Ben Thanh Market isn’t just one of the busiest markets in Ho Chi Minh City; it’s a living symbol of Saigon’s spirit. Whether you’re coming to shop, eat, or simply absorb the atmosphere, this vibrant landmark remains one of the most beloved Ho Chi Minh attractions, blending history, culture, and flavor in one unforgettable stop.
Discover more 7 Best Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City in 2025.
Why Ben Thanh Market Is A Must-visit Ho Chi Minh Attractions
As one of Vietnam’s oldest and most famous markets, Ben Thanh Market is both a shopping paradise and a symbol of Saigon’s cultural heritage. Built during the French colonial era, its ochre-yellow facade and clock tower have become iconic sights for locals and tourists alike.
Located in the heart of District 1, the market is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and other popular Ho Chi Minh attractions, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the city.
Location
Address: Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ben Thanh Market sits at the intersection of four major streets:
- South entrance: Lê Lợi Boulevard / Quách Thị Trang Square
- North entrance: Lê Thánh Tôn Street
- East entrance: Phan Bội Châu Street
- West entrance: Phan Châu Trinh Street
Thanks to its central location, it’s just a short walk from other key Ho Chi Minh attractions such as Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the Saigon Opera House, and the Independence Palace.
Find Ben Thanh Market on Google Map.
Opening Hours
Day Market: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM
Night Market: 6:00 PM-10:00 PM
By day, Ben Thanh Market buzzes with energy as vendors sell everything from spices and silk to coffee and “nón lá”. By night, it transforms into an open-air dining haven with rows of sizzling food stalls, grilled seafood, and local desserts.
Travel Tip: Visit early morning for shopping, and come after sunset for street food and photography.
How to Get to Ben Thanh Market
Getting to Ben Thanh Market is easy thanks to its central position among top Ho Chi Minh attractions:
- By taxi or ride-hailing services: Simply type “Ben Thanh Market”, every driver knows it.
- By metro: The Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) stops directly at Ben Thanh Station, making it fast and convenient.
- By bus: The nearby Ben Thanh Bus Station on Hàm Nghi Street connects routes from across the city.
- On foot: If you’re exploring downtown, it’s just a 10-minute walk from Nguyen Hue Walking Street or Saigon Square.
What to Buy at Ben Thanh Market
Inside the 13,000-square-meter market, you’ll find a colorful mix of stalls and vendors offering almost everything imaginable.
Top items to shop for:
- Vietnamese coffee & spices: Fragrant souvenirs representing Saigon’s flavor.
- Textiles & clothing: From traditional áo dài fabrics to trendy T-shirts.
- Handicrafts & souvenirs: Lacquerware, bamboo goods, paintings, and jewelry.
- Local snacks & dried fruits: Perfect edible gifts.
- Fresh flowers & produce: A feast for the senses.
Tip: Bargaining is expected, but always with a smile. Vendors appreciate friendly negotiation.
The History and Architecture of Ben Thanh Market
Historical Roots
As a long-standing symbol of Saigon, Ben Thanh Market’s formation history is closely associated with the city’s development. Dated back to the early 17th century, street vendors gathered around near the Saigon River and formed an informal trading post. Due to its strategic location near the port and Gia Dinh Citadel, it was ideal for traders arriving by boat from the Mekong Delta. Its name, “Bến Thành,” derives from the words “harbor” (bến) and “citadel” (thành), reflecting this heritage.
In 1859, when the French took over Gia Dinh Citadel, the market was properly constructed and declared a formal establishment. Not until destroyed by fire in 1870, it was rebuilt as the market that we know today. Over a century later, Ben Thanh Market has not only been a bustling trading place but also a historical witness of the ups and downs of Saigon.
Architectural Highlights
Ben Thanh Market is not only a bustling hub of trade, it is also one of best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City and iconic landmarks, thanks to its distinctive French colonial architecture. Built in the early 20th century and covering nearly 13,000 square meters, the market is instantly recognizable for its yellow-ochre facade and the signature clock tower that rises above the south entrance. This clock tower has become a symbol of the city, featured in countless photographs, postcards, and travel guides.
The market’s classic yellow facade, red-tiled roof, and four grand entrances make it one of Saigon’s most photogenic sites.
Each of the market’s four main entrances, along with 12 sub-entrances, opens onto different streets and highlights a particular type of goods, creating a unique shopping experience.
- South Entrance (Le Loi Street): The main gateway, facing Quach Thi Trang Park, is marked by the iconic three-faced clock tower. This entrance welcomes visitors with vibrant displays of fabrics, textiles, and aromatic dried foods.
- East Entrance (Phan Boi Chau Street): A hotspot for beauty lovers, with stalls selling cosmetics, skincare, and hair care products.
- West Entrance (Phan Chu Trinh Street): Ideal for souvenir hunters, offering shoes, handmade crafts, and local trinkets.
- North Entrance (Le Thanh Ton Street): A colorful corner filled with fresh flowers and seasonal tropical fruits.
The market’s design reflects both practicality and charm. Its high dome-like ceiling and spacious walkways allow for natural ventilation and light, keeping the interior relatively cool and airy despite the city’s tropical climate.
Together, these entrances not only serve as gateways into the market but also showcase the diversity of goods that Ben Thanh is famous for. Beyond commerce, its unique design and cultural significance make the market a living monument of Saigon’s history and identity, one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.
Local Tips for Visiting Ben Thanh Market
- Bring cash: Many stalls don’t take cards.
- Go early: Fewer crowds, fresher products.
- Stay late: Enjoy the night market food scene.
- Watch your belongings: It can get busy.
- Be polite when bargaining: It’s part of the culture.
- Dress light: It’s warm and humid most days.
Why You Should Visit Ben Thanh Market
Beyond the shopping and food, Ben Thanh Market embodies the energy of Saigon: bustling, colorful, and endlessly fascinating. It’s more than a tourist spot; it’s where the city’s past and present coexist in a single heartbeat.
That’s what makes it one of the most memorable Ho Chi Minh attractions for travelers from around the world.
Discover more worth-visiting destinations in Ho Chi Minh: 7 Best Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
