Ho Chi Minh City Ben Thanh Market on the map. Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, markets and shopping centers. Where are the shops and markets of Ho Chi Minh City?

Since 1975, Saigon began to be called Ho Chi Minh City, but for everyone who has known it since ancient times, the former name sometimes rolls off the tongue. This is not surprising, because this city has not lost its role for Vietnam, it remains the largest and most significant. It is considered a cultural and economic capital, a center of local trade and a trendsetter throughout the country.

The population of Ho Chi Minh City is 8 million people, the territory is more than 2 thousand km 2. Here, a construction boom is in full swing, and foreign investment is flowing into the city in an endless stream, making it more and more similar to Singapore or Bangkok. Tourists, of course, do not stand aside, especially since every year the opportunities for recreation and shopping in Ho Chi Minh City become more and more tempting.

Local markets are accustomed to bargaining without resorting to aggression and without hurting each other, and many tourists willingly adopt this manner of behavior. It turns out something akin to a competition according to certain rules: if the rules are followed, then both sides win. This sport is popular in markets and street trading; it is not practiced in supermarkets. Yes, this is not necessary, since prices in retail establishments in Vietnam are much lower than in Russia and Europe for similar goods.

There are so many interesting products here that the problem of choice becomes especially painful.

1. Jewelry in Ho Chi Minh City you can buy at very competitive prices. True, there are also plenty of fakes, and it’s quite possible to get caught. Here they know how to work with sapphires; they are used in combination with both gold and silver, which is surprisingly cheap here. Gold, on the contrary, is expensive.

2. Pearl. It is both mined and grown in Vietnam; Phu Quoc Island is especially famous in this regard. In general, to buy pearls, you need to go to the coast, closer to the places where they are produced. There is more choice and lower prices, but in tourist and resort centers the cost of a pearl immediately jumps.

3. Dishes and ceramics are produced throughout Vietnam. In numerous small workshops they make wonderful objects and dishes from porcelain, they are sent for sale to large cities, including Ho Chi Minh City. The ceramics here are interesting; you can bring home original souvenirs.

4. Products made from natural fabrics. They are used to make clothes and other goods. Exotic materials are also in use here; quite popular items are made from them: handbags and shoes made of crocodile skin, phone cases made of caiman or snake skin, belts made of ostrich skin, and so on. Gifts can turn out to be extremely original.

5. Since Vietnam is confidently following the path of China and Thailand, becoming the new center of the world producer of consumer goods, then shoes and clothes You can buy it cheap here. In addition, the choice is unusually large and can satisfy the most picky buyer. Famous world brands open their own production here, and products are naturally cheaper at the point of origin.

One of the main advantages of goods from Vietnam is their low cost. Tourists from Western Europe have discovered this feature and come here to shop. In addition to prices, Vietnamese-made goods are distinguished by quality, which is inherent in literally all local production, and a wide selection.

Tourists from Russia and the post-Soviet space have also made their way here and are happy to go shopping in Vietnam.

In Ho Chi Minh City, for example, there are fashion boutiques where tourists find their favorite European brands in abundance; In numerous markets you can successfully plunge into local exotica. Shopping at the markets is also very profitable, so tourists willingly visit Saigon markets. There are also shops for locally produced goods, for example, at Le-Loi street go shopping for leather goods.

Every tourist has visited Ho Chi Minh City at least once. This is the main market of the city; there are always many buyers, as well as sellers. They say it costs sellers a lot to rent space, but the prices don't show that. Apparently, a strong flow of customers allows sellers not only to pay rent, but also to earn good money. And to prevent this flow from drying out, it is not recommended to raise prices.

Moc Bai town, Tay Ninh province, is located next to Ho Chi Minh City. There is also a market there, and prices are even lower than in the Ben Thanh market, but, of course, the scale of trade is not the same.

There are other markets, shops, shopping centers, and branded boutiques.

Major shopping centers in Saigon

There are many of them, we will limit ourselves to only the most popular.

— Parkson shopping center No. 1, or "Parkson", along Le-Thanh-Ton Street, District No. 1, which occupies an important place in the local trade. It is considered new, but has already gained popularity among tourists. Locals come here less often because prices here are high by local standards. They are suitable for tourists because they are significantly lower than Russian ones. On the first 3 floors there is a department store with cosmetics and jewelry, designer clothes and shoes. On the 4th floor there is a Citimart, a supermarket, and a fast food restaurant. And upstairs, on the top floor - night club"Bounce", one of the most popular in Ho Chi Minh City, and bowling.

