If you want to experience the noisy atmosphere of a traditional Vietnamese market, Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh is the best market to you can explore. 

You can look for traditional handicrafts, street food, and or have an amazing time at Ben Thanh market. This guide will provide all of the information about the Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh. Let’s explore it. 

Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh: Where & Opening Hours

Ben Thanh market is one of the oldest markets in Vietnam and a well-known destination in Ho Chi Minh. 

When traveling in Ho Chi Minh, you do not give up this place. Tourists can buy food, souvenirs, costumes, fabrics... here. 

The name of Ben Thanh Market was changed after the market was relocated to a large new building in 1912. Before this market's name was Les Halles Centrales, also known as Central Market which French colonial authority was the name given in stage from 1859 to 1870. 

In 1914, the market was moved to My Tho Railway station in the city center. In 1985, the market was renovated to be suitable for the development of the city. The architecture of the market is designed following the  European style and combines the structure of local that is not only useful but also beautiful.

Where is Ben Thanh market?

• Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market is in the city center at Le Loi Street, in Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. This market has 4 gates including:

• The main front gate on Le Loi Street is the south gate
• The second gate on Le Thanh Ton Street is the north gate
• The third gate on Phan Boi Chau Street is the east gate
• The fourth gate on Phan Chu Trinh Street is the west gate. 

The large clock tower is a recognizable signature of Ben Thanh Market, which is why the main gate is so famous. 

If you want to explore the full culture and experience the local market in Vietnam, you should come here. 

In addition to shopping for traditional goods such as "Ao dai", silk, hats, .. you can enjoy the local cuisine like pho, banh mi, ... 

Expanding more than a century, the Ben Thanh market is not only a trading hub but also a witness to the numerous highs and lows of Saigon. 

So, Ben Thanh market is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh that you should visit when traveling in Vietnam. 

Opening Hours

Ben Thanh Market: 06.00 AM – 08.00 PM

The market opens at 06:00 am and finishes at 08:00 pm every day. However, if you come to Ben Thanh market during the Tet holiday, you will not see shops that opening although the market is open. 

So, you can explore the quiet and peaceful Ben Thanh market. The space of the market is decorated with flowers and gorgeous lamps. 

From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the air in the market is different from the day market. The stalls in the market are food merchants, traditional beverages, and foods from the area. Besides, you can buy souvenirs, accessories, and clothing in this time. 

What to do in the Ben Thanh market?

Admire the architecture of the market

The market has a distinctive architectural style and is a combination of French and Vietnamese. Ben Thanh market was built with shape of rectangular and features an impressive clock tower and a timber vaulted roof. 

Although the market is many times of changing the clock tower is kept intact.

Enjoy local food 

If you love Vietnamese cuisine, Ben Thanh market will be the best place to explore so that you can enjoy the food. This market is a popular destination for tourists because of having a wide variety of foods from many regions in Vietnam.

At Ben Thanh market, you can try the most popular dishes such as Pho,  Bun Bo, Vietnamese pancakes, vermicelli with snails, Vietnamese noodles with grilled pork...

Go shopping in Ben Thanh market

If you want to find a place to buy souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh, you should reach Ben Thanh Market. 

Travelers can choose many gifts for friends, and families such as headgear, silk scarves, clothes wooden handicrafts, lacquerware, and ceramics. 

You should not pass up the the colorful conical hats, Ao Dai, or coffee beans, and tea leaves,... 

How to get to Ben Thanh market?  

There are many ways to Ben Thanh market such as by bus, taxi, walk, or private car. If you stay close in here, you can walk to Ben Thanh market. Besides, you can choose a cyclo to explore Saigon and transfer to the Ben Thanh market. 

You also find public taxis throughout the city such as Vinasun, and Mai Linh... to reach the market. 

With ride-hailing services like Grab, and Gojek, you can save money because of the cheaper prices than traditional taxis. 

However, renting a private car in Ho Chi Minh is the best for you. You can explore many of the famous places in Ho Chi Minh with a private car from Vietnam Trust Car Rental. 

In addition, you can book a Saigon city tour by private car with us to visit Independence Palace, Thien Hau temple,  Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral /....

Enjoy the Ben Thanh market with us. This place is a great experience to find out about local culture, go shopping for souvenirs, and try local food in Vietnam.