Exploring Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City is an exhilarating journey through a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and aromas. More than just a market, it’s a dynamic historical landmark and a lively center where shopping, mouthwatering street food, and the heartwarming essence of Vietnamese culture blend beautifully. If this is your first time in Sai Gon, don't miss out on this unforgettable experience. Let’s start the journey to explore Ben Thanh Market now with Traveloka!

Stepping into Ben Thanh Market feels like unwrapping a time capsule, bringing to life over a century of Saigon's vibrant spirit! Its origins trace back to a lively, informal gathering on the Ben Nghe River in the late 18th or early 19th century. The iconic market building we see today was constructed starting in 1912 and officially opened in 1914. Since then, the distinctive clock tower of Ben Thanh Market has become an unofficial symbol of Ho Chi Minh City.

For architecture enthusiasts, you’ll love admiring the Ben Thanh market inside out. The design offers a stunning fusion of French and Indochinese influences, showcasing a harmonious blend that is both distinctive and captivating. Historically known as 'Les Halles Centrales' by the French, this place is inspired by Paris's famous Les Halles, built in 1769. You’ll notice buildings with unique, overlapping tiled roofs that look like an old factory or a cozy train station.

Ben Thanh Market is a bustling square, and each of its four main entrances leads you into a slightly different world of wonders. Think of them as your personal gateways to discovery! Knowing which gate to aim for can save you time if you have something specific in mind, or you can just wander in and let serendipity be your guide!

Navigating Effectively: Once inside, the market is a maze of alleys and stalls, but don't fret! The key is to embrace the organized chaos. The vendors are generally in sections (e.g., clothes together, jewelry together) as there’s a Vietnamese saying: “Buôn có bạn, bán có phường” which can be interpreted as you need a community to make good business. Don't be afraid to ask stall owners for directions - many speak some English, or a simple gesture can work wonders. Keep an eye on the roof structure; it helps orient you within the vast space. Honestly, half the fun is simply getting wonderfully lost among the treasures!

Ben Thanh Market with its iconic clock tower stands proudly at Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The location is exactly at the city centre, making it incredibly easy to reach from almost anywhere in the city.

To get to Ben Thanh market, you can easily try out these alternatives:

Normally, a market in Vietnam will likely be closed at somewhere around 11:30 AM or 12:00 PM to be the latest. But as one of the most well-known tourist attractions, Ben Thanh market operates days and nights too to welcome dear travelers coming from all around the world.

Honestly, as Vietnamese, we’d highly recommend visiting Ben Thanh market early in the morning or in the evening as the temperature will definitely be cooler, especially during summer days as the sun is scorching hot with unexpected rains. But apart from that, the best time to visit Ben Thanh Market really depends on what you're hoping to experience!

If this is your first time traveling to Vietnam, you’ll be surprised at how many languages or how fluent the market ladies can speak, here in Ben Thanh market. Built up from their years of experience, simple sentences and body language will do as they can understand them well in a few languages like English, Japanese, Chinese and French (most likely that they can speak English and 1 to 2 languages more as their job involves with talking to foreigners on a daily basis).

If we were to recommend you something in Vietnamese, it would be Hello - Xin chào (Sin chow) and Thank you - Cảm ơn (Kam un) to express amicability and friendliness, and it’s also a good way to start a conversation too. Other than that, you can easily use Google Translate for a thorough translation and explanation ^^.

*Safety & awareness at Ben Thanh Market:

Ben Thanh Market is generally a safe and welcoming place. But like any busy tourist hub, it's wise to be a little careful.

First things first, let's talk coffee. Vietnam is famous for its rich, robust coffee, and Ben Thanh Market is a prime spot to pick up some authentic beans or ground coffee. Whether you prefer the strong Robusta or the smoother Arabica, you'll find a fantastic selection. Look out for local brands and don't be shy about asking for a whiff - the aroma alone is intoxicating! This is the perfect way to bring a little bit of Vietnamese energy back home with you.

