Ben Thanh Market Guide
Saigon's most iconic market — bargaining tips, street food stalls, night market, and everything you need to know
Ben Thanh Market is the most famous market in Vietnam and the beating commercial heart of Saigon. Originally established as a street market by the Saigon River in the early 17th century, the current Art Deco building with its iconic clock tower was completed in 1914 and has been a symbol of the city ever since.
Inside the sprawling market hall, over 1,500 stalls sell everything from Vietnamese street food and tropical fruit to silk fabrics, lacquerware, coffee beans, and custom-tailored clothing. The market is a sensory overload of colors, aromas, and sounds — vendors calling out, woks sizzling, and the ever-present hum of commerce. After the main market closes at 6 PM, the surrounding streets transform into the Ben Thanh Night Market with hundreds of additional stalls selling food, drinks, and souvenirs under strings of lights. Whether you come to eat, shop, or simply soak in the atmosphere, Ben Thanh Market is an unmissable Saigon experience.
6:00-18:00
Market Hours
Free
Entry Fee
Morning
Best Time
1914
Year Built
Essential Information
The main indoor market is open 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily. Food stalls open earliest (around 6 AM), souvenir and clothing stalls by 8 AM. Entry is completely free. The night market runs from approximately 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM on the surrounding streets. The market is open every day including weekends and holidays, though some vendors take off during Tet (Lunar New Year).
Early morning (7:00-9:00 AM) for the freshest food stalls, cooler temperatures, and a more authentic local atmosphere before tourist crowds arrive. Mid-morning (9:00-11:00 AM) is ideal for shopping as all stalls are open but crowds are manageable. Avoid 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM when the market is hottest and most crowded. The night market (7:00-9:00 PM) is more relaxed with cooler temperatures and a festive atmosphere.
Located at the intersection of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao, and Le Lai streets in central District 1. The iconic clock tower is visible from blocks away. The Ben Thanh Metro station (Metro Line 1) is directly adjacent. By Grab, 15,000-30,000₫ from most District 1 locations. A 15-minute walk from Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Reunification Palace. The market is the geographic center of tourist Saigon.
Budget 1-2 hours for a thorough visit including both shopping and eating. The food section alone can take 30-45 minutes if you try multiple dishes from different vendors. Serious shoppers and bargain hunters may want 2-3 hours. For the night market, allow 1-1.5 hours for browsing and dinner. You can easily visit the daytime market and return for the night market on the same day — they offer quite different experiences.
What to See
Food Stalls and Wet Market
The heart of Ben Thanh Market is its legendary food section, where dozens of vendors serve authentic Vietnamese street food at communal tables surrounded by the sights, sounds, and aromas of a bustling Asian market. Must-try dishes include pho (beef noodle soup), bun bo Hue (spicy Hue-style noodle soup), banh xeo (crispy Vietnamese crepe filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts), goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), and che (Vietnamese sweet dessert soups). The wet market section sells fresh tropical fruit, vegetables, meat, and seafood that supply many of Saigon's restaurants. Prices at the food stalls are fixed and clearly displayed — no bargaining needed. A full meal with a drink costs 50,000-80,000₫. Arrive hungry and try dishes from multiple vendors for the full experience.
Night Market
When the main market closes at 6:00 PM, the surrounding streets transform into Ben Thanh Night Market — a sprawling open-air bazaar with hundreds of stalls lining the perimeter of the market building. The night market is more relaxed than the daytime market, with cooler evening temperatures and a festive atmosphere. Street food vendors set up plastic tables and chairs serving grilled seafood, banh mi, fresh fruit smoothies, and Vietnamese beer. Souvenir stalls sell clothing, accessories, handicrafts, and artwork at lower prices than inside the daytime market. The night market runs until approximately 11:00 PM and is particularly vibrant on weekends. Bargaining is expected — start at 40-50% of the asking price and work toward a fair middle ground.
Souvenir and Clothing Shopping
The main market building houses hundreds of stalls selling Vietnamese souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and handicrafts. Popular items include ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses, 300,000-800,000₫), silk scarves and fabrics, lacquerware boxes and trays, conical non la hats (50,000-100,000₫), hand-embroidered bags, bamboo and rattan homewares, Vietnamese artwork and prints, and custom-tailored clothing. The quality varies significantly between stalls, so examine items carefully before purchasing. Most vendors speak basic English and are experienced negotiators. Prices are not fixed — bargaining is expected and part of the experience. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 50-60% of the initial asking price for non-food items.
Coffee, Spices, and Specialty Goods
Vietnam is the world's second-largest coffee producer, and Ben Thanh Market is one of the best places to buy authentic Vietnamese coffee beans to take home. Look for robusta beans from the Central Highlands, weasel coffee (ca phe chon), and pre-ground Vietnamese coffee with chicory — prices range from 80,000-300,000₫ per 500g depending on quality. The spice section features Vietnamese cinnamon (some of the finest in the world), star anise, black pepper from Phu Quoc, dried chili, and pho spice packets that make excellent gifts for food lovers. Other specialty goods include nuoc mam (fish sauce) from Phu Quoc, cashew nuts from Binh Phuoc province, dried tropical fruits, and Vietnamese tea. These make the best souvenirs as they are lightweight, affordable, and authentically Vietnamese.