— SEC Parkson No. 2, another Parkson, already in district No. 5. This is Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, and Parkson 2 is a huge entertainment and shopping mega-complex, one of the largest in Ho Chi Minh City. It occupies a large area on which there are shopping areas, a yoga class, a fitness club, and a large modern MegaStarCineplex’s cinema hall, designed for 3D films. There is a Language Academy school in the building, English, and there is a bar on the roof.

— Zen Plaza, a nice designer clothing department store located on Duong-Nguyen-Trai. They sell bags, shoes, and clothes for newborns, and there is also a food supermarket.

— Shopping center Vincom Center, or simply “Vinkom”. It is located on Dong-Khoi Street, in the very center of Ho Chi Minh City, next to the Opera House. This is a large shopping complex with 5 above-ground levels and several underground. The total number of fashion boutiques here is close to 250, including souvenirs, cosmetics, jewelry, shoes, clothes, and bags. And the listing of product brands makes the hearts of fashionistas beat faster: “Swarovski”, Cartier, Jimmy Choo, “Bata”, “Mango”, Naf Naf”, Levi’s, “Kappa”, Armani and so on. There are also famous restaurants here: Thai Express, Armani Café, Highlands Coffee, Pho 24, Bud's, NYDC, BreadTalk, Fanny's, Snowee's.

— Saigon Square Shopping Mall. Also located in the central area, near the opera house, next to the local Ben Thanh market. It works from 8 to 22, has 2 floors, sells clothes and other goods.

— Shopping center Diamond Plaza. The shopping center is located in district No. 1, in the very middle of it, to the right of it is the local Notre Dame Cathedral.

The shopping center is called “Diamond” for two reasons: first, the façade of the building is designed in such a way that it resembles a shimmering diamond; and secondly, jewelry trade is carried out here on a large scale. The prices here are high, but the buyer can be sure that there are no fakes here, all the goods are real.

They sell jewelry on the ground floor, and they sell branded cosmetics right there. Having risen higher, the buyer finds himself in the world of designer clothing, souvenirs, children's and sporting goods. There are also many restaurants, cafes, a game center and a bowling alley.

On these upper floors, among the entertainment and hangouts, informals and young people who are interested in subculture and music gather.

Souvenir shops

Souvenirs can be bought on the street and at the market, but there are also special shops for this.

— Decorations, on Le-Thanh-Ton shopping street. It is located opposite the Norfolk Hotel and sells art objects, including paintings.

— Phuong-Nam-Lacquerware. This is a store where you can buy unique handmade items. Among them are lacquer paintings, lacquerware and smaller but exceptionally beautiful souvenirs.

Supermarkets in Saigon
These are mainly chain stores Coop-Supermarket, or “Coop Supermarket”, they are present in any city. This chain has a good selection and low prices. If you want to relax, on the 3rd floor of the store there is MegaStarCineplex’s, a famous cinema hall in Ho Chi Minh City.

Night markets

There are quite a few night markets in Ho Chi Minh City, and they are very interesting, although they cannot be called purely night markets. As a rule, they work from 14:00 to 24:00, and are not limited to shopping. You can eat there on the go, and they serve dishes that you won’t find in a restaurant.

— Ben Thanh. This is one of those night markets that tourists love to visit. It is recommended to haggle with sellers until you cut the price in half.
— Minh Fung, is located in the 6th district. They sell clothes, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs and more.
— Qui Hoa, 10th district, Khao Thang street. This is the largest of the Ho Chi Minh City markets, and they sell everything in the world here. You can buy clothes and valuable jewellery, and cosmetics, and handmade goods, and food. People come to it starting from 17:00, the market is open until 2 am.

Duty Free in Saigon

This is a worthy end to shopping in Ho Chi Minh City. It would be incomplete without duty-free stores, especially since there are two such stores in Ho Chi Minh City: one in the city center, and the second, very large, at Tan Son Nhat airport. This is an international airport, the largest in Vietnam, and tourists may receive a special note on their ticket upon arrival. It gives you the right to go to Duty Free stores and make purchases over the next 10 days.

According to the general opinion of tourists who have used this service, it is profitable to shop in duty-free stores in Ho Chi Minh City, except for souvenirs. It is better to buy these specific products in the city, on street sales, in markets and even in other stores.

