Ben Thanh Market Ho Chi Minh: Opening Hours, Tips & What to Buy

Located in the heart of District 1, Ben Thanh Market Ho Chi Minh is more than a shopping spot — it's a cultural landmark where history, cuisine, and daily life converge. From its iconic three-faced clock tower to bustling food courts and traditional craft stalls, the market showcases the true rhythm of Saigon. With detailed tips, rare insights, and flexible tour options from Vietpower Travel, this guide helps you explore one of Vietnam’s most authentic local experiences. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, Ben Thanh Market offers something for every traveler.

1. Why Visit Ben Thanh Market? A Symbol of Old and Modern Saigon

A Living Icon in the Heart of Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market is located at Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, right in the center. It has four main gates:

• South Gate – Le Loi Street
• North Gate – Le Thanh Ton Street
• East Gate – Phan Boi Chau Street
• West Gate – Phan Chu Trinh Street

A little-known fact: the market was built on a drained pond called Bo Ret. This historical foundation helps explain the market’s frequent flooding during the rainy season and its deep connection to the city’s early development.

A Must-See Destination for First-Time & Returning Travelers

Ben Thanh Market is more than a shopping spot—it reflects the real pace of Saigon. It’s where you hear local voices, smell traditional food, and see generations of vendors continue their trade.

For first-time visitors to the Ho Chi Minh Market area, this is a place to experience the city’s culture in one stop. For returning travelers, it brings familiar sights and flavors that make Saigon unforgettable.

Vietpower Travel recommends visiting not only to shop, but to connect with the everyday life of locals in a way that no modern mall can offer.

You can find more articles related to this topic in our Vietnam tourist attractions category. Explore detailed travel guides, destination highlights, and inspiration for your next journey through Vietnam.

2. Ben Thanh Market Opening Hours & Night Market Experience

Daytime Market Hours (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

The market is busiest from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM—hot, crowded, and noisy. If you prefer a relaxed experience, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Ben Thanh Night Market (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

After sunset, the streets around the market come alive with food stalls and souvenir vendors.
The Ben Thanh Night Market is ideal for tasting street food like bun rieu, goi cuon, banh xeo, and che while enjoying the vibrant local energy.

Best Time to Visit

• Early Morning (6:00 – 9:00 AM): Cooler weather, fewer crowds, fresh goods, and lower prices.
• Late Afternoon (4:00 – 5:30 PM): Easier to bargain, less heat, and a calm atmosphere.
• Avoid:
  • Midday (10:00 – 3:00 PM): Hot and overcrowded
  • Rainy season (May to November): Poor drainage may cause flooding
  • Holidays and Tet: Some stalls may be closed, prices increase, and the area is packed

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3. Market Layout & What to Buy in Ben Thanh Market

Understanding the Market’s 4 Gates and 12 Entrances

Ben Thanh Market is divided into four main gate areas, each leading to a different product section. In addition to the well-known gates, the market also features 12 smaller side entrances that connect internal walkways. This hidden network gives visitors more access points, especially useful during peak hours.

• South Gate – Le Loi Street: This is the main entrance, marked by the famous three-faced clock tower. It leads to the clothing and fashion zone. You’ll find stalls selling ao dai, dresses, t-shirts, shoes, handbags, and cosmetics.

• North Gate – Le Thanh Ton Street: This entrance opens into the fresh food section. It’s where locals shop early in the morning for seafood, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Most fresh food vendors close before noon.

• East Gate – Phan Boi Chau Street: Known for dried goods, this zone offers packaged food, Vietnamese coffee beans, teas, spices, dried shrimp, and cashew nuts. It's a popular stop for tourists looking for souvenirs to take home.

• West Gate – Phan Chu Trinh Street: This is the best place to find handmade crafts and decorative items. Look for lacquerware, wooden figurines, embroidered scarves, fabric lanterns, and ceramic bowls.

The market is arranged in a grid-like pattern, and stalls are numbered for easier orientation.
For example, Stall #86, located in the southeast corner, is a key reference point used by local guides.

Must-Buy Souvenirs and Local Specialties

Ben Thanh Market offers a wide selection of traditional Vietnamese products. Here are the best items to look for and where to find them:

• Ao dai and embroidered scarves – Sold near the South Gate, in the fashion and fabric area. You’ll find tailor services and ready-made items.
• Vietnamese coffee and tea – Available near the East Gate, with trusted brands like Trung Nguyen, Mr. Viet, and Metrang.
• Dried seafood and snacks – Look near the East Gate and some parts of the North Gate for dried squid, shrimp, lotus seeds, and tropical fruit chips.
• Handicrafts and souvenirs – Sold near the West Gate, where vendors specialize in small gifts, home décor, coconut bowls, and chopstick sets.

