For first time visitors, the Ben Thanh market is one of the most iconic bazaars in all of Vietnam. There are plenty of other impressive Saigon markets that are just as noteworthy, however, and they are filled with unique finds, exciting history and fascinating local people manning their shops. Here, the six most noteworthy markets to visit when travelling to Ho Chi Minh City.
Ben Thanh market
The Ben Thanh market was built by Brossard et Maupin. The Construction began in 1912 and finished in March of 1914. The official opening of the market kicked off with a three-day celebration in late March which consisted of fireworks, trucks carrying large bundles of flowers and over 100,000 people in attendance. Saigonese call this market the Saigon or New Market to distinguish it from the previous one that used to be here but was later destroyed. The market was named after its creator, Brossard et Maupin.
Ben Thanh market has four different gates that connect to various main streets. The main road is where the clock tower is found and is considered a symbol of Saigon. About 3,000 vendors are operating inside of the market, with both wholesale and retails shops found throughout. An abundance of food and fruits, household goods, handicrafts and premium brands are all found at this unique market. Vendors at the north gate (accessible from Le Thanh Ton Street) open at around 4 a.m. and sell fresh ingredients and fruits. The rest of the vendors start opening up at about 8-9 a.m.
Local tips:
The hotels and accommodation options around Ben Thanh market are always in high demand as they have easy access to many of the city’s main attractions including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House, Central Post Office, Bitexco Financial Towers and more. Be sure to book ahead of time.
As most of the visitors to the market are tourists, the prices here are usually inflated two or three times the regular asking price. Prepare to haggle until you get an acceptable price.
The earlier in the morning you visit, the better deal you will get. Sellers believe that the first customer of the day facilitates their sales for the rest of the day, thus making them more willing to lower the price to get their first customer. Sellers are also generally in better moods in the morning as they have yet to deal with an onslaught of customers.
Ben Thanh Night Market
The Ben Thanh night market is on two side streets of the Ben Thanh market: Phan Chau Trinh street and Phan Boi Chau street. Unlike the market during the day, this night market specialises in selling fashion accessories in addition to food. The majority of visitors to this market are travellers who enjoy discovering the nightlife and soaking in the shopping vibes of Ho Chi Minh City. It is an excellent place to stop and have a beer and experience the local drinking culture before enjoying a night out in the city.
The hotels and accommodation options around Ben Thanh market are always in high demand as they have easy access to many of the city’s main attractions including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House, Central Post Office, Bitexco Financial Towers and more. Be sure to book ahead of time.
As most of the visitors to the market are tourists, the prices here are usually inflated two or three times the regular asking price. Prepare to haggle until you get an acceptable price.
The earlier in the morning you visit, the better deal you will get. Sellers believe that the first customer of the day facilitates their sales for the rest of the day, thus making them more willing to lower the price to get their first customer. Sellers are also generally in better moods in the morning as they have yet to deal with an onslaught of customers.
Source: https://blog.inspitrip.com/5406/6-must-visit-saigon-markets/