But the rest of the goods offered in duty-free stores have reasonable prices (in dollars):

— Escada Signature, 50 ml bottle of women’s perfume – 28;
— Hugo Boss Dark Blue, eau de toilette 100 ml – 23;
— Hennesy VSOP, bottle 1 l, 40;
— 1 liter of Gold Label whiskey, 38;
— 1 l Green Label, 30;
- 1 l Bacardi blanco, 11.5.

This is shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. Everything is there, everything is inexpensive, at the service of tourists and shopping centers, and branded boutiques, and markets, and duty free stores. Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, a tourist will be able to relax, have fun, and get interesting shopping in local shopping establishments.

The markets of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) are places where there are no fixed prices, but there is a huge selection of a wide variety of goods. It is here that you will experience the true flavor of Vietnamese trade. In Ho Chi Minh City you can find day and night, wholesale and retail markets, large (in the central part of the city) and small flea markets, flea markets for local residents and so-called “Russian” markets (targeted for tourists). I will tell you in this article which markets are best suited for shopping, where they are located (with addresses and locations on the map).

But first, I would like to give you some tips on how to get the most out of your trip to the markets of Ho Chi Minh City. After all, these are not modern shopping centers or ordinary stores. Trade here is completely different. And in order for you to have only positive emotions after visiting the markets, you need to know some features.

You should follow a few simple rules:

Bargain. There are no clear price tags in the markets, and sellers can inflate prices for tourists by an order of magnitude. But you can safely reduce the price and benefit from it. Remember that bargaining is an integral part of traditional Vietnamese trading and you cannot just buy here. This will look like an insult to the seller.
Don't forget cash! The rule is obvious for Russians, but it’s better to remind you about it right away. Credit cards are not accepted here.
Always keep an eye on your belongings, as thieves are often found in markets.
Don't overload yourself. The assortment of each market is colossal, and trying to find something extremely interesting and cheap can lead to exhaustion. Still, you won’t be able to see all the products in one fell swoop, so don’t forget to take a break at local cafes. The eateries near the markets always serve delicious, inexpensive and truly Vietnamese food, which will be another incentive for your visit to these places.

Now let's look at the markets themselves.

Description of the main markets in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Ben Thanh Market (Ben Thanh)

Day market opening hours: 06:00 – 18:00
Day market opening hours: 18:00 – 00:00
Address: intersection of Le Loi, Ham Nghi and Le Lai streets, District 1

The story about markets should start with the largest and most popular among tourists. Here you can buy any souvenirs and goods that you can only find in Vietnam. Interesting fact: This is a fairly cheap market, but the cost of renting retail space here is one of the highest in the world. Be prepared for crowds of sellers who will attack you once you go a little deeper inside.

But the assortment is capable of impressing everyone. In total, Ben Thanh has about 3 thousand product departments: clothing, accessories, lighters, T-shirts, coffee, handbags, shoes, conical hats, tailoring, as well as many small cafes and shops serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

When the main Ben Thanh market closes, a night market opens in a separate part of it. There are shops of clothing, shoes, accessories and souvenirs here. As for the last category, I recommend paying special attention to bamboo products, arts and crafts, paintings and lacquer souvenirs. There are also a couple dozen small eateries around. Ben Thanh Night Market is a good place for an evening walk in the center, when you can relax, have dinner and spend some time usefully if you did not have time to buy the necessary goods and gifts during the day.

2. An Đông Market (An Dong)

Address: Công trường An Đông, Phường 9, District 5
Phone: +84 28 3097 5864

The largest fabric and clothing market in Ho Chi Minh City. Whatever fabrics you need, they have it all here. Prices in departments are reasonable, but you can find cheaper ones in non-core markets. However, the quality of the goods here is generally higher. An important feature of the market is that most sellers here work at fixed prices. But if you buy several items, you will always get a good discount.

3. Nguyễn Tri Phương Market (Nguyen Thi Phuong)

Address: 302 Nhật Tảo, Phường 6, District 10
Phone: +84 28 3855 3159

Nguyễn Tri Phương Market is a large one-stop market that will satisfy any consumer need: from groceries to jewelry. At the same time, it does not have the disadvantages of other large markets in Ho Chi Minh City (intrusive sellers, deceptive prices, etc.) and is not so far from the tourist zone. In addition to fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood, I recommend paying special attention to the tea departments at the market - here you can buy a really good drink. And just outside the market on Bà Hạt Street there is a small stall that sells traditional Vietnamese pies. Very tasty!

