store named Phung Kieu to try this dish. The owners are friendly and ready to serve the guests. They also provide with a lot of other dishes such as Nam Vang noodle soup and crab noodle soup.

5. Be Che (or Sweet Soup)

Price: VND 20.000 – VND 35.000

After the main dishes, sweet soup is a great choice as a popular and familiar dessert in Vietnamese cuisine. Be Che is one of the oldest stores which has opened from 1968. It serves a wide range of sweet soup, from hot soups such as tofu, rice ball sweet soup, and sweet taro with coconut milk to iced soups like sweet black bean soup and sweet lotus seed soup. Though the store is not very big, it is always crowded with a lot of customers eating and taking away.

>>> Check out more street food in Ben Thanh market and Ho Chi Minh City with our tours

VI. Attractions nearby Ben Thanh market 

• Statue of Tran Nguyen Han

Just outside the front entrance of the market, there is a statue of Tran Nguyen Han – a general in the Later Le Dynasty (1428 – 1527). Who helps Emperor Le Loi to defeat the Ming army. 

• Reunification Palace

Go a few blocks to the north of the market, you can find the Independence Palace. It is an important building for explaining the American War and witnessing how it ended with the fall of Saigon when VietCong tanks breached the gates of the palace.

• War Remnant Museum

It takes 10 minutes to walk to the War Remnant Museum. It stores many materials that were leftover from the American War, both in photographs, descriptions and in actual. The museum is open every day from 7:30 am.

VII. How to Get to Ben Thanh Market

Located in District 1, Ben Thanh Market is easily accessible from anywhere in Ho Chi Minh City. Here are the best ways to get there:

• By bus: Take buses 03, 04, 152, 19, 20, 39, 53, 93, or 96—all of which stop near the market, just a short walk away.
• By personal vehicle: If you’re driving a car or motorbike, nearby parking areas charge between 10,000 to 20,000 VND.
• By taxi: For a hassle-free visit, take a taxi.

VIII. Travel Tips

• It is easier to acquire more bargains in the morning than in the afternoon. Some traders offer a “morning price” for their first customers to bring them good luck.
• Do not buy the first thing you see. There are many other fairly similar things in the market and you can compare the price before buying.
• Smile, laugh and be friendly. It will create a pleasant and enjoyable experience for both you and the sellers.
• Think about your luggage restrictions. The market is too crowded. It will be difficult to go around if you bring a lot of luggage. Maybe you can put them in your hotel.
• Walk away from a deal. In most cases, the seller will call you back and accept the “lowest offered price”. 

Knowing these tips and tricks, one thing for sure that you will have an amazing shopping experience in Ben Thanh market – one of the top 10 worth-visiting markets in the world. Let’s go and enjoy this shopping heaven!