1. Where Is Ben Thanh Market?
Ben Thanh Market is located on Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The market is about 550 m southwest of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and about 8 km southeast of Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
2. How Is Ben Thanh Market Unique?
This is one of the famous markets in Saigon, located between Phan Chu Trinh, Phan Boi Chau, Le Thanh Ton and Quach Thi Trang Square streets. In front of the market is Ben Thanh station of Metro Line 1.
In addition, the market has a long history and is quite ancient, built in 1870, with a neoclassical design. They designed this market with a large clock located in the front position.
After more than 100 years of existence and development, Ben Thanh market is not only a place for urban people to trade. But also becomes a tourist destination that you should not miss when coming to Saigon. From the unique architecture of the market, the friendly vendors, to the diversity of goods, everyone wants to visit once.
Although the market has been moved twice, changed location. As well as built and repaired many times due to collapse and fire. Up to now, the market has been built spaciously and spaciously right in the center of Saigon. It still retains ancient and traditional architectural features.
3. When Is The Best Time To Visit Ben Thanh Market?
There are 2 very suitable times for you to visit Ben Thanh market, namely:
- From 7:30 am – 6 pm: If visitors want to visit and shop inside the market.
- After 7 pm: If visitors want to immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of the colorful stalls and cuisine at night.
The market area is quite large, plus many different stalls and areas. Therefore, it may take you 1 – 2 hours to visit the whole circle. Arrange the most reasonable start and end time for a complete tour.
4. How To Get To Ben Thanh Market?
Because the market is located right in the center of District 1, getting to Ben Thanh market is quite convenient. You can choose one of the following means of transport:
- By bus: Currently, there are many bus routes such as: 01, 02, 03, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, … with stops near the market. Therefore, you can take these bus routes to travel, then just walk for a few minutes to Ben Thanh market.
- By taxi: You can choose a traditional taxi or book a technology taxi on the application. The drivers will stop you right in front of the market gate. This form of transport is suitable for large groups, both safe and cost-effective.
- By car, motorbike: If you want to explore many other places of entertainment near Ben Thanh market. You can choose to rent a car or motorbike in Saigon, then look up Google Maps for directions to the market.
- By double-decker bus: In addition, with the Hop on Hop off bus in hand, you can not only visit Ben Thanh market but also countless famous places in Saigon.
5. Ben Thanh Market Opening Hours
According to regulations, the market is open from 07:00 to 22:00 every day. For holidays, Tet and other holidays, there will be separate announcements.
- Food and fresh food industries will be open from 04:00 am. Business stall owners and customers must comply with the regulations on daily opening and closing hours at Ben Thanh Market.
- At the same time, before 07:30 am every day, stalls must complete the arrangement of goods.
6. Origin Of The Name Of Ben Thanh Market
According to historical records, the name “Ben Thanh Market” is relating to the Bat Quai citadel built by Nguyen Vuong Nguyen Phuc Anh (King Gia Long). Accordingly, in 1788, after retaking Gia Dinh from the Tay Son army, Nguyen Vuong built a citadel to protect it.
In 1789, Bishop Pierre Pigneau de Behaine, after returning to Gia Dinh, used the money raised to buy warships, guns and ammunition, and recruited many French people. Who were good at engineering and weapons to help Nguyen Vuong build the citadel. The construction of Bat Quai Citadel began in 1789 and was completed in 1790.
The citadel has three sides bordering the river, including a wharf of Ben Nghe River located near the citadel. This wharf was used for soldiers and visitors to enter the citadel. So they called it Ben Thanh, meaning the wharf before entering the citadel. At the same time, there was also a market near the wharf and it was called “Ben Thanh Market”. Thus, the origin of the name “Ben Thanh Market” comes from here.
7. History Of Ben Thanh Market
The construction and development of the market is closely linked to the ups and downs of the Saigon – Cho Lon urban area. According to the official document published in the newspaper Le Nouvelliste Cochinchinois (Nam Ky Tan Bao) on March 31, 1914. The project to rebuild Ben Thanh Market appeared in 1894, but construction did not begin until 1912. Ben Thanh Market officially held its inauguration ceremony on March 28, 1914.
Initially, the market was located on the banks of the Ben Nghe River. In the period of 1833 – 1835, after the uprising of Le Van Khoi and the destruction of the Bat Quai citadel, the market was deserted. In 1859, after the French colonialists attacked Saigon, Ben Thanh Market was completely burned down. The French rebuilt the market at the old location in the 1860. After many repairs and renovations, the market has become more and more spacious.
In the early 20th century, the French rebuilt the new Ben Thanh market in its current location, with the South gate of the market having a symbolic clock. In 1952, when the market was renovated, 12 reliefs from the Bien Hoa Fine Arts Workshop were installed at the four market gates. Since then, this market has become a familiar image and a cultural memory of the people of Saigon.
