Shopping in ho chi minh: what to buy & where to shop

Ben Thanh Market is one of the most popular attractions in Ho chi Minh thành phố Vietnam! Centrally located in District One, this massive single story market complex has everything that you could imagine. From clothing and street food khổng lồ knock off designer handbags and everything in between, this market is such an interesting place to explore. So is this famous Saigon market worth visiting, or is it just another tourist trap? Here’s everything you need khổng lồ know!

Pin For Later↓

About Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is the largest of its kind in Ho đưa ra Minh, & one of the most historic attractions in the city. The original market dates all the way back to the 17th century with the current building constructed in 1912.

Bạn đang xem: Shopping in ho chi minh: what to buy & where to shop

Most travelers stay nearby in District One lớn be close khổng lồ all the attractions. This makes Ben Thanh the ideal place khổng lồ visit in the morning or early afternoon.

The market is mở cửa from 7am until 6pm, & then spills out into an outdoor night market in the evening. Still, know that most of the kích hoạt takes place earlier in the day. If you’re heading to lớn Ben Thanh Market hungry definitely make sure you go before 3pm when the food stalls close!

While the shopping section does cater khổng lồ tourists, you will find a mixture of everything at Ben Thanh. Locals come here khổng lồ pick up there meat & produce, or even enjoy a meal alongside travelers.

→Ho bỏ ra Minh thành phố Vietnam: 15 Helpful Tips For First Time Travelers

Quick Tips For Ben Thanh Market

Haggle: While there are signs that say “set price” know that it’s always negotiable. Since this is considered the tourist Ho chi Minh market, the prices you’re being quoted will be typically higher than other places in the city. It’s perfectly acceptable to haggle here! Just keep in mind that this doesn’t apply at the food court.

Watch Your Valuables: Ben Thanh Market is safe to lớn visit. Yet, lượt thích any crowded area make sure to lớn take care of your valuables. That could mean locking your backpack, using a nhái wallet, or a money belt. If you don’t have any of these things you can easily pick them up at the Ben Thanh Market!

Don’t Get Lost: There are dozens of small lanes that cut through this Saigon market making it easy khổng lồ get disoriented. The food section is the only part of the market that stands out as different. Although you may want to stick together with your group, getting lost can be all part of the fun!

Do a Loop Before Buying: It’s hard to lớn understand how much shopping there is in Ben Thanh Market until you see it for yourself. While you might be tempted to lớn buy some items immediately, be sure to lớn take a loop first. Ask the prices on items so you get an understanding of what they’re going for. Then get a trò chơi plan before you try & buy!

Shopping at the Ho bỏ ra Minh Market

Trinkets:If you’re on holiday & looking lớn pick up anything in the tourist area this is the place! Traditional lamps, dining sets, và other antiques can all be found at Ben Thanh Market Vietnam.

Clothing: The clothing section at Ho bỏ ra Minh market is wild và definitely a place where you can switch up your style. Beyond the typical Vietnam tank tops, there is a large range of athletic wear, dresses, và more designer Adidas và Gucci then you’ll know what to do with.

Coffee:Looking to make your own Vietnamese coffee? Well, Ben Thanh Market has you covered! Tins of coffee are stacked high at multiple stalls where you can pick out a pre-packaged bean, or scoop some loose ones for yourself! There’s also plenty of traditional coffe sua da’s to enjoy at the many food stalls.

Flowers:From single stems khổng lồ fully arranged bouquets, this is the spot khổng lồ get your flowers! The colors will astound you & are a nice change from the other strange smells of the Ben Thanh Market.

Fruit & Veggies:Besides the prepared food section, this is the yummiest part of Ben Thanh. Tropical fruits from around Asia are for sale at extremely low prices. The only better deal you’ll find for fruit is if you buy from locals on bicycles right outside.

Meat & Fish: Get ready lớn plug your nose because the meat & fish sections are stinky! With actual food being so cheap in Vietnam there is no reason to buy anything from this area. Unless you’re strolling through lớn see what a skinned animal looks like, it’s probably best khổng lồ skip this part of the Ben Thanh Market.

Xem thêm: Giá Vé Show Diễn Ký Ức Hội An, Mua Vé 12/2022 Giá Rẻ Hơn 200K

Food at Ben Thanh Market Vietnam

Onto the good stuff! The food stalls are the holy grail of Ben Thanh Market. You can find everything from hot noodle soups to lớn iced coffee and the best traditional Vietnamese dishes. Many travelers come here just for the shopping & have no idea there is great food lớn be enjoyed!

Some stalls only serve one thing which makes your choice easy. Yet, others display their đứng đầu dish on a sign but have a little of everything. One of our favorite soups in Vietnam is Bún bò Huế so we usually go directly to the stand we know has it.

Don’t forget the drinks either! In the morning try a delicious cafe Sua da coffee. During the afternoon, a fruit shake is always nice to cool you down from the Ho chi Minh market heat.

→ Love the food in Vietnam but not sure where to start your eating adventure? Consider jumping on a street food motorbike tour!

Ben Thanh Market at Night

When the sun goes down the indoor market closes, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to lớn stop! Two parallel roads around the Ben Thanh Market are closed to traffic at night.

Here you’ll find several rows of stands set up with similar clothing và souvenirs for sale. We prefer the actual Ben Thanh Market which open during the day. However, this is still a cool alternative if you miss out on the morning or afternoon.

Is Ben Thanh Market Worth Visiting?

We think so! If you’re staying in District One definitely make a stop by here. To be clear, we don’t recommend coming khổng lồ Ben Thanh Market lớn actually go shopping. Since it is so popular the clothing & other trinkets will go for much higher prices than other places.

We typically would stop into the Ho chi Minh market for a quick breakfast or lunch before heading khổng lồ other parts of the city. Even if you’re not eating or shopping, it’s still an entertaining place khổng lồ explore và walk around. Ben Thanh Market is absolutely tourist. Yet, this historic symbol of the thành phố is still worth seeing.

kiểm tra out all our Vietnam articles to lớn help plan your trip! We cover everything from the best Vietnamese foodto 50 travel tips và how lớn get around. You can also find our Northern Vietnam & Southern itineraries as well as an amazing 1 month route!

→ Start Planning: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Ha Giang – Tam Coc – Phong Nha-Ke Bang – Da Nang – Hoi An – Mui Ne – Da Lat – Phu Quoc

Where lớn Stay In Ho bỏ ra Minh City

Ultra Luxury– Park Hyatt Saigon – In the upscale part of the thành phố sits the beautiful Park Hyatt, which acts as a retreat from the buzz of Saigon. Swim in the outdoor pool, relax in your upscale room, và enjoy the special touches that come with a luxury resort.

Xem thêm: Review Khu Du Lịch Bình Mỹ Củ Chi, Review Khu Du Lịch Sinh Thái Ven Sông Bình Mỹ

Fun Vacation – Fusion Suites Saigon – This khách sạn has a contemporary style và is completely unique to other places you will find in the city!

Boutique Hotel – Chez Mimosa Petite – Bright & fun rooms that are great for travelers on a budget. Located close to lớn the Fine Arts Museum the hotel offers không tính tiền bikes to lớn explore the city.

Budget Travel – City Backpackers Hostel – Also, it’s just a quick walk away from Bui Vien Street so you are in the popular các buổi tiệc nhỏ area!

Have any questions about this article or want to nói qua your own tips for Ben Thanh Market Vietnam? Let us know in the comments below!