4 . The Student Market

Address: 32/12,Tân Phước,Tân Bình
Phone: +84 169 306 7376
Website: http://sinhvienbdshop.mov.mn/

What can they sell on the student market? The name may indeed seem unexpected, and for most tourists this market is not of interest by default. Moreover, the path from the center to it is not close.

But if you're interested in finding something old, worn, authentic, cheap and inspiring, you can try your luck at this flea market. The student market is a kind of flea market for inexpensive and second-hand goods. This is a place where you can walk through the “real Vietnam” in Ho Chi Minh City and have lunch at one of the eateries. And, of course, you may accidentally come across a unique piece of decor for your home here for a couple of pennies.

The easiest way to get here from the center is by bus 19, which stops on Lê Lai Street, next to 23/9 Park (in District 1).

5. Yersin Market (Dan Sinh Market, or Dan Sinh Market)

Address: 1 04 Yersin, District 1
Phone: +84 28 3825 1130
Website: http://chodansinhsaigon.com/

A rugged looking building on Yersin Street in District 1 that sells military gear, boots, gas masks, electronics and even imported goods industrial equipment. Here you can find anything you want: from an inexpensive set of camping goods to full-fledged uniforms for a small army. Also for sale are a large number of military souvenirs from the Vietnam War of 1965-1975.

Overall, this is a specialized market, but with a wide range of products. Here you can find almost everything without having to deal with crowds of buyers, sellers and noisy market traffic.

By the way, the street and the market were named after the doctor of Swiss and French origin, Alexander Ersin, who discovered the pathogen bubonic plague, and also lived in Nha Trang and founded several medical institutes in Vietnam.

6. Binh Tay Market

Address: 57a Tháp Mười, Phường 2, District 6
Phone: +84 28 3855 6130

Binh Tay Market is the central market of Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh City's Chinese district. Combining elements of French and Chinese architecture, this market (built in 1928) spans four city blocks and is the largest in Ho Chi Minh City by area. The range of goods is almost the same as in Ben Thanh, but this market is much less visited by tourists. Therefore, you can count on less crowds and better prices.

7. The Flower Market

Address: Ho Thi Ky, District 10

The largest flower market near the tourist area. In addition to fresh flowers, you can buy seedlings and seeds at good prices. But, first of all, it simply deserves your attention. If you want to take a walk in a beautiful place, go, no matter how strange it may sound, to the market.

8. Russian Market (Russian market)

Address: 328 Vo Van Kiet, District 1

There is also a “Russian” market in Ho Chi Minh City - one of the youngest in the city center. It is notable for its large assortment of goods “for Russians”. In other words, this is one of the few places in the city where you can buy high-quality winter clothes and accessories at affordable prices. They also sell plus size items (more Vietnamese “standards”). Can be found sportswear, summer wardrobe items, shoes, souvenirs, suitcases and more.

Prices are quite cheap by Vietnamese standards. For example, you can buy a good T-shirt here for about 80,000 VND, jeans - 150,000 VND, and a decent quality winter jacket will cost you about 95,000 VND.

9. Saigon Square

Address: 77 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1

Saigon Square Market was once a single place, but today it is divided into two areas: Saigon Square 1 and Saigon Square 2. These are very large indoor markets where they sell a lot of clothes and shoes, children's goods, accessories, mobile phones, jewelry and so on.

Saigon Square 1 is a large two-story building, where all departments are competently and conveniently organized. This is the best place to shop if you don't like noise, chaos and heat.

Prices are approximately equal to what I described on the Russian market. But don’t forget here that a Gucci handbag for 70,000 dong will fall apart before you get it home to Russia.

Address: Cao Minh Cafe, 311/27, No Trang Long Street, Ward 13, Binh Thanh District

The name speaks for itself - this is a market for antiques and collectibles. A fairly young market, founded in 2009. Offers the largest selection of antiques in the city. Knowledgeable people can easily pay even thousands of dollars for local goods that give the impression of unnecessary things. It is important to note that the market is only open on Sundays from 06:00 to 14:00. The entrance fee is 30,000 VND.

11. Eco Box Container Market

Address: 99 N1 Street, Son Ky Ward, Tan Phu District

An unusual market that combines a number of retail outlets and cafes, which are located in rows of old containers. The containers are cleverly converted for trading and brightly decorated, which deserves at least a couple of memorable photos if you have time to get outside the center.

At the moment, the retail space is expanding (the final number of containers included in the market development plan is 600 pieces). It is mainly aimed at young buyers. The market is open every day; you can find clothes, cosmetics, souvenirs, toys, dishes and goods for tourists on sale. There are also quite a lot of exclusive handmade items here. Open from 17:00 to 22:00 every day.

