BEN THANH MARKET: THE BEST PLACE TO VISIT AND SHOPPING IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Located in the city center, Ben Thanh Market has long been a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. Not only is it home to trading, the market has become a historical witness looking on at numerous ups and downs of the city throughout nearly a hundred years.

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. No matter what it is they sell, and whichever market it is you go to, your experience will be unique and hard to replicate elsewhere in the world. Ben Thanh Market is one of those markets which is a must go when you are here.

• History of Ben Thanh market

Ben Thanh Market has existed for a long time even before the French arrived in Ho Chi Minh City. The market was initially situated along Ben Nghe River, near Gia Dinh Citadel. It is the reason why it was called Ben Thanh Market. In 1911, the French colonial government decided to relocate the market to the position seen as today. The market was started its construction in 1912 and finished at the end of March 1914. Ben Thanh Market has been held so far. In 1985 the new one was renovated to keep up with the city’s progress, yet the famous clock tower on the south entrance was left unchanged. Despite the restorations over time, the market remains one of the earliest surviving structures of Saigon – having witnessed war after war, and finally peace.

Ben Thanh and its surrounding streets comprise one of HCMC's liveliest areas. Everything that’s commonly eaten, worn or used by the Saigonese is piled high, and souvenirs can be found in equal abundance. Vendors are determined and prices are usually higher than elsewhere (though restaurant stalls are reasonable), so bargain vigorously and ignore any 'Fixed Price' signs.

• Layout of Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is well known for its special architecture and also the symbol of Saigon. The architectural experts consider it a historical monument that has some traits of a 100-year-old market. Ben Thanh Market has 4 main gates and 12 entrances. The main front gate or the south gate is on Le Loi Street, the North on Le Thanh Ton street, the East on Phan Boi Chau street, and the West on Phan Chau Trinh street. The main entrance is famous for the big clock tower which is the iconic symbol of Ben Thanh market.

• Ben Thanh by night and street food market

At 7 PM, the doors close to this universe but then another one opens, the Ben Thanh Night Market. From this time until late at night, stalls set up on the streets to the east and west of the Ben Thanh market, and some also open up on the north Le Thanh Ton Avenue. Similar items and dishes are sold in these shops as well and for similar prices. Besides that, Ben Thanh Street Food Market is highly recommended as a must-go for local youths and foreign visitors. Here, you can enjoy a wonderful dining experience with many specialties from different countries as well as various tasty dishes from every region of Vietnam.

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