Ben Thanh market has undergone many renovations and restorations. After a major renovation in 1985, from the market hall to the stalls, everything was renovated. Only the exterior architecture and the clock tower remained the same.
8. Entrances To Ben Thanh Market
The market has 4 main gates and 12 side gates radiating in 4 directions: East – West – South – North. Each gate sells different products to meet the shopping needs of customers.
- East Gate: The East Gate of the market is located on Phan Boi Chau Street, where all kinds of cosmetics and candies are sold.
- West Gate: Located on Phan Chu Trinh Street, this is a shopping paradise for women with many items from shoes, souvenirs to handicrafts.
- South Gate: This is also the main gate of Ben Thanh Market with the symbol of a three-sided clock tower, overlooking Quach Thi Trang Square. Inside the South Gate is where dried foods and fabrics are sold.
- North Gate: The North Gate is located on Le Thanh Ton Street, where visitors are attracted by stalls selling fresh flowers and fruits of all kinds and colors.
9. Discovering The Attractiveness And Excitement Of Ben Thanh Market
In order not to miss the most interesting experiences, let’s wander around Ben Thanh Market for a day to see what this market has to attract visitors.
9.1. Impressive architecture – attractive check-in point for tourists
When visiting Ben Thanh market, you will definitely be impressed by the unique architecture of this market. Similar to many early markets built by the French in Vietnam, Ben Thanh market has a sloping tiled roof architecture, thin, light concrete bones and arches.
Coming to this market, every corner can help you have sparkling pictures. However, the most valuable is still the background of the 3-sided clock tower at the South gate, below which is the words “Ben Thanh Market”. In addition, Bien Hoa ceramic paintings and ceramic reliefs installed from 1952 to the present also contribute to the beauty of the most famous market in Saigon.
9.2. Shopping paradise with diverse and rich goods
It is no coincidence that Ben Thanh market is famous as the shopping paradise of the people of Saigon. When you come here, you can find all kinds of items from popular to high-end. There are many stalls that attract many tourists to come and buy souvenirs. Such as: traditional conical hats, ceramics, woven baskets, bamboo paintings, bronze products, etc.
As the largest retail market in Ho Chi Minh City. When coming here, you will be overwhelmed by the diversity and richness of the items. From fashion, fine arts, handicrafts to household goods, electronics. When visiting the market, you can also find fabrics and garment accessories to design your own clothes.
In addition, Ben Thanh market is also a dried food paradise with all kinds of jams, cakes, dried seafood. Along with that are hundreds of fruits, agricultural products from the West, the South and some other regions. You don’t need to travel all over Vietnam, when coming to this market you can still enjoy specialties from all over the country. If you still don’t know where to buy Saigon specialties as gifts, Ben Thanh market is the most ideal choice.
9.3. Experiencing the vibrant and exciting Ben Thanh market at night
It would be a big mistake to come to Ben Thanh market without experiencing the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of the night market. The night market starts operating at 7pm and lasts until 10pm to meet the needs of customers for eating and shopping.
In addition to the crowded and fashionable stalls, Ben Thanh night market is also more bustling and “buzzing” with grilled food, seafood, beer and snack shops. Every night when the city lights up, locals and tourists gather here to enjoy delicious dishes and shop for their favorite items.
10. Specialties And Rustic Dishes When Visiting Ben Thanh Market
Food tour of Ben Thanh Market is always an interesting experience that any tourist who has the opportunity to visit Saigon does not want to miss. This market is a culinary paradise with a series of typical dishes of Saigon and other provinces. When coming here, you must definitely find and enjoy the “national” dishes here such as: banh beo, bun rieu, banh canh cua, ...
In particular, this market is also famous for its rich dessert menu with all kinds of desserts from Thai dessert, bean dessert, to durian with coconut water. If you are still wondering what to eat in Saigon, where to eat, then come to Ben Thanh Market to enjoy the attractive dishes below.
10.1 Hue Banh Beo
Hue Banh Beo at Ben Thanh Market is always on the top of list of restaurants. That you can not miss when visiting this famous market. When coming here, diners will be “enlightened” with a series of dishes with the flavors of the Central region. Such as: banh beo, banh nam, banh bot loc, … A portion of cake will be eaten with nem chua, cha lua and indispensable sweet and sour fish sauce that is extremely mouth-watering.
10.2 Bun rieu ganh
This is also one of the most popular noodle shops in Ben Thanh market. Bun rieu here has a typical flavor of the South, rich broth, natural red color and fragrant crab smell. A bowl of noodles includes a piece of sour rieu with firm meat, tofu and pig’s blood. With just that many toppings, diners will be “addicted” after just one bite.