A special highlight of this place is the outdoor stage with seating. Theatrical and musical performances take place here every evening.

12. The New District

Address: Queen Plaza Ky Hoa, 16A Le Hong Phong Str, District 10

The New District Market is another popular shopping spot for Ho Chi Minh City's youth. Here you can find retail outlets of the most popular street fashion brands: Nosbyn, The Blue T-shirt, Heverly, Urbanista, Pop Birdy and others. Open on weekends.

In addition to shopping, you have the opportunity to enjoy sets from local DJs and take part in a number of events. Good music, delectable treats, art spaces and a crowd of young people all make the market an ideal destination for travelers looking to understand the lifestyle of Saigon's modern youth. However, it should be warned that a number of bright souvenirs here are not always of decent quality.

13. Hello Weekend Market

Address: Subject to change, so check the market's Facebook page for updates.
Website:

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Ben Thanh Market, located in the very center, is one of the city’s attractions, conveying a unique flavor and offering visitors a wide range of diverse products. It is an impressive complex of many covered hangars, inside of which there are dozens of shops and trading stalls. Above the main entrance, made in the form of an elegant tower-arch, an openwork clock attracts attention, whose image can be seen on postage stamps, postcards and advertising brochures dedicated to the city. In addition to the central one, you can get to the market through 3 more entrances, each of which reflects one of the cardinal directions in its name.

Ben Thanh Market fully embodies the spirit of Vietnam. Short people in straw hats, as if straight out of the screens of American films about the Vietnam War, actively push carts with goods along specially designated paths, the pungent smell of spices can be heard from the counters, the loud chirping of sellers in their native language can be heard everywhere, and especially zealous tourists persistently reduce prices in hoping to profitably purchase the desired product. The market area is so vast that it resembles an entire trading city, consisting of alleys and streets, crowded with people day after day. The product range is wide and varied beyond belief. Exotic vegetables and fruits, drinks, fried grasshoppers and cockroaches, healing herbs dubious production, as well as jewelry, handicrafts, clothing, shoes and countless souvenirs, are presented here in abundance.

An integral part of the Ben Thanh market are numerous cafes and eateries where you can have a great meal and take a little break from the bustle of the market. As befits the eastern markets of Asia, the largest Ho Chi Minh market is rich in all kinds of counterfeits, including watches, electronics and clothing from elite world brands. The quality is completely different. Some purchases may crumble in the hands of their lucky owners, while others can serve faithfully for many years. Discounts sometimes reach absurd numbers, but this is the specificity of such markets. Here you need to be flexible and patient, and also treat sellers kindly. Negative aspects include the presence of pickpockets, but this is a permanent attribute of almost any market object in different parts Sveta. Ben Thanh Market definitely deserves special attention and is well worth devoting a couple of hours to while exploring the sights

Ben Thanh in Ho Chi Minh City (Cho Ben Thanh, or Ben Thanh Market) is located almost in the very center of the city. Of the more than 170 major markets in former Saigon, Ben Thanh ranks first in popularity. In addition, it is famous for its highest rent in the world.

Ben Thanh Market address: intersection of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao and Le Lai streets in District 1.

The market has the shape of a square, divided by two large cross-shaped galleries.

In addition to the four main entrances located on the cardinal points, there are also smaller side entrances (1 6 in total). A clock tower rises above the central entrance (south gate). This view is familiar even to those who have not yet visited the country, as it is the most famous image of Ho Chi Minh City. Art films, advertising brochures, postcards, postage stamps - this picture is present everywhere.

Opposite the main entrance there is a beautiful mini-square with a statue depicting the famous Vietnamese politician, poet and military leader Tran Ng Uyen Hanh. At the beginning of the 15th century, he fought against the conquerors from China and was the first to come up with the idea of sending pigeons with reports.

The market area is conventionally divided into two parts:

External perimeter. Here are state-owned stores operating on the “fix price” principle. There are also fruit and vegetable pavilions, many snack bars and cafes.
Interior occupied by the shops of private traders; many of these shops are family owned and passed down from generation to generation. Prices in this part of the market are not fixed.

