1. Introduction
Bến Thành Market is one of the oldest and most iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. Located right in the heart of District 1, this market has stood for over 100 years and is a must-visit destination for tourists coming to Saigon. It’s not only a bustling shopping hub but also a cultural symbol, reflecting the city’s history and daily life.
2. Opening Hours
- Daytime Market: From 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Night Market: From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. In the evening, stalls are set up outside selling mainly food and souvenirs, attracting both locals and tourists.
3. What’s Inside Bến Thành Market?
- Diverse shopping options: With over 1,500 stalls, the market offers a wide range of goods from clothing, footwear, handbags, and handicrafts to household items, dried fruits, and signature Vietnamese spices.
- Local cuisine: The food court inside the market is perfect for tasting traditional dishes such as pho, bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), steamed rice rolls, three-color dessert, and sizzling pancakes – all rich in Southern flavors.
- Souvenirs: There’s no shortage of keepsakes like lacquer paintings, lanterns, brocade bags, and mini áo dài (Vietnamese traditional dress), ideal for gifts or memories of your trip.
4. How to Get There
The market is located in Quach Thi Trang Square, at the intersection of major roads like Le Loi, Phan Boi Chau, and Phan Chu Trinh. From here, it’s easy to walk to other famous attractions such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the Independence Palace, or Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
5. Tips for Visiting
- Bargaining: Most stalls expect customers to haggle, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for a better price.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or after 7 PM is when the market is less crowded, making shopping more enjoyable.
- Keep your belongings safe: Since the market can get quite packed, be sure to keep your valuables like wallets and phones secure.
