Hanh Thong Tay Market: Budget Shopping Paradise in Ho Chi Minh City

If you're looking for an authentic shopping and cultural experience in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanh Thong Tay Market is the ultimate budget-friendly hotspot. Known for its triple-shift operation and vibrant street culture, this market offers everything from factory overstock fashion to late-night fruit wholesale. With its unique blend of local life, street food, and night vibes, it's more than just a market, it’s a daily rhythm of the city. Explore this hidden side of the Ho Chi Minh Market scene with insider tips from Vietpower Travel, your trusted Vietnam tour operator.

1. Hanh Thong Tay Market – A Fashion & Street Food Hub in Ho Chi Minh City

What is Hanh Thong Tay Market?

Nestled in the vibrant Gò Vấp District, Hanh Thong Tay Market is widely known for its affordability, variety, and local energy. While many visitors focus on central tourist zones, this market offers a more grounded and authentic view of everyday life in the Ho Chi Minh Market scene.

One of the market's most unique features is its direct position opposite Hanh Thong Tay Church, a beautiful Romanesque-style landmark. This unusual pairing of commerce and Catholic tradition gives the market an added layer of cultural flavor, rarely found in other shopping destinations across the city.

Established officially on September 2, 2002, the market was built with a major investment of 60 billion VND, spanning 2,358 square meters of covered shopping space. From its infrastructure to its local flavor, Hanh Thong Tay is more than a place to shop—it reflects a slice of urban Vietnamese life.

Where is Hanh Thong Tay Market Located?

• Address: 10/2 Quang Trung Street, Ward 11, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City

Nearby landmarks:

• Hanh Thong Tay Church (directly opposite the market)
• Aeon Citimart Gò Vấp (ideal for parking or quick shopping)
• Emart Phan Văn Trị (10 minutes away for extra food court options)

Opening Hours & Triple-Shift Market Life

Unlike most traditional markets in the city, Hanh Thong Tay Market operates 24 hours a day in three rotating shifts—each with its own flavor, vendors, and atmosphere:

• Morning Shift (4:00 AM – 6:00 PM):  Primarily traditional goods—dry food, kitchen supplies, fabrics, household essentials.
• Evening Shift (6:00 PM – 11:00 PM): The market transforms into a vibrant hub for fashion lovers. You’ll find rows of stalls selling clothing, shoes, accessories, and cosmetics under bright lights.
• Late-Night Shift (11:00 PM – 7:00 AM): Here’s where it gets interesting: vendors from various provinces like the Mekong Delta and Eastern Vietnam arrive to sell fresh fruits and farm produce in bulk. It’s an insider’s scene that even many locals don’t know about.

2. Why Hanh Thong Tay is the Ultimate Budget Shopping Destination

Shop Like a Local – Fashion & Accessories

If you're looking for trendy clothes, budget-friendly prices, and local flair, Hanh Thong Tay Market is the perfect place to explore.

One of the market’s biggest advantages is the source of its goods. Many clothing items come directly from local garment factories, including:

• Overstock and surplus items
• B-grade or slightly imperfect pieces (but still wearable and stylish)
• Factory seconds that never made it to export

At Hanh Thong Tay, you'll find:

• T-shirts, jeans, dresses, and hoodies
• Trendy shoes and sandals
• Accessories like caps, earrings, and belts
• Vintage or secondhand fashion items (especially during night hours)

How Wholesale Culture Works at Hanh Thong Tay

Hanh Thong Tay Market isn’t just for individual buyers – it’s also a popular spot for small business owners and resellers.

Unique feature: You can get wholesale prices just by buying 5 to 10 items. No business license or large quantity required!

Here’s how it works:

• Ask the vendor: “How many for wholesale price?”
• Choose different colors or sizes – as long as the quantity adds up
• You’ll often save 20–40% compared to the retail price

Pro tip: Take your time and compare prices between shops. Even similar items may have different quality or fabric.

Target Audience – Students First

Hanh Thong Tay Market is famous among students and young adults in Ho Chi Minh City.

Why? Because everything here is designed for young tastes and tight budgets:

• Stylish designs that follow trends on TikTok and Instagram
• Affordable clothes for school, casual outings, or even parties
• Cute accessories, simple makeup, and cheap phone cases

Prices are super friendly:

• T-shirts: 40,000 – 60,000 VND
• Dresses: 100,000 – 200,000 VND
• Shoes: 50,000 – 250,000 VND

This makes it a go-to place for students to refresh their wardrobes without spending much. Many even come here on weekends just to browse and hang out with friends.

3. What to Eat at Hanh Thong Tay Market – Street Food Heaven

Must-Try Street Food Dishes

After shopping, it’s time to eat—and Hanh Thong Tay Market has no shortage of delicious street food.

You’ll see food stalls and carts everywhere, especially in the evening. Each one offers cheap, tasty snacks that represent real Saigon street flavors.

Here are a few local favorites:

• Cá viên chiên (Fried fish balls): Crunchy on the outside, soft inside, served with spicy sauce
• Bánh tráng nướng (Vietnamese grilled rice paper): Often called "Vietnamese pizza" with egg, sausage, and toppings
• Chè Thái (Thai-style dessert): Colorful mix of jelly, fruit, and coconut milk – cool and refreshing
• Phá lấu: A rich stew made with beef or pork, simmered in coconut milk and spices – a bold and flavorful treat

Most dishes cost 15,000–40,000 VND, making them perfect for travelers on a budget or anyone wanting to try authentic Saigon snacks.

Fruit Trading After Dark

Here’s something most tourists don’t know: After 11 PM, Hanh Thong Tay becomes a wholesale fruit market.

