Ben Thanh Market Travel Guide - All You Need To Know
Ben Thanh Market is one of the significant symbols of Ho Chi Minh City. The market is well-known for its symbolic architecture and deep historical and cultural values. Therefore, it is an unmissable destination on a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, the Pearl of the Far East. Vietravel, the leading DMC in Vietnam, brings you a comprehensive guide to exploring this cultural and historical landmark.
Ben Thanh Market South entrance (Source: Cochin Hotel)
Where is Ben Thanh Market?
Ben Thanh Market is in Ben Thanh Ward, one of the earliest areas of Ho Chi Minh City having people living there. Its main entrance is right at the intersection of 4 main streets, which are Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao and Le Lai. As a result, the location is convenient for every trip you take to discover this vibrant city.
Address: (Ben Thanh Market on Google Map)
+ South entrance (main entrance): Le Loi Boulevard, Ben Thanh Ward
+ North entrance: Le Thanh Ton street, Ben Thanh Ward
+ East entrance: Phan Boi Chau street, Ben Thanh Ward
+ West entrance: Phan Chu Trinh street, Ben Thanh Ward
Open time:
+ Day market (Inside market): 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
+ Night market (Outdoor market): 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
+ The square in front of Ben Thanh Market main entrance is open 24/7. Visitors can come and check-in at any time.
The square in front of Ben Thanh Market with new decoration for the Tet holiday 2026 (Source: VietNamNet)
*Note: The fresh foods and ingredients vendors and stalls are opened earlier at around 4:00 AM.
The best time to visit Ben Thanh Market
Early morning
If you want to immerse yourself in the bustling daily life of the Vietnamese, then you should come in this time. That is the time when you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional market of the city. Everything from the scenes, the sounds, the smell, and the pace will capture your amazement.
Evening
After the sunset, Ben Thanh Market and its surrounding areas transform themself into a vibrant night market. Then, you will have street foods to enjoy and souvenirs to capture your memory about the city.
The History of Ben Thanh Market
The history of Ben Thanh Market associated itself with the development of Ho Chi Minh City. It has become the symbol of the city for many decades since its formation.
The old Ben Thanh Market was located at the Cho Vai (Charner) canal, now Nguyen Hue Walking street (Source: Tuoi Tre Online)
In the past, the Ben Thanh Market was situated at different places in the city that were close to the river. That is also a reason why the market is called Ben Thanh (Ben = port, quay; Thanh = city). Due to years of war, damage, and destruction, the market changed location multiple times. Finally, in the year 1912, the authority approved the site and design of the new market; and the construction was finished in 1914. This new market became the current Ben Thanh Market we see in the modern day. Throughout the years, Ben Thanh Market has been through many renovations. However, the main layout of the market and its bustling atmosphere still remain the same.
*Trivia: In 1971, Saigon (the old name of Ho Chi Minh City) regime had planned a mass reconstruction of Ben Thanh Market. The approved design was by architect Huynh Kim Mang, who planned to transform the market into a modern exterior. The new market also contains many new facilities and conveniences such as restaurants, children’s playgrounds, an underground parking lot, etc. However, the authority had not executed this plan and the market still kept its original design.
The new design of Ben Thanh Market was proposed in 1971 (Source: benthanhmarket.vn)
The Architecture of Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is famous for its distinctive French colonial architecture compared to other traditional markets. The market covers an area of around 13.000 square meters. The signature of it is the clock tower at the South main entrance, light-yellow paint and red roof. The design marked the changes of the city from an Eastern traditional city to a modern colonial urban area.
The market has, in total, 16 entrances with 4 main ones and 12 sub-entrances located at 4 sides of Ben Thanh Market. The South entrance on Le Loi boulevard is the most recognizable. It features the famous three-faced clock tower and bustling souvenir and textile stalls. The East entrance on Phan Boi Chau Street is famous for cosmetics and beauty products, while the West entrance on Phan Chu Trinh Street specializes in handicrafts, shoes, and souvenirs. The North entrance on Le Thanh Ton street is notable for its fresh flowers and tropical fruits.
In 1952, twelve ceramic relief panels designed by artist Le Van Mau were installed on the four sides of the market, with contributions from leading Bien Hoa ceramic artisans. Together, these architectural and artistic elements make Ben Thanh Market not only a vibrant trading center but also an important cultural and historical symbol of Ho Chi Minh City.
What to do at Ben Thanh Market
Discover many corners of the market and its surroundings
When visiting Ben Thanh Market, you should spend your time wandering around every corner of the market. Then you can immerse yourself into its lively ambience as well as taking photos to memorize this experience. Every step taken in the market will lead you to a new discovery about the lifestyle and culture of the local Vietnamese.
