The short answer
Ben Thanh Market: what visitors should know first
Yes for a first visit, but go early for souvenirs and expect to bargain. In the evening, the surrounding streets become a night market with food stalls. Keep bags zipped.
History and context
The story behind Ben Thanh Market
Informal markets existed in the 17th century near the Saigon River. The French formalised the market after 1859; a fire destroyed it in 1870, and it was rebuilt. Vendors moved into the present metal-frame building in 1912.
Renovations took place in 1952, 1985 and 2022. The market has nearly 1,500 booths.
Useful facts
Ben Thanh Market facts at a glance
- Location
- Quach Thi Trang Square, Ho Chi Minh City
- Style
- Covered market with night stalls
- Price signal
- Bargaining expected
- Good for
- Coffee, tea, textiles, souvenirs
- Time or schedule
- Day market from about 6 am to 6 pm; night market until about 10 pm
Why it matters
Why Ben Thanh Market is worth your time
The market is a good introduction to everyday Saigon commerce, and its clock tower is a landmark. Informal markets stood near the river in the 17th century, the French organised a formal market after 1859, and vendors moved into the current building around 1912.
The market is also useful as a navigation point: Metro Line 1 stops at Ben Thanh station next to it. Treat it as an orientation stop rather than a serious shopping trip: you will see what Vietnamese households buy, hear how bargaining works, and get a feel for the city's pace before moving on to quieter sights.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The clock tower
A recognisable landmark at the south entrance.
- 02
Dried goods and coffee
Stalls near the east gate sell tea, coffee and dried foods.
- 03
The night market
Food stalls on nearby streets after 6 pm.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat the market as a place to look first and buy second. Each of the four gates leads to a different zone: the south gate for clothing and jewellery, the north for food and fresh produce, the east for dried goods and coffee, and the west for art and ceramics.
Decide on a price before you start, and offer much less than the first quote. Politely walk away if the price does not move. Carry small notes, because change can be difficult to get, and check weights on dried goods.
After 6 pm, the day market closes and stalls on the surrounding streets open as a night market focused on food. If you want a vegetarian meal, ask carefully, because many dishes use fish sauce or pork. The market is a short walk from the Mariamman Temple.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Go early for browsing
- Bargain politely
- Keep bags zipped
- Carry small notes
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Quach Thi Trang Square, central Ho Chi Minh City
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Best time
- Early morning for browsing; after 6 pm for the night stalls
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Aisles are narrow, crowded and warm, with little seating. Older visitors may prefer the cooler early hours or the edge stalls outside. The Metro Line 1 station is next to the market.
- Tickets and access
- Entry is free. Prices are negotiable at most stalls, and some sellers quote far above the usual price to visitors, so compare before buying.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Ben Thanh Market
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Aisles are narrow, crowded and warm, with little seating. Older visitors may prefer the cooler early hours or the edge stalls outside. The Metro Line 1 station is next to the market.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Ben Thanh Market expensive?
Prices start high for visitors, so bargaining is expected.
When is the night market?
Typically from around 6 pm to 10 pm, on streets around the market.
Is it vegetarian-friendly?
Only with care. Many food stalls use fish sauce or pork, so ask before ordering.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
