Ben Thanh Market: Historical and Culinary Beauty in the Heart of Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam travel, Ben Thanh Market is not only one of the oldest markets but also a cultural and historical symbol in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. For foreign tourists, it’s a must-visit destination to experience local life, from diverse cuisine and handcrafted goods to traditional Vietnamese costumes. With its unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere, Ben Thanh Market is the perfect place to feel the pulse of the city, where the past and present blend seamlessly.

Aerial view of Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

History of Ben Thanh market

Why is it called “Ben Thanh”?

Before French colonial times, the market was already a crucial trading hub. The original location was on the banks of the Ben Nghe River, right next to the famous Eight Trigram Citadel (Bat Quai) built by King Gia Long in 1790. This river port (“Ben”) served passengers and soldiers entering the citadel (“Thanh”). Therefore, the locals naturally combined these words, calling it “Ben Thanh”. The name has proudly stood the test of time and remains its official title today.

Reconstruction the Ben Thanh market

When the French occupied the area in 1859, the original market was burned down. It was later rebuilt but gradually deteriorated. By 1912, the French decided to construct a larger, permanent structure to meet the growing commercial demands. They chose a former muddy pond known as Marais Boresse (Ao Bo Ret). The massive construction project took two years, officially opening in March 1914 with a grand three-day celebration attended by over 100,000 people.

The 1952 ceramic reliefs

If you look closely at the four main entrances today, you will notice beautiful ceramic reliefs depicting local animals and fruits. These were added in 1952. Crafted by master artisans from the famous Bien Hoa pottery village, these 12 ceramic masterpieces were fired at extremely high temperatures. They have survived decades of harsh weather, retaining their vibrant colors and becoming an iconic part of the market’s facade.

The unfulfilled 1971 modernization plan

Here is a fascinating untold story. By 1971, the market was deemed outdated by the local government, and an architectural competition was held to modernize it. The winning design proposed a massive three-story complex with underground parking, a children’s entertainment floor, and a rooftop restaurant featuring a 50-meter tower. However, due to budget deficits at the time, this ambitious project was never realized. Because of this twist of fate, we get to enjoy the charming, historical architecture of Ben Thanh Market as it stands today.

Historic Ben Thanh Market when it was located on Charner street (now Nguyen Hue Street).

Ben Thanh market overview

Address & main entrances

Following the reorganization and merger plan in mid 2025, Ben Thanh Market is now located in Le Loi street, Ben Thanh ward, Ho Chi Minh City, alongside other famous landmarks such as the Independence Palace and Bui Vien Walking Street.

The market spans over 13,000 square meters, featuring 4 main entrances and 12 secondary entrances. Each main entrance faces a different street and specializes in specific products:

• South Entrance (main entrance): Featuring the iconic three-sided clock tower, this entrance is on Le Loi Street, opposite Quach Thi Trang Park. It’s a popular photo spot with stalls selling fabrics and dry foods. This entrance will be the main entrance for accessing the market.
• East Entrance: Located on Phan Boi Chau Street, this entrance attracts visitors with its stalls selling colorful candies and cosmetics.
• West Entrance: Situated on Phan Chu Trinh Street, this entrance features many stalls selling shoes, crafts, and a variety of souvenirs.
• North Entrance: Located on Le Thanh Ton Street, this entrance welcomes visitors with a selection of fresh flowers and enticing tropical fruits.

The iconic south entrance of Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City.

Recommended visiting hours

Ben Thanh Market generally opens from 4 AM to 7 PM, but to enjoy the most lively atmosphere, it’s best to visit during peak hours when locals are heading to school or work, making the market busier.

Two ideal times to visit Ben Thanh Market:

• From 7:30 AM to 6 PM: Perfect for those wanting to explore and shop inside the market.
• After 7 PM: Some shops and eateries will close but still great for those looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the brightly colored stalls at night.

With its large area and numerous stalls in different sections, visitors may need 1 to 2 hours to explore the entire market. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan your visit carefully for a complete experience.

How to get to Ben Thanh market

Located in the city center, right next to Sai Gon ward. Ben Thanh Market is easily accessible by several transport options:

• Walking: Just a short walk from key spots like Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Bach Dang Wharf.
• Ride-hailing Apps: Book a ride via Grab or Green SM for a direct, comfortable journey.
• Metro (Line 1): For a local experience, take the Metro and get off at Ben Thanh Station—the market is just a 5-minute walk away.

If you prefer a seamless and comfortable experience, booking a Ho Chi Minh car rental with driver is highly recommended. A knowledgeable local driver will save you time and provide valuable cultural insights as you navigate between Saigon landmarks.

What to explore at Ben Thanh market?