Vendors from across the Mekong Delta and Eastern Vietnam bring trucks full of:

• Mangoes
• Longans
• Durians
• Dragon fruit
• Bananas

4. Culture, Nightlife & Experience

The Vibe – Music, Games, Fortune Telling

Hanh Thong Tay Market offers more than fashion and food—it’s also a local gathering place, especially after dark.

As night falls, the market lights up with:

• Pop music playing from nearby speakers
• Mini carnival games like dart throwing or lucky wheels
• Palm readers and tarot card fortune tellers, often seated at the edges of the market or tucked between stalls

Post-COVID Recovery – Support Local Vendors

After COVID-19, the number of visitors dropped by 60–70%. Some vendors had to close early or shut down completely. Today, the market is slowly recovering, but it still hasn’t reached the same energy as before.

However, this brings a silver lining:

• Fewer crowds mean it’s easier to shop and take your time
• You get more personal interaction with vendors
• You can directly support small, family-run businesses

Many of the stall owners have been here for over a decade. They remember the market's early days, and every sale helps them rebuild. If you value authentic travel experiences and want your spending to make a difference, this is a meaningful way to do so.

5. Visitor Guide – Transportation & Safety Tips

How to Get There

Hanh Thong Tay Market is located in Gò Vấp District, about 10km from the city center. There are several ways to get there:

• By bus: Budget-friendly and easy to use. Choose any of these lines:
  • Bus #18: Bến Thành – Hiệp Thành Market
  • Bus #24: Miền Đông Station – Hóc Môn
  • Bus #55: Quang Trung Software Park – Quận 9 Tech Park
  • Bus #95: Miền Đông Station – Tân Bình Industrial Park
• By motorbike or Grab: Ideal for flexibility. GrabBike or GrabCar can be booked easily and take about 25–30 minutes from central districts.

The market has both official and unofficial parking areas. Many nearby homes and shopfronts open their space for parking at night, charging around 10,000 VND per vehicle. Be sure to ask the price in advance to avoid surprises.

Best Time to Visit (Based on Your Goal)

Hanh Thong Tay Market is open almost 24 hours a day, but your experience will depend on what you want to explore. Here’s a simple guide:

• Early Morning (4 AM – 10 AM):  Best for buying fresh food, spices, vegetables, and fabric materials. The market is calm and mostly filled with locals doing their daily shopping.
• Evening (6 PM – 11 PM): Perfect for fashion hunting, accessories, street food, and enjoying the lively atmosphere. This is the most popular time for both locals and travelers.
• Late Night (11 PM – 7 AM): A rare scene: the market turns into a wholesale fruit hub. Trucks arrive from various provinces, and fruit dealers start their business under streetlights.

6. What to See Around Hanh Thong Tay Market

Nearby Cultural Attractions

1. Hanh Thong Tay Church

• Address: 53/7 Quang Trung Street, Ward 11, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Distance: Directly across the street from the market (less than 100 meters)
• Why visit: Built in 1921 with Romanesque architecture, this Catholic church is a serene contrast to the lively market scene. It’s a beautiful place for photography and learning about local spiritual life.

2. Phu Chau Floating Temple (Miếu Nổi Phù Châu)

• Address: 173/36/7B11 Duong Quang Ham Street, Ward 5, Go Vap District
• Distance: Around 4.5 km; about 15 minutes by motorbike or taxi
• Why visit: Located on a small islet in the Vam Thuat River, this colorful temple is accessible by boat and offers a peaceful spiritual experience, known mostly by locals.

3. Go Vap Flower Village (Làng Hoa Gò Vấp)

• Address: 191 Le Van Tho Street, Ward 8, Go Vap District
• Distance: About 3.8 km; around 10–12 minutes by motorbike
• Why visit: Especially vibrant around Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), this area is filled with flower vendors and is perfect for early morning walks and photography.

Best Local Cafés and Night Spots

Looking for a cozy place to relax after shopping? Here are four charming cafés near the market that locals frequent for their ambiance and affordable drinks:

Food Spots Around the Market

After a full shopping session at Hanh Thong Tay Market, refuel with these beloved local eats nearby:

7. FAQs – Everything You Need to Know

1. Is Hanh Thong Tay Market open 24/7?
Yes, the market runs almost non-stop with three different time blocks:

• Morning (4:00 AM – 6:00 PM): Focus on groceries, dry food, kitchenware, and traditional household goods.
• Evening (6:00 PM – 11:00 PM): Peak time for fashion, accessories, and street food.
• Late night (11:00 PM – 7:00 AM): Wholesale fruit vendors from southern provinces sell fresh produce directly.

2. Is it safe to visit the market at night?
Yes, as long as you follow basic safety measures:

• Keep valuables secure and avoid carrying too much cash.
• Wear your backpack on the front in crowded areas.
• If you’re unfamiliar with the neighborhood, avoid going alone after midnight.

3. What’s the best time to shop for clothes?

 Between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM is ideal:

• Most stalls are open and display their full collections.
• You can see the latest designs and still have time to compare options.
• After 10:00 PM, some stalls begin closing, so come a bit earlier for the best selection.

8. Conclusion

Hanh Thong Tay Market is not only a paradise for affordable shopping but also a window into the daily lives of Saigon’s youth, vendors, and night owls. From street food stalls to early-morning wholesale trade, each shift reveals a different layer of the market. Whether you're a traveler looking for trendy fashion or a cultural explorer seeking real local energy, this market has it all. Book your visit today with Vietpower Travel to unlock an insider journey through one of Ho Chi Minh City's most vibrant markets