When traveling in Asia, visiting the traditional market is a must! Enjoying the hectic ambience with the locals, great food, and interesting shopping experience will add some flavors to the journey.

In Saigon a.k.a Ho Chi Minh, the markets should be one of the highlights of the trip, especially if you are into local food scenes and love interacting with the people of Vietnam with the lively and colorful market as the background.

Read More: 9 Best Local Markets in Ho Chi Minh City

When talking about popular markets in Ho Chi Minh, Ben Thanh Market often is first to pop up on the list. It is indeed the most popular one in Saigon, but if you’re looking for a more authentic, less-touristy, market frequented more by the locals than by travelers, then Binh Tay Market is a place to be.

Binh Tay Market (also known by Cho Lon Market) is the oldest market in Ho Chi Minh, located in the Chinatown area (Chợ Lớn) in the District 5 of Ho Chi Minh. Not the only markets in the area, but Binh Tay Market is the central and biggest market in Chinatown.

Address: 57A Tháp Mười, Bình Tây, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Opening hours: 

You can ride the public buses number 05, 68, 91, 94, 103, and 139, make a stop on Thap Muoi Street, and continue with a short walk away to Binh Tay Market.

Here are 4 reasons to plan a visit to Binh Tay Market during your trip in Ho Chi Minh:

The unique architecture of Binh Tay Market brings the best of Chinese influences with French architecture. The market is shaped like a bagua, a symbol from Chinese culture representing harmony and balance. 

The shape, the high ceilings, and the uniquely carved ventilation holes, presenting best air flow for optimum circulations and natural light pouring inside the market. This yellow painted market is a beautiful sight to enjoy, especially if you’re interested in historic buildings with a touch of cultural acculturation.

Not just your regular wet market, exploring Binh Tay Market will feel like opening treasure chests, finding one interesting thing after another. Here are the goods you can get there:

If you’re a pro in bargaining, this is your time to shine! Don’t be afraid to haggle, especially when buying in large quantities (in bulk). Most people also found that the prices in Binh Tay Market are cheaper than the more popular Ben Thanh Market.

Last but definitely not least, come with an empty stomach, browse around the market, from the food stalls outside the market, the food court area at the back end of the market, or come back at night, where this area turned into a street food market with rows of street food stalls offering the best local dishes.

Read More: Exploring Vietnam: From Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An

For a nice trip in Ho Chi Minh with a comfortable stay near Binh Tay Market, you can book one of these hotels via the Traveloka app to get the best price available:

Located 15 minutes away from Binh Tay Market, Hotel Nikko Saigon is one of the popular picks for a five star accommodation in Ho Chi Minh. You can easily take a short taxi ride from the hotel to Binh Tay Market, Ben Tanh Market, and other famous tourist destinations around the area.

Windsor Plaza Hotel is loved by the visitors for the excellent hospitality. The staff are attentive and helpful. The room is clean, spacious, and the view from the higher floor rooms is breathtaking. Enjoy the rooftop pool, delicious dinner at the restaurant, and state-of-the-art gym on the 24th floor. Book a stay for a five star experience in Saigon. 

Golda Hotel offering a comfortable room as low as RM96 with Pay at Hotel* policy when booking via Traveloka. Located in the city center, there are restaurants, a convenience store, and even a hospital nearby. You can venture to the Chinatown area by foot or a 5 minutes taxi ride from the hotel. 

Read More: 9 Exciting Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City with Kids

Binh Tay Market can be your next destination when visiting Saigon for a holiday. Pack your most comfortable clothes and footwear to explore Ho Chi Minh with its charming old buildings and exciting markets for you to stroll around. Prepare some cash in hand and be ready to haggle!

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