10.3 Bun moc Thanh Mai
Bun moc Thanh Mai Ben Thanh market is a favorite restaurant of many locals. The attractive bowl of noodles has a full range of toppings including cha lua, cha que, ribs, meatballs, … presented skillfully and neatly. The broth here is simmered from bones, so it has a sweet taste. When enjoying, you can add a little fish sauce to enhance the aroma and make the dish more flavorful.
10.4 Che Be (Mrs Be sweet soup)
Che Be at the market has been around for more than 50 years, this is an ideal restaurant for diners who love sweets. Here you can find many delicious southern desserts, such as: banh lot, bean dessert, corn dessert, water chestnut dessert, etc. The desserts here are rated by diners as being sweet, fatty and fragrant, and not boring to eat.
10.5 Banh canh cua at stall 1301
When mentioning delicious restaurants in Ben Thanh market, you definitely cannot miss banh canh cua at stall 1301. According to the reviews of gourmet diners, the banh canh cua broth here has a standard flavor, thick and hot, with a fragrant crab smell. The crab meat is fresh, firm, and you will be “addicted” after just one bite.
11. Accommodation When Traveling To Ben Thanh Market
When traveling to this famous place, you can refer to some of the following accommodations:
- A&EM Hotel. Address: 179 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, HCMC.
- Sunshine Hotel. Address: 6/18 Cach Mang Thang 8, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, HCMC.
- Rosa Hotel & Spa. Address: 55 Thu Khoa Huan, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, HCMC.
- Saigon Hanoi Hotel. Address: 4b – 4c Thi Sach, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC.
- Bay Hotel. Address: 7A Ngo Van Nam, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC.
- Cozrum Homes Yoga Corner. Address: 283 Hoang Sa, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, HCMC.
- TN Central Hotel. Address: 22 Hai Ba Trung, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC.
- Luxy Park Hotel & Apartments. Address: 15B Tran Khanh Du, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, HCMC.
12. Some Other Famous Tourist Attractions Near Ben Thanh Market
There are many other interesting places to visit near the market. Therefore, you can combine your journey to explore Ben Thanh Market with the following places to add more experiences to your trip to Saigon.
12.1. Independence Palace
The Independence Palace is located right in the center of District 1, this is also one of the destinations that attracts tourists. When you come here, you will admire the ancient and modern architecture of the palace and check in with many ideal backgrounds. On major holidays or weekends, the Independence Palace is often crowded with visitors.
12.2. Notre Dame Cathedral
Not far from Ben Thanh Market is Notre Dame Cathedral, which is also one of the symbols of Ho Chi Minh City. People designed this building in a Romanesque and Gothic style. The interior of the cathedral is designed into a main nave, two secondary naves and two rows of chapels. This is a virtual living coordinate that attracts many tourists to check in.
12.3. War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum was established in 1975 and is located in District 3. This is a place specializing in researching, collecting and displaying evidence of crimes and consequences of wars of aggression against Vietnam. When you come here, you will be able to see with your own eyes artifacts, documents and films on many different topics. Such as: Prison regime, Outdoor weapons, Agent Orange, War crimes and Historical truths, …
12.4. Nguyen Hue walking street
When you come to Ben Thanh market, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Nguyen Hue walking street. This is a famous entertainment and dining spot that many locals and tourists loved extremely. In addition to freely checking in, you can also experience many dishes with the typical Saigon street cuisine. Such as: mixed rice paper, ice cream, bingsu, …
12.5. Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Opposite to the Independence Palace is the Zoo and Botanical Gardens – a park that preserves animals and plants with a large campus. This place is currently nurturing thousands of animals with many rare species. In particular, the green and fresh campus of the Zoo and Botanical Gardens is also a plus point that makes this place visited by many tourists.
13. Some Important Notes When Traveling To Ben Thanh Market
To have a complete journey to explore the market, saving costs. Remember to note some useful experiences below:
- The market area is quite large with many different stalls. Therefore, you should arrange your schedule and time to be able to explore and experience all the interesting things at the market.
- Ben Thanh Market mainly serves tourists, so the prices here are quite high. Before buying, remember to bargain to avoid buying goods at too high prices.
- Ben Thanh Market is always crowded and bustling. Therefore, please take good care of your belongings to avoid pickpockets, robberies, etc.
- The front of the market is a place with a lot of traffic, so when checking in here, observe carefully to ensure safety.
- You can freely visit the stalls in the market, but if you do not need to buy anything, do not touch the goods and put them down without buying. Because this will make the seller uncomfortable.
Ben Thanh Market is an interesting destination that you cannot miss on your journey to explore Saigon. When you come here, you can freely explore, experience shopping and enjoy countless attractive dishes.
With updated and useful information about travel experiences in Ho Chi Minh City. That Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