Here are the main products you can find on local shelves:

Fish and seafood
Leather products
Cosmetics and jewelry
Tea and coffee
Spices and medicinal herbs
Vegetables and fruits (fresh, dried, dried)
Dishes (clay, ceramic, porcelain, coconut)
Clothes and shoes (including national ones)
Fabrics
Household appliances and electronics
Jewelry made of gold, silver and stones
Wood products (furniture, paintings, figurines, boxes)
Souvenirs (magnets, key chains, bamboo trinkets)

Ben Thanh Day and Night Market

Trade here is carried out in two shifts. During the day there is a huge selection, but the prices are quite high. Towards evening the so-called “night market” opens. The choice becomes smaller, but the opportunity for more profitable purchases appears.

“Night” is a very conventional designation. No one trades here at all at night. Rather, it is an evening market.

Here are the opening hours of the Ben Thanh market:

Daytime - from 6 am to 6 pm.
Night - from 6 pm to midnight.

I will tell you about each of them - after all, these are, one might say, two completely different places.

Day market

Despite the apparent confusion of goods, there is a clear division of the market into zones.

- South side. The main entrance is located here. On both sides of it there are rows of clothes, fabrics, baby clothes, mosquito repellents, and sewing supplies. There are craftsmen working there from whom you can order a suit or dress. The order will be completed within 24 hours. But be prepared for the fact that you will be required to pay in advance. Whether you risk money or not is up to you.

- Closer to the east gate on the right– shops selling leather goods, all kinds of haberdashery goods, textiles. Next are sellers offering cosmetics and jewelry. On the left are counters with shoes, souvenirs and various small items.

North side. Here they sell vegetables, fruits and flowers. In this part of the market you can buy almost all the fruits growing in Vietnam. The range and size of this splendor are mesmerizing.

Next are fish and meat rows, as well as many counters with semi-finished food products.

The aisles between the rows at the market are narrow, and tourists with children should be prepared for the fact that it is almost impossible to walk there with a stroller. In addition, the market is stuffy. Even though most of the stalls are outdoors, the crowds of people make it difficult to breathe in many places. This can be an obstacle to long walks.

There are many fakes and copies of world brands on the market. However, you can also find completely unique things that are not sold in other places.

Ben Thanh's sellers are often very annoying. They can grab hands and persistently offer their goods. But this is a market, there are special rules, and you need to be prepared for this. To make a profitable purchase, you need to bargain - in most cases this will allow you to reduce the price by 3-4 times. For those who are wary of noisy sellers and do not know how to bargain, there are shops with fixed prices.

Average prices on the market are:

Durian – from 100,000 to 120,000 VND per kilogram
Longan – from VND 120,000 per kilogram
Mango, pitahaya – from VND 70,000 per kilogram
Avocado – from VND 50,000 per kilogram
Sapodilla – from VND 40,000 per kilogram
Watermelons – from VND 25,000 per kilogram
Bananas, papaya – from VND 20,000 per kilogram
Coconuts – from VND 15,000 per piece
Coffee – from 30,000 to 250,000 VND per 100 grams
Tea – from 80,000 to 280,000 VND per 100 grams
Dried papaya – from VND 350,000 per kilogram
Almonds – from VND 45,000 per 100 grams
Silk dress – from 210,000 to 770,000 VND
Cotton T-shirt with embroidery – from 25,000 to 40,000 VND
Doll in national clothes – from 80,000 VND
Magnet – from 10,000 to 15,000 VND

In the center of the indoor market there is a large area occupied by shops with industrial goods, and a food court offering a huge selection of food and drinks. The eateries and cafes located here attract not only tourists - there are plenty of locals there too. And if you are not afraid of iron/plastic chairs, a metal tray instead of a table, eating while standing, crowding and noise - welcome.

The variety of Asian fast food presented here is truly amazing. Fragrant hot soups, amazing and unusual desserts... Making a choice is easy - in most cases the menu is duplicated in English.

Here's what you can try here:

Soups Pho (strong broth, tofu, noodles, pepper, lime, soybean sprouts, greens; beef, chicken or pork as a meat base) and Bun Bo Hu (beef broth, rice noodles, lemon grass, shrimp paste, greens)
Rice with beef, chicken or shrimp
Fried rice roll pancakes with fillings
Che's sweet soup. There are many options. Consists of coconut milk, rice or corn dumplings, jelly, fresh fruit, beans different types, lotus seeds, nuts. Eat cold.
Baked bananas sprinkled with peanuts and fried sugar
Puffed egg coffee (coffee e, condensed milk, yolk and sugar)
Refreshing fresh juice from any fruit, sugar cane juice

Average food prices:

Pho soups – from 40,000 to 50,000 VND
Soy noodles with chicken – from VND 40,000
Rice with beef – from 45,000 VND
Fried rice with seafood – from 45,000 VND
Shrimp noodles – from 45,000 to 50,000 VND
Fried rice flour pancakes – from VND 50,000
Saigon beer – from 20,000 to 30,000 VND
Soft drinks (tea, cola, juice) – from 15,000 VND

Night market

The well-known Ben Thanh night market starts operating after the official closing of the day market. Traders move their stalls to the adjacent streets. The choice of goods is becoming a little smaller, and the prices are more pleasant. Shops on the outside of the building are also open. But the main reason why you need to come here in the evening is the numerous eateries. Wide selection of local dishes, grilled open fire meat and seafood, delicious cold local beer and an authentic atmosphere are what will make the evening unforgettable.

At the night market you can not only have a snack, but also make some very profitable purchases. Among other things, they sell various souvenirs here, which I recommend paying attention to.

What you can buy as a gift:

Coffee (Vietnam is one of the favorites in the coffee market; only Brazil surpasses it in production volume).
Tea (“snow”, jasmine, ginseng, lotus)
Fabrics
A bottle of snake wine
Products of local craftsmen (boxes, ceramics, wood paintings, lacquered miniatures, interior items)
Silk products (bed linen, dress, embroidered paintings, Vietnamese lanterns)
Pearl beads
Handmade masks made from natural materials
Non la palm leaf hat

From the history of the market

Ben Thanh was built by French colonists in the 17th century. Its first name is "Les Halles Centrales". In 1859 - when the first covered rows were erected on the site of a spontaneous gathering of local merchants - it was officially opened. However, in 1870, a fire partially destroyed the wood and thatch buildings.

IN modern form, where thousands of tourists know it, the market has existed since 1912. It was then that it was moved to a steel structure building and renamed Ben Thanh. Over the next two years it was reconstructed, and since 1914 it has been officially recognized as the largest in Vietnam. Today, some of the buildings of this structure remain the oldest in the city.

By the way, do you know how big the Ben Thanh market is today? The covered part of it is located on 1,3000 square meters. In principle, this is not so much (most modern shopping centers are much larger). But if you take the entire adjacent territory, where trade is also carried out, you will get about 100,000 square meters.

How to get to the market

Transport links in Ho Chi Minh City are very well developed. And since the market is located in the center of the city, getting to it is not difficult. This can be done by taxi (it is better to choose an official one) or by bus. From the national airport there is route No. 152, from other parts of the city - No. 19, 45, 53, 56.

Ben Thanh Market (Cho Ben Thanh, or Ben Thanh Market) on the map of Ho Chi Minh City

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What to see nearby

In addition to the market itself, you can visit the following places in the surrounding area:

The building itself was erected in the century before last, but since then it has been rebuilt several times. Inside you can get acquainted with the history of the city - including the period of the Vietnam War.

The building was built in 1863 by French colonialists. The exhibition is dedicated to the era of the reign of leader Ho Chi Minh.

Museum of Fine Arts

A mansion built by a Chinese merchant during French colonization. Today it houses the largest exhibition of national paintings in Vietnam.

This is an example of colonial architecture, designed by the French architect Eugene Ferré. Built in 1897.

Built in 1863-1880. Originally called Notre Dame de Saigon. In 1962, with the favor of Pope John XXIII, it received its modern name

Design by Gustav Eiffel (the building was built in 1886-1891). Interestingly, the post office is still functioning and is in very good condition.

68 floors of glass and concrete, with an observation deck on the 49th

Dan Xin Market

This place attracts history buffs and collectors from all over the world. You can still buy real captured items from the Vietnam War there.

For those who are interested in the TOP main attractions of Vietnam, I recommend visiting the Vietnam Attractions page.

Like any other market, Ben Thanh is a place with a special atmosphere. When you come here, you shouldn’t expect polished shop windows, polite salespeople and spacious aisles between shopping rows. But it is here that you can feel the flavor of oriental trade.