Prices are usually negotiable. Vendors expect bargaining, so start with 50% of the initial offer if you're buying multiple items.

4. Ben Thanh Market Street Food Guide

Ben Thanh Market is also known for its food court, where you can taste authentic Vietnamese dishes in a local setting. The following dishes are crowd favorites:

• Bun Rieu (Crab paste noodle soup): Rich tomato-based broth with tofu, blood pudding, and fresh herbs. Look for it in the central food court area near the East Gate.
• Banh Beo (Steamed rice cakes): Small round cakes topped with shrimp flakes, scallion oil, and crispy bread. Found near the West Gate, among traditional food vendors.
• Com Tam (Broken rice with grilled pork): A classic Saigon dish with pork chop, shredded pork skin, and egg. Available near the South Gate, close to the fashion stalls.
• Goi Cuon (Fresh spring rolls): Rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and herbs. These are sold throughout the market, especially near East and West Gates.
• Che (Vietnamese sweet soup): A popular dessert made with beans, coconut milk, and fruit. Look for it near the South Gate, especially at the long-standing Be Che stall near Door #7.

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5. How to Get to Ben Thanh Market: Travel Guide for Visitors

Transportation Options

Ben Thanh Market is located in central District 1, very easy to reach.

• Walking: If you're staying near Pham Ngu Lao, Bui Vien, Le Thanh Ton, or Nguyen Hue, you can walk to the market in 5–10 minutes.
• Bus: Take bus numbers 03, 04, 19, 20, 93, or 152. Get off at Ben Thanh Bus Station, just a few steps from the market.
• Grab or Taxi: Both are convenient. Using ride-hailing apps is safer and more transparent than flagging a taxi on the street.
• Metro: Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) will soon open. A station is located directly in front of the market for easy access.

Safety Tips for Visitors

• Bring small cash: Most vendors accept cash only. Smaller bills make shopping quicker and easier.
• Keep your belongings in front: Wear your backpack on your chest. Avoid placing wallets or phones in back pockets.
• Compare prices first: Many stalls sell the same products. Walk around to check before buying.
• Bargain confidently: Start at 50–60% of the asking price. Bargaining is part of local culture.
• Look for old construction details: Some inner sections still show original brick walls and wooden beams from the 1800s.

6. Architectural Highlights of Ben Thanh Market

Clock Tower and Structure Design

The market’s main entrance on Le Loi Street features its iconic clock tower.

 It has three faces, not four, with Chinese and Latin characters carved into it, a detail often overlooked.

Concrete + Iron Support Columns

Inside, the market uses concrete pillars, iron columns, and steel roof trusses.

These structural supports have kept the building stable for over 100 years.

Natural Roof Ventilation System

The roof has tiered heights.

This design lets in sunlight and allows hot air to rise — helping to naturally cool the market, especially in the food court areas.

7. Nearby Attractions You Can Explore with Vietpower

8. Local Tips for a Great Experience

• Wear light and breathable clothing: The market gets hot, especially in the afternoon.
• Carry water: It's easy to become dehydrated while walking through crowded alleys.
• Watch for price scams: Ask for the price before buying. If it feels too high, walk away and compare.
• Inspect items before purchasing: Product quality can vary. Check for damage, defects, or expiry dates.
• Carry your backpack in front: Especially in tight spaces, this prevents pickpocketing.

9. FAQs About Ben Thanh Market Ho Chi Minh

1. What time does Ben Thanh Market open?

The daytime market runs from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Fresh food areas close around noon.

2. Is Ben Thanh Market open at night?

Yes. The night market operates from 6:00 PM to around 10:00 PM along the streets surrounding the main building.

3. What to buy? Where to eat?

Buy clothing, dried food, coffee, and souvenirs. Food stalls are located near the East and West Gates and inside the central aisles.

4. How to avoid tourist traps?

Avoid buying from the first stall you see. Walk around, compare prices, and ask questions.

5. How to bargain like a local?

Smile, stay friendly, and start your offer at 50% of the asking price. If the seller says no, say thank you and move on—many will call you back with a better deal.

Conclusion

Ben Thanh Market is where past and present meet — through its architecture, local flavors, and everyday trade. This guide covers the essentials: what to buy, what to eat, when to visit, and how to enjoy the area safely and meaningfully. With nearby attractions and curated tours by Vietpower Travel, your time in the Ho Chi Minh Market area becomes both enjoyable and memorable. Let the sounds, scents, and stories of this historic market become part of your Vietnam journey.

Uncover the beauty of Vietnam through its famous destinations, from peaceful countryside landscapes to dynamic cityscapes. Wander through ancient towns, majestic mountains, and sparkling bays with Vietpower Travel as your trusted guide. Experience the charm of Vietnam’s attractions in a journey filled with discovery and wonder.