The dried fruit and nut stalls at Ben Thanh are a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors and flavors. You absolutely have to try the dried mango - it's like sunshine in a bite! Jackfruit, lotus seeds, and candied ginger are also big hits. And for all you nut lovers, there are various mixed nuts, with cashews being a particular standout. They're often super rich and incredibly tasty.

*A little tip from Traveloka: always try a sample before you buy! Most vendors are happy to let you have a try.

Ready to spice up your life? Ben Thanh Market is a treasure trove for aromatic spices and unique Vietnamese condiments. Keep an eye out for high-quality black peppercorns, especially those from Phu Quoc - they have a truly incredible kick. Star anise and cinnamon sticks are also abundant and wonderfully fragrant. When it comes to fish sauce (nuoc mam), you can find reputable brands here. However, if you're serious about your fish sauce game and want larger quantities for value, you might prefer a supermarket.

These smaller quantities are perfect for bringing home fresh, aromatic spices to elevate your cooking. They make for unique gifts that tell a story - the story of your Vietnamese adventure!

For those who have a sweet tooth, coconut candy is a classic and for good reason - it’s wonderfully chewy and full of tropical flavor. Sesame crackers are another delightful crunch. Other than that, you can also find Vietnam’s snacks, jellies and many more!! This would be a great place to buy souvenirs to bring home for your friends and family and let them experience the local flavors of Vietnam in a deliciously sweet package.

For those of you traveling to Saigon from afar and wondering what delicious local eats are a must-try, definitely check out the list of Saigon food tours available on Traveloka! You won't regret it!

You'll spot a plethora of bags and wallets, including some rather interesting "knock-offs" of famous brands. While they might look appealing, remember that quality can vary widely. It's an interesting section to browse.

Now, for something truly special and distinctly Vietnamese: clothing! And at the top of that list, of course, is the elegant Áo dài - a type of Vietnam's traditional dress. At Ben Thanh Market, you'll find a wide array of ready-to-wear áo dài in various fabrics, colors, and patterns. From simple, everyday styles to more intricately embroidered designs perfect for special occasions, there's something for everyone.

Beyond the áo dài, you'll also discover a range of other clothing items. Think light, airy fabrics perfect for the tropical climate, like linen shirts, silk scarves, and comfortable cotton trousers. You'll also see plenty of t-shirts with Vietnamese motifs, or even some quirky, fun designs that make for great casual souvenirs.

This is a showstopper, folks! Imagine a golden, crispy, savory crepe, generously filled with succulent pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. The sound it makes sizzling on the griddle is pure music. The best way to eat it? Tear off a piece, wrap it in fresh lettuce with a handful of herbs, and then dunk it into that magical nước chấm (fish sauce-based dipping sauce). It's a delightful explosion of crunchy, juicy, and fresh flavors!

Of course, we can't talk about Vietnamese food without mentioning phở! While it's famous worldwide, there's something truly special about slurping down a bowl of aromatic phở right in the heart of Ben Thanh. The rich, clear broth, tender slices of beef or chicken, and fresh herbs combine to create a comforting and utterly satisfying meal. Each vendor has their own secret recipe, so don't be shy about trying a few!

Need a refreshing break from the heat? Gỏi cuốn are your answer! These translucent rice paper rolls are packed with fresh ingredients like poached shrimp, thinly sliced pork, vermicelli noodles, crisp lettuce, and fragrant Thai basil. They're served cold and usually come with a creamy, rich hoisin-peanut dipping sauce that will have you reaching for another faster than you can say "delicious!"

Oh, this one's a flavor bomb! Bún thịt nướng is a glorious bowl of grilled marinated pork (often with a delightful smoky char!), vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and sometimes even crispy spring rolls (chả giò). It's all brought together with a generous drizzle of sweet and savory fish sauce dressing. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that you won't soon forget.

This humble yet iconic dish is a true Saigonese staple. Cơm tấm, or broken rice, is served with a variety of delicious toppings. The classic combo often includes a grilled pork chop (sườn nướng), shredded pork skin (bì), a steamed egg meatloaf (chả trứng), and sometimes a sunny-side-up egg. Drizzled with scallion oil and served with pickled vegetables and a sweet-savory fish sauce, it's hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.

For those feeling a bit more adventurous, dive into a bowl of bún riêu cua. This tangy, tomato-based noodle soup is a vibrant affair, featuring a delicate crab paste, fried tofu, and often snails or pork. The "rieu" (crab mixture) creates fluffy, tender clumps in the broth, making for a unique and incredibly flavorful experience. It's truly a taste of authentic Southern Vietnamese cuisine.

Ready for something sweet? Chè is Vietnam's answer to dessert, and it's a delightful world of colorful, quirky, and endlessly customizable creations! Imagine a glass layered with creamy coconut milk, vibrant pandan jelly, sweetened beans, lotus seeds, and a medley of tropical fruits, all topped with crushed ice. It's sweet, subtly salty, chewy, and silky - a refreshing and surprising treat with every spoonful. Head to a famous stall like "Be Che" for a truly authentic experience.

While you might find fantastic bánh mì stalls all over the city, grabbing one from Ben Thanh Market is a classic move. The crispy baguette, packed with savory meats (often pork pâté, cold cuts, and grilled pork), pickled vegetables, cilantro, and a touch of chili, is a portable feast that's simply irresistible.

Prepare for a hearty and incredibly flavorful experience with bánh canh cua! This isn't your average noodle soup; it features thick, chewy tapioca or rice noodles (often resembling udon) in a rich, flavorful broth thickened with crab meat and sometimes pork hock. It's often topped with succulent pieces of crab, fried shallots, and fresh herbs, offering a truly comforting and deeply satisfying meal.

Delicate, light, and utterly delicious, bánh cuốn are steamed rice paper rolls filled with seasoned ground pork and wood ear mushrooms. These silky rolls are often served with crispy fried shallots, slices of Vietnamese pork sausage (chả lụa), fresh herbs, and a light, sweet-savory dipping sauce. It's a wonderfully fresh and authentic dish, perfect for a light breakfast or snack.

Apart from the delicious street food, don’t miss out on Vietnam’s mainstream and popular drinks while you’re at Ben Thanh market!

Are you planning to visit Sai Gon anytime soon? Check out these flight tickets to Sai Gon from Traveloka and also the hotels near Ben Thanh Market for a more seamless stay and easy access to all the famous landmarks within Sai Gon!

This is the king of Vietnamese beverages! Dark-roasted, drip-brewed through a phin filter, and mixed with sweet condensed milk, then poured over ice. It's strong, creamy, and undeniably addictive. Small note: Only drink during daytime, never on night time or after 3PM cause you’re gonna be up all night due to the strong coffee!

Watch vendors press fresh sugarcane stalks through a machine to extract this wonderfully sweet and incredibly refreshing juice. Often served with a squeeze of kumquat, it's a natural thirst-quencher that's super affordable and a true taste of the tropics.

Nothing beats cracking open a fresh, chilled coconut on a hot day. Ben Thanh Market stalls will happily hack one open for you to sip directly from, offering a naturally hydrating and subtly sweet drink that's both delicious and Instagram-worthy.

Vietnam's abundance of tropical fruits means fantastic smoothies! Choose from popular options like mango, passion fruit, avocado, or a mix. Blended with a milk, condensed milk and ice, sinh tố are thick, creamy, and burst with fresh flavor - a delightful treat.

Don't let the "herbal" part scare you! Nước sâm is a popular, cooling traditional drink made from a blend of various herbs, often including sugarcane, pandan leaf, corn silk, and other roots. It's subtly sweet, incredibly refreshing, and believed to have detoxifying properties. A local favorite for beating the heat!

Other alternative drinks for this:

While seemingly simple, trà đá is a quintessential part of Vietnamese daily life. It's typically free or very cheap and served with most meals. It's a light (or sometimes very strong, depends on the one who brew the tea), unsweetened iced green tea that's incredibly refreshing and helps cleanse the palate between bites of delicious street food.

Often enjoyed for breakfast, sữa đậu nành is a creamy, nutritious, and subtly sweet soybean milk. You can find it served warm or cold, making it a comforting and healthy alternative to other sugary drinks.

When the sun starts to set and the market transitions into its evening bustle, many locals enjoy a cold Bia Saigon. This local lager is light, crisp, and the perfect companion to grilled meats and lively conversations. You'll find both "Saigon Red" and "Saigon Special."

A super popular and refreshing street drink, trà chanh is essentially a simple iced green tea with fresh lime juice and sugar. It's tart, sweet, and incredibly invigorating, especially on a humid day. Look for vendors mixing it fresh!

For something truly unique and surprisingly delicious, try chanh muối. It's a drink made from preserved salted lemons, mixed with water or soda and sugar. The salty, sour, and sweet combination might sound odd, but it's incredibly refreshing and zesty, often praised for its ability to rehydrate.

Step back in time at the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. This isn't just a building; it's a living, breathing testament to Vietnam's tumultuous yet ultimately triumphant history. Imagine a place where pivotal moments unfolded, where the past whispers from every room.

Originally the home and workplace of the South Vietnamese President, this iconic landmark became a symbol of national reunification when a Vietnamese tank famously crashed through its gates in 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Today, you can wander through its grand reception rooms, explore the underground bunkers, and even peek into the President's private quarters.

It’s like a time capsule, beautifully preserved and offering a fascinating glimpse into a significant chapter of Vietnamese history. Prepare to be both awed and a little bit pensive as you explore this truly powerful site.

Prepare to be enchanted by the timeless beauty of the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, a magnificent architectural marvel that stands proudly in the heart of the city. You might even feel like you've been transported straight to Paris, thanks to its striking Neo-Romanesque design and the vibrant red bricks imported all the way from Marseille!

Built by French colonists between 1880 and 1880, this isn't just a pretty face; it’s a fully functioning Catholic cathedral, and you might even catch a glimpse of a service if you visit at the right time. While the exterior is a sight to behold, its serene interior offers a peaceful respite from the city's buzz. Take a moment to admire the stained-glass windows, the intricate details, and simply soak in the quiet reverence of this truly special place. It’s a wonderful spot for a moment of reflection, or just to marvel at a piece of European elegance in the heart of Southeast Asia.

Check out these Ho Chi Minh City day tours! They're perfect for flexibly planning your itinerary and discovering all the major highlights, so you can make the most of your trip in Sai Gon.

If you're looking for where the city truly comes alive after dark, head straight to Bui Vien Walking Street! This is Ho Chi Minh City's answer to Bangkok's Khao San Road or Phnom Penh's Pub Street – a buzzing, neon-lit hub of entertainment, food, and endless energy. As the sun sets, the street transforms into a pedestrian-only zone, filled with lively bars, cheap eats, street performers, and a cacophony of music that will get your feet tapping. It's the perfect place to grab a cold beer, sample some delicious street food, and soak in the vibrant, sometimes delightfully chaotic, atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking to party the night away, enjoy a casual meal, or just people-watch and absorb the electric energy, Bui Vien offers a truly unique slice of Saigon nightlife. Just be prepared for the sensory overload – it’s all part of the fun!

We hope this blog about Ben Thanh Market has provided you with helpful information to prepare for your visit here. If you’re planning to explore more places around the city, don’t forget to read our blogs tailored to your interests. And remember, you can always book flights, hotels and travel activities with amazing deals here on Traveloka!

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