To ensure that your visit to the market leaves you with only pleasant impressions, I would like to give a few tips:

It's best to shop in the morning (before 8:00) and just before closing (it's not so hot and you can get a good discount)
Due to the large quantity of goods, traders can put them out until 7:00 and begin collecting them at 17:00.
It is better to buy tea and coffee by weight
Smoking is prohibited inside the indoor market
There is a Citi bank ATM at the central entrance, and a Vietinbank ATM not far from the western entrance.
Toilets are located at the north entrance, in the corners of the building
When ordering coffee with milk, keep in mind that it will be served with condensed milk. If you want something simple, say “fresh milk”
You should beware of pickpockets, especially in the evening.
Don't rush to buy everything that catches your eye. As a rule, the most expensive seats on the market are located at the entrances. The owners of such pavilions pay huge amounts of money for rent, so they sell their goods at an incredible markup. Most likely, if you walk a little further around the territory, you will find the same things, but much cheaper.

So, the Vietnamese Ben Thanh market is a real paradise for shopping lovers. If you find yourself in Ho Chi Minh City, don't miss the chance to visit this place.

You can visit this attraction as part of the following excursions:

I invite you to an inexpensive one-day trip, during which you will get to know the main attractions of the city in a few hours. This is a great option if you have little time or have just arrived in Vietnam and don’t yet know where to start your vacation.

A Ho Chi Minh City restaurant tour is a one-day excursion that includes visits to the city's most interesting gastronomic establishments. There are about two thousand of them. More than half specialize in local Vietnamese cuisine. But there are places where European, Chinese, Japanese and even Cambodian dishes are prepared. We will visit several restaurants where you can appreciate not only the cuisine, but also the atmosphere.

Excursion to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a sightseeing trip during which we will visit Notre Dame de Saigon Cathedral, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, museum military history, Ben Thanh market, as well as an exhibition of lacquer products. I, the Russian-speaking guide Dinh Chong Hai, will accompany you. On this page you will find out the details of the excursion in Ho Chi Minh City, prices and conditions of organization, and can also book it.

An excursion from Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta is a two-day trip. On the first day we will visit the Notre Dame de Saigon Cathedral, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, the War Victims Museum, Ben Thanh Market and an exhibition of lacquerware. And we will devote the entire next day to a boat ride on the Mekong River.

A tour of the French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is an entertaining walk through the ancient streets where Europe and Asia connect. You will see a lot interesting buildings built at the end of the 19th or the first half of the 20th century. Ho Chi Minh City was conquered by the French in 1859. For almost a century it was under their rule. The colonialists rebuilt the central part of the city in their own style. This area is now called the French Quarter.

Bitexco Financial Tower (Bitexco Financial Tower, Tháp Tài chính Bitexco, or Bitexco) is a famous skyscraper with a height of 262.5 meters, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, in District 1. The building of the business center itself is made with the latest technology. On the forty-ninth floor of the high-rise there is an observation deck from which a breathtaking view of the city opens.

Ho Chi Minh City History Museum (Ho Chi Minh City Museum, or Bảo Tàng Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh), formerly known as Gia Long Palace, is a historical site in the city center. It is dedicated to the struggle of city residents against the French and Americans, as well as ancient culture countries. The museum is located in a colonial mansion that served as the residence of the governor of Cochinchina during French rule.

Ben Thanh Market is another attraction of Ho Chi Minh City, which has become its symbol and calling card. Mentions of it can be found in books and films, and the giant clock above its entrance is depicted on postcards and postage stamps. Due to this, as well as its location - in the tourist center, not far from the bus station - the market is very popular among city guests.

The market traces its history back to early XVII century, it was formed by street vendors. For a long time it was spontaneous, and only in the middle of the 19th century, when the first pavilion was built here, did it receive official status. The building in which it is now located was built in 1912. At the same time, the market received the name Ben Thanh. Since then, it has been the most famous Vietnamese market. Its territory is unusually large, four entrances are located in accordance with the parts of the world.

Here you can buy everything - from souvenir magnets to electronics and household appliances, from slippers to vegetables and fruits. There are rows with “real goods from real European designers,” where you can buy any fake: bags, shoes, watches, etc., often of good quality. There are many stalls with handmade items and various souvenirs. The most expensive, according to local standards, values are tea and coffee. They are sold by weight, and after sale they are poured into distinctive Vietnamese packaging, which is not inferior in appearance to the factory one.

Prices cannot be called low; it all depends on the ability of buyers to bargain. Officially the market is open until seven in the evening. After closing, trade moves to the market square and continues until late at night. At this time, discounts on goods are much more significant.

Opposite the market building, it is worth paying attention to the statue of Tran Nguyen Hanh. This poet and commander led the resistance to the Chinese invaders at the beginning of the 15th century. In the history of the Vietnamese people's permanent struggle for independence, he was the first to use pigeons to deliver military messages. This hero is immortalized with a carrier pigeon.