Ben Thanh Market is the symbol of Saigon and the one market almost every visitor sees. A trading place has stood on the site since the 17th century, and the first brick market, called Les Halles Centrales, was built in 1870 and renamed Ben Thanh in 1912. The current building dates from 1987 and has four main gates and a clock tower over the south entrance. Inside, the aisles are packed with stalls selling conical hats, clothing, handicrafts such as bamboo paintings and woven baskets, fabrics, dried seafood, coffee and fresh fruit. A block of food stalls serves local dishes, including crab noodle soup, steamed rice cakes and southern-style sweet soups. Prices are not fixed, so bargaining is part of the experience, and a friendly counter-offer usually works better than a hard one. As the day cools, the streets around the market, including Phan Chu Trinh and Phan Boi Chau, fill with a night market of more than a hundred stalls selling souvenirs, snacks, grilled seafood and beer.
How it works: the market is on Le Loi Street in Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, and is open daily from about 6:00 to 19:00, although the exact hours of individual stalls vary. Entry is free. The night market starts around 19:00 on the streets beside the main building and runs into the evening. Most of the central hotels are within walking distance, and the city’s main bus hub and the metro line are close by.
What to expect: the market is hot, loud and crowded, so go in with a small amount of cash and an open mind. Ask before you take a vendor’s photo. Agree on a price before you buy and keep your bag zipped and in front of you, since pickpockets work the crowds. The food stalls are a good place to try your first bowl of southern noodle soup, but quality varies, so look for stalls busy with locals. Allow about two hours to see the main hall properly.
Making the most of it: November is in the tail end of the wet season, so go in the morning to avoid afternoon downpours; from December the dry season makes browsing easier. Treat the market as a place to find coffee, dried mango, souvenirs and fabric, and as the start of a wider walk through District 1. For a deeper taste of local food, the scooter food tour covers the dishes you will see here and many that you will not, with a guide to explain them.
What to expect
The experience
A free walk through a covered market hall of souvenir, fabric and food stalls, plus a street night market around its edges after dark.
Best time
Morning for the main hall and lighter heat, or after about 19:00 for the night market and street food.
How long
Around two hours for the main hall, plus time for a meal.
Tips
Bargain politely, carry small notes and keep bags zipped in front of you.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Souvenir shoppers and first-timers who want a lively, central introduction to Saigon’s everyday trading life.
- Families
- A fun stop for children who like colour and noise, though the aisles are narrow and crowded.
- Couples
- Best in the evening, with a stroll through the night market and grilled snacks on stools.
- Pair with
- A scooter food tour in the evening, or the Independence Palace and Notre-Dame on the same morning.
- Time needed
- About two hours.
Good questions
What time does Ben Thanh Market open and close?+
The main hall is open from about 6:00 to 19:00 every day, though individual stalls keep their own hours. The night market begins around 19:00 on the neighbouring streets.
Is Ben Thanh Market worth visiting?+
Yes, as a lively, central introduction to Saigon, but go with expectations of tourist prices and plenty of bargaining. For better food, try a guided street food tour.
Do you have to bargain at Ben Thanh Market?+
Most stalls expect it, because prices are not fixed. Be polite, ask the price, offer less and walk away if you do not like the answer.
Is Ben Thanh Market safe?+
It is generally safe, but crowded, so pickpocketing is the main risk. Keep your phone and wallet in front of you.
What can I eat at Ben Thanh Market?+
Local dishes include crab noodle soup, steamed rice cakes and southern-style sweet soups. Check that stalls are busy before ordering.