Photography Tips
Market Exterior and Clock Tower
The most iconic shot of Ben Thanh Market is from Le Loi Boulevard, capturing the distinctive Art Deco clock tower above the main entrance with the bustling roundabout in the foreground. The clock tower has been the symbol of Saigon since the market was built in 1914 and appears on countless postcards and travel guides. Early morning (6:30-7:30 AM) offers the best light on the front facade and captures the market as vendors are setting up their stalls. The roundabout with its constant stream of motorbikes provides dynamic foreground interest for long-exposure or motion-blur shots.
Interior Market Life
The market interior is a photographer's dream with vibrant colors, interesting textures, and compelling human subjects. The food section is particularly photogenic — steaming bowls of pho, vendors chopping fresh herbs, and the play of light through the market's high ceiling create wonderful compositions. Ask permission before photographing vendors directly — most are happy to oblige, especially if you buy something from them first. The textile and souvenir sections with their cascading fabrics and colorful merchandise create rich, layered images. Shoot with a wide aperture in the dimmer interior sections.
Night Market Atmosphere
The night market is atmospherically lit with strings of lights, neon signs, and the warm glow of food stalls. The contrast between the illuminated market building and the night market stalls creates compelling images. The busiest and most photogenic time is between 7:00-9:00 PM when the streets are packed with shoppers and diners. Smartphone cameras handle the night market lighting reasonably well, but a camera with good low-light performance will capture the atmosphere more faithfully. The food stalls with their steam and smoke are particularly evocative subjects.
Nearby Food & Cafes
Ben Thanh Street Food Market
The food section inside Ben Thanh Market itself is one of the best street food experiences in Saigon. Dozens of vendors serve authentic dishes at communal tables — try the banh xeo (crispy crepe) from stall 1432, the pho from the vendors near the center aisle, and the che desserts from the stalls near the east entrance. Prices are clearly displayed and fair (no bargaining needed for food). The market food section is busiest at lunch (11 AM - 1 PM) — visit mid-morning or mid-afternoon for a more relaxed experience with immediate seating.
Bep Nha Saigon
A charming restaurant on Ly Tu Trong Street, just a 5-minute walk from the market. Bep Nha Saigon serves traditional southern Vietnamese home cooking in a rustic, lantern-lit setting that feels like dining in a Vietnamese grandmother's kitchen. The menu features excellent com tam (broken rice), caramelized clay pot fish, tamarind crab, and fresh spring rolls. The set lunch menu is outstanding value at 120,000₫ for three courses. Air-conditioned interior provides a comfortable break from the market heat.
Secret Garden
Hidden on the rooftop of an old apartment building on Pasteur Street, about an 8-minute walk from the market. Finding the unmarked entrance and climbing the narrow staircase is an adventure in itself. The reward is a beautiful rooftop garden restaurant serving excellent Vietnamese home-style cooking with partial views over the District 1 rooftops. Try the pork ribs in claypot, the morning glory with garlic, and the banana flower salad. Popular with both locals and tourists — arrive before 6 PM for dinner to avoid a long wait. Cash only.
Pro Tips
Master the Art of Bargaining
Bargaining is expected at Ben Thanh Market for all non-food items. Start by asking the price, then counter with 40-50% of the asking price. Work toward a middle ground — 50-60% is usually fair for both parties. Always smile and keep it friendly. If the vendor will not budge, walk away — they will often call you back with a lower price. Never feel pressured to buy. Compare prices at several stalls before committing. Buying multiple items from one vendor gives you stronger negotiating leverage.
Eat at the Food Stalls
The food section inside Ben Thanh Market is one of the best and most authentic street food experiences in Saigon. Unlike the souvenir stalls, food prices are fixed and clearly displayed — no bargaining needed. Try dishes from multiple vendors: banh xeo from one stall, pho from another, and che dessert from a third. The food vendors use fresh ingredients and cook to order. Mid-morning (9:00-11:00 AM) is the best time — all vendors are open but the lunchtime rush has not started yet.
Visit Both Day and Night Markets
The daytime market (6 AM - 6 PM) and night market (6 PM - 11 PM) are two distinctly different experiences. The daytime market is the traditional indoor experience with food stalls, souvenirs, and clothing. The night market is an open-air street bazaar with a more relaxed, festive atmosphere, lower prices, and grilled seafood stalls. Plan to visit the daytime market in the morning for shopping and food, then return after dinner for the night market ambience. The transition period (5:30-6:30 PM) is interesting to watch as the market transforms.
Watch Your Belongings
Ben Thanh Market is generally safe, but it is Saigon's most crowded tourist area and petty theft can occur. Keep your phone in a front pocket or zipped bag — not in your hand where it can be snatched. Use a cross-body bag rather than a shoulder bag. Be especially vigilant in the narrow aisles of the indoor market where crowds press together. Leave unnecessary valuables at your hotel. The night market has wider aisles and feels more spacious, but the same precautions apply in any crowded area.
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