Try local dishes
Ben Thanh Market is an ideal place for tourists to enjoy plenty of Vietnamese dishes due to the variety of foods and drinks sold in this market. Having a meal or enjoying a drink between the hustle and bustle of the market will be an unforgettable experience for those who try. When reaching Ben Thanh Market, you should definitely try these dishes:
Bun moc: Bun moc is a Vietnamese rice noodle dish popular in many regions of the country. It contains pork meatballs served in a light yet naturally sweet broth, accompanied by fresh herbs and rice vermicelli noodles.
A bowl of bun moc in Ben Thanh Market (Source: VinWonders)
Banh beo: This is a traditional Vietnamese street food made from steamed rice flour, resulting in soft and delicate bite-sized cakes. Vietnamese usually enjoy the dish with minced shrimp, crispy pork cracklings, scallion oil and a flavorful sweet-and-savory fish sauce.
A portion of banh beo (Source: VnExpress)
Spring rolls: Also called “goi cuon”, is a light and refreshing dish made with rice paper wrapped around shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and lettuce. Unlike fried spring rolls, people serve “goi cuon” fresh, highlighting the natural flavors and textures of its ingredients. The dish is commonly paired with a rich peanut sauce or savory fish sauce for dipping.
Spring rolls
Snails and seafood: These dishes are often prepared with bold Vietnamese flavors such as garlic butter, tamarind sauce, chili, lemongrass, or scallion oil. One of the highlights of Vietnamese snails and seafood culture is the diversity of cooking styles, ranging from grilled and steamed dishes to stir-fried seafood served with flavorful dipping sauces.
Snails & other seafoods at Ben Thanh Market
Deserts: The market offers a colorful variety of traditional desserts, including sweet soups made with beans, jelly, coconut milk, lotus seeds, and tropical fruits, as well as cakes and pastries made from sticky rice, pandan, taro, and mung beans.
A deserts stall in Ben Thanh Market (Source: VnExpress)
Buy souvenirs and gifts
Inside and outside the market, you can see many stalls and vendors displaying souvenirs such as fridge magnets, keychains, handicrafts, etc. You can stop by one of those stalls to get some souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones.
Souvenirs in Ben Thanh Market
How to get to Ben Thanh Market?
Due to the ideal location, you can reach Ben Thanh Market easily from any part of the city and by many means of transportation:
Walking: If you reside in the city center, getting to the market on foot only takes you around 5 - 15 minutes.
Bus: Near Ben Thanh Market is the main bus station of the city, therefore, many buses in the city pass by or stop around the market, which only takes a few minutes walking. To reach your destination, you can take the bus number 01, 03, 04, 13, 18, 19, 20, 31, 36, 39, 44, 56, 65, 93, 102, D4, for instance. The bus fare is around 7.000 VNĐ - 10.000 VNĐ per turn.
Motorbike: This is how most people travel in the city. You can ride on your own if you have a license. Conveniently, around the market, there are a lot of parking lots with fees ranging from 10.000 VNĐ - 20.000 VNĐ per turn. If you haven't got a driver's license in Vietnam, you should book a motorbike taxi to ensure your comfort and safety.
Taxi or ride-hailing service: Taking a taxi or booking a ride through mobile apps is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to travel, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the busy streets of the city.
Metro: The Metro line 1 has a main station right at Ben Thanh Market. The fare is ranging from 7.000 VNĐ - 20.000 VNĐ.
Traveling tips at Ben Thanh Market
Bargain to get the best deals
Bargaining is a part of Vietnamese and other Asian countries' trading habits. The sellers are expecting the customers to bargain, so you should not hesitate to do so at the market. You should make a deal at around 10 - 15% of the announced prices by the sellers.
Wear comfortable clothings
There is no AC in the market and you will have to do a lot of walking. Therefore, you should put on something comfortable to have the best experience under the tropical climate.
Stay hydrated
Due to the tropical climate and walking for a long distance, visitors should bring a bottle of water. You can also buy water from the vendors in the market area. Furthermore, you should take regular breaks in shaded or indoor areas to stay comfortable and avoid exhaustion while exploring the market.
Look after your belongings
You need to make sure your belongings are in your sight and avoid bringing valuable items during your visit. Yours can be mistaken for someone else’s or might become a target for some pickpockets.
Conclusion
Eventually, Ben Thanh Market is not only a bustling shopping destination, but it is also one of the most iconic cultural and historical evidence of Ho Chi Minh City. With its distinctive clock tower, colonial-era architecture, vibrant food courts, and lively atmosphere, the market reflects the dynamic spirit and daily life of Vietnamese. Whether you are interested in local cuisine, traditional handicrafts, or street shopping, Ben Thanh Market offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city.
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