1. Introducing Ben Thanh Market
1.1. The origin of the unique name "Ben Thanh"
This unique name came from the old market, which was then located on the banks of Ben Nghe River and next to a riverbank near Gia Dinh City. This area is used to allow current passengers and soldiers to enter the city, so the name Ben Thanh means to dock before entering the city. And since then, this special antique market has also been called by the familiar name Ben Thanh market.
Over hundreds of years of history, Ben Thanh market is considered a typical symbol of Saigon that everyone expects to discover once when they arrive in Ho Chi Minh City.
1.2. Location and operation time of Ben Thanh Market
The market is located in District 1, in the city's central area with 4 main doors to the busiest streets in Saigon. This is considered a valuable piece of land, helping to ensure that trading activities are always extremely busy and exciting, both day and night.
The operation time of the market is from 7:00 to 7:00, and the night market area on Phan Boi Chau Street on the side of the market is open from 7:00 to 22:00.
You should note this time so that you can schedule the discovery more easily.
2. What's in Ben Thanh Market?
With an area of over 13,000 square meters, the market sells mainly items of clothing, cloth, footwear, fashion, handicrafts, fresh food, fresh fruits and flowers. In addition, the market is also very rich with snack bars and dishes rich in regions in the South.
Weaving between booths, visitors will certainly be overwhelmed by the variety of products here. You can easily find your favorite items from tiny souvenirs such as necklaces, earrings, wallets, towels, etc. to go to traditional clothes or bookshelves,…
3. Check-in locations cannot be missed in Ben Thanh market
3.1. Ben Thanh Market Main Gate
The most famous check-in point at Ben Thanh market must be the main gate of the market with an extremely unique three-sided clock tower. Hire ao dai or a pajama to save yourself Saigon-like photos, commemorating your visit to the city. Excuse me, buddy.
.png)
3.2. Challenge to Ben Thanh Market and shopping freely
Considered the largest retail market in Saigon, this place has all kinds of goods from popular to luxury, from fashion to household appliances to serve tourists.
You can go around the market with your friends to choose the most fashionable outfits or the most convenient household appliances with extremely diverse designs. Don't forget to bargain a little to get your favorite product at the best price!
3.3. Explore the food court inside the unique market
When it comes to Saigon's food, the food court at Ben Thanh market is always the top choice of locals and tourists.. It is also selected as one of the 10 most attractive street foods on the planet by American magazine Food and Wine.
Unlike other markets, the restaurants only are concentrated in only a few locations. As for Ben Thanh market, the food court is arranged into a spacious area in accordance by the management board.
Lost in this culinary paradise, protect your purse well because because you may "run out of pocket" at any time because of countless delicious dishes. The main dishes include broken rice, fermented fish noodle soup, fresh spring roll, crab noodle soup, sticky rice and countless snacks such as rice paper mix, water fern cake, sweet soup dishes, snail dishes, etc.
3.4. Explore Ben Thanh market at night
The night market is the "final boss" that makes up the name "playboy paradise" of Ben Thanh market. Not only for tourists, this is also an entertainment and recreation destination for young people or office workers after a long day of hard work.
Take some time to walk along the two busy streets of Phan Chu Trinh and Phan Boi Chau to immerse yourself in the bustling crowd, enjoy street food, and shop for interesting souvenirs.
· {C}Address: Located on 2 streets Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chu Trinh.
· {C}Operating hours: 19:00 - 22:00.
4. Precautions when visiting Ben Thanh Market
If you are a first-time visitor to Saigon in general, and Ben Thanh market in particular, remember the important notes listed below to make the trip more comfortable.
· Always ask the price first and remember to bargain every time you buy.
· {C}Protect personal belongings such as phones, bags, and wallets to prevent theft due to the extremely large number of visitors to the market.
· {C}When taking photos at the market gate area, pay close attention because vehicles moving through here are extremely crowded, especially during rush hours.
No matter how much the shopping trend of a modern city changes, traditional markets like Ben Thanh will still exist over time as an irreplaceable part of Vietnamese cultural life. If you have an opportunity to travel to Saigon, remember to take some time to visit this oldest and busiest market in the city.