Vietnam Paradise Travel suggest you dive deep into the shopping alleys and the food court. This is the ultimate place to discover Vietnam from a commercial and culinary perspective.

Shopping Stalls

With nearly 1,450 stalls and 6,000 vendors, Ben Thanh Market is the largest retail space in Saigon. Whether you are looking for budget-friendly souvenirs or premium goods, you will find it all here.

• Clothing and Accessories: Located primarily inside the market and spilling out onto the side streets, you can find traditional Ao Dai, silk scarves, and casual wear. Remember to bargain respectfully, as it is part of the local shopping culture.
• Dry Specialty Stalls: This is a treasure trove for foodies. You will find endless varieties of dried seafood, salted fish, jams, and dried fruits sourced from across the country. Do not hesitate to ask the vendor for a small taste before you buy. They make excellent gifts to bring back home.
• Handicrafts and Souvenirs: From intricate wooden boxes and refined ceramics to multicolored brocade bags, the craft section is perfect for picking up unique mementos of your trip.
• Fresh Fruits: The vibrant colors and sweet aromas of the fruit stalls are impossible to ignore. Treat yourself to fresh mangoes, dragon fruit, mangosteens, and rambutans.

Colorful dried fruits displayed at Ben Thanh Market.

A Culinary Paradise in the food court

If you are wondering where to eat, look no further. Even world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay was amazed by the local street food flavors served right here in the food court. It is crowded, loud, and incredibly fun at midday.

Here are a few insider recommendations you absolutely must try:

• Banh Beo Hue: Head over to the West gate. Just inside the first small entrance to the right, you will find a stall selling these delicate, steamed rice cakes topped with savory shrimp flakes. It is a classic snack from central Vietnam and the perfect appetizer.
• Che Ba Mau (Three-color dessert) at “Be Che”: If you have a sweet tooth, navigate your way to the famous “Be Che” stall. Order their signature Che Ba Mau. The combination of sweet red beans, vibrant jellies, and rich coconut milk is incredibly refreshing on a hot Saigon day.
• Banh Mi Bi: Walk towards the inner intersection of the food court and look for an elderly lady selling Banh Mi Bi. This unique sandwich features shredded pork skin coated in roasted rice powder, drizzled with savory fish sauce, and topped with scallion oil. Just be warned, her homemade chili is extremely spicy!
• Main Dishes: If you want a heavier meal, the food court is packed with stalls serving iconic dishes like Pho, Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), Com Tam (broken rice with grilled pork), and crispy Banh Xeo (sizzling pancakes).
• Fresh Beverages: Wash everything down with a freshly pressed sugarcane juice or a tropical fruit smoothie, widely available near the dining area.

Traditional Vietnamese banh beo served at Ben Thanh Market.

Ben Thanh Market at Night

Although Ben Thanh Market closes at 7 PM, the adventure doesn’t end there. Saigon’s nightlife becomes even more vibrant as the area around the market transforms into a lively night market with stalls selling specialties, grilled foods, beer, and seafood restaurants.

• Operating Hours: From 7 PM.
• Location: The two streets next to the market are Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chu Trinh.

During peak tourist seasons, this night market often attracts nearly 1,000 visitors each night, including locals and tourists from both domestic and international locations.

Ben Thanh Market illuminated with vibrant lights at night.

Vibrant events & festivals around Ben Thanh market

When visiting Ben Thanh Market, you can experience a variety of exciting cultural activities and local festivals right in the surrounding area:

• Festive season & tourism week (Early December): The open square in front of Ben Thanh Market transforms into a lively hub for the annual Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week. Visitors can explore vibrant cultural stalls, sample iconic Southern traditional street food, and enjoy local arts and performances to kick off the year-end holiday season.

• Broadway at the Metro (Ben Thanh Station): Just steps from the market, Ben Thanh Metro Station doubles as an open-air cultural stage. Passengers and tourists are treated to surprise pop-up performances, including flashmobs and iconic Broadway musical numbers organized right inside the underground station.

• Lunar New Year Flower Market (September 23rd Park): A short 10-minute walk from the market, September 23rd Park comes alive during the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday. It transforms into a bustling, colorful flower market packed with seasonal blossoms, traditional decorations, and a festive holiday atmosphere.

A musical performance taking place at Ben Thanh Metro Station.

Tips for visiting

• Although often crowded, security in this area has improved significantly. However, it’s always advisable to be cautious with your personal belongings.
• Local authorities are also working to improve the quality of products and vendor service, providing visitors with a safe environment to explore and enjoy. Nonetheless, it’s recommended to check prices before buying to ensure you get reasonable rates. Do not be afraid to negotiate politely
• Around the market, streets are often very busy with dense traffic. When crossing the street or taking photos, be sure to pay close attention to ensure your safety.

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