Ben Thanh Market: The Ultimate Guide to Saigon’s Most Iconic Landmark

Before it became the concrete structure we know today, Ben Thanh Market began as a humble collection of street vendors near the Ben Nghe River in the early 17th century. The original market was destroyed by fire and rebuilt multiple times. The current building, with its iconic four-faced clock tower and French Beaux-Arts architectural influences, was completed in 1912. It was officially named "Ben Thanh Market" to honor the original location ("Ben" meaning wharf and "Thanh" referring to the nearby Gia Dinh Citadel).

Throughout the turbulent decades of Vietnamese history, the market has remained a constant commercial and cultural center for Saigonese locals. It’s a place where traditions are passed down through generations of vendors and where the city's resilient spirit is on full display every single day.

So, what makes this market a non-negotiable stop on your list of things to do in Saigon? The answer is simple: it offers a sensory overload in the best way possible, providing a genuine slice of Vietnamese life.

Forget sterile shopping malls. Ben Thanh Market is a vibrant and chaotic maze of over 1,500 stalls. Here, you'll find everything from glistening lacquerware and intricate handicrafts to mountains of colorful textiles. The thrill of the hunt is part of the fun, as you never know what treasure you might uncover in the next aisle. This is shopping in Saigon at its most authentic, and to be better prepared, you can check out our detailed shopping guide in Saigon.

This is your one-stop shop for bringing a piece of Vietnam home with you. Unlike generic souvenir shops, the market offers a staggering variety of locally made goods. You can find beautiful silk Ao Dais (traditional Vietnamese long dresses), hand-painted conical hats, and robusta coffee beans sourced from the Central Highlands.

The moment you step inside, you're greeted by the irresistible aroma of Vietnamese cuisine. The dedicated food section is a culinary haven, offering a comprehensive tour of the country's best street food. From steaming bowls of phở to crispy bánh xèo, the Ben Thanh Market food scene is a major attraction in itself. To explore further, don't miss our complete street food guide to Ho Chi Minh City.

With so much on offer, knowing what to buy in Ben Thanh Market can be daunting. Here’s a curated list of must-have items to look for.

1. Souvenirs and Handicrafts

• Lacquerware: Look for beautifully crafted bowls, plates, and decorative boxes with intricate mother-of-pearl inlays. They are lightweight and make for stunning gifts.
• Conical Hats (Nón Lá): The quintessential symbol of Vietnam. You can find plain ones for practical use or hand-painted versions that serve as beautiful wall art.
• Bamboo Goods: From woven baskets and bowls to eco-friendly utensils, bamboo products are both sustainable and stylish.
• Propaganda Art: Reproductions of vintage Vietnamese propaganda posters are a unique and colorful souvenir that tells a story of the nation's history.

2. Clothes and Fabrics

• Ao Dai: While you can buy ready-made Ao Dais, the real experience is getting one custom-tailored. Choose your favorite silk from hundreds of patterns, get your measurements taken, and you can often have it ready within 24 hours. To understand more about this garment, read our post on the cultural significance of the Vietnamese Ao Dai.
• Silk and Textiles: The market is a fabric lover's dream. Buy silk by the meter to create your own clothes or home decor. You'll also find beautiful embroidered scarves and table runners.

3. Spices & Coffee

• Vietnamese Coffee: Vietnam is famous for its strong, bold Robusta beans. Buy whole beans or ground coffee, and don't forget to pick up a traditional phin filter. To brew it the right way, explore our guide to brewing Vietnamese phin coffee.
• Local Spices: Stock up on high-quality peppercorns from Phu Quoc, star anise, cinnamon, and chili flakes. These will add a true taste of Vietnam to your home cooking.
• Cashew Nuts: Vietnam is a major exporter of cashews. You’ll find fresh, delicious, and affordably priced nuts here.

The food court at Ben Thanh Market is a legendary destination. Grab a seat at a communal table and get ready to indulge.

Must-Try Vietnamese Street Food

• Phở: Enjoy a steaming bowl of beef or chicken noodle soup with an aromatic broth scented with cinnamon and star anise from one of the market's long-standing vendors.
• Bún Thịt Nướng: A mouthwatering bowl of rice vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork, fresh herbs, peanuts, and pickled vegetables, all drenched in a sweet and savory fish sauce.
• Bánh Xèo: A crispy, savory Vietnamese pancake filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. It's served with a basket of fresh lettuce and herbs for wrapping.
• Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls): A healthier alternative, these rolls are packed with shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice vermicelli, all wrapped in delicate rice paper and served with a rich peanut dipping sauce.

Delicious Local Desserts and Drinks

• Chè: Try Chè Ba Màu (three-color dessert) with layers of mung beans, red beans, and pandan jelly, all topped with coconut milk and crushed ice.
• Sinh Tố (Fruit Smoothies): Escape the Saigon heat with a refreshing smoothie made from fresh tropical fruits like mango, dragon fruit, or jackfruit.
• Nước Mía (Sugarcane Juice): Watch as vendors press fresh sugarcane stalks to create a super sweet and hydrating juice.

o make the most of your visit, keep these practical tips in mind.

1. Best Time to Visit

• Morning (7:30 AM – 11:00 AM): The market is at its most authentic in the morning when locals are doing their daily shopping. It's also less crowded and cooler.
• Evening (After 6:00 PM): While the main building closes, the streets around it transform into the Ben Thanh Night Market. This is a great time to enjoy street food and do some relaxed souvenir shopping.

2. Bargaining Tips

Bargaining is expected. Don't be shy!

• Start at 50%: As a general rule, offer half of the vendor's initial asking price and negotiate from there.
• Be Friendly and Smile: A positive attitude goes a long way. Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases like "bao nhiêu tiền?" (how much?) can also create a friendly connection.
• Be Willing to Walk Away: If the vendor doesn't meet your price, politely say "cảm ơn" (thank you) and walk away. More often than not, they will call you back with a better offer.
• To know the current exchange rate, you can check a reliable currency converter.

3. Safety & Etiquette

• Watch Your Belongings: Like any crowded place, be mindful of your wallet, phone, and camera. For peace of mind, review our Vietnam travel safety tips.
• Stay Hydrated: The market can get hot and stuffy. Drink plenty of water.
• Use Small Bills: Pay with smaller denominations of Vietnamese Dong (VND) to avoid issues with getting change.

Ben Thanh Market is conveniently located in District 1, making it the perfect starting point. Several key Ho Chi Minh City attractions are just a short walk away:

• Independence Palace: The historic site where the Vietnam War ended in 1975. You can check visiting hours at the Independence Palace's official website.
• Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon: A stunning remnant of French colonial architecture.
• Saigon Central Post Office: A magnificent building designed by Gustave Eiffel, still in operation today.
• War Remnants Museum: A sobering museum offering a Vietnamese perspective on the war. You can learn more about the exhibits on their website. You can combine all these spots with our walking tour of District 1's historical landmarks.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the prospect of navigating the market's chaos and mastering the art of the deal? Let us help! At Friendstravelvietnam, we specialize in creating authentic and hassle-free travel experiences.



Our expert local guides can lead you through the bustling aisles of Ben Thanh Market, taking you to the best stalls for food and shopping. They’ll share insights into the market's history, help you bargain for the best prices, and ensure you discover hidden gems you might otherwise miss. Check out our Ho Chi Minh City Day Tours, or let our private guides customize your experience perfectly.

👉 Ready to explore Ben Thanh Market and other hidden gems in Vietnam? Book your next adventure with Friendstravelvietnam today for the best local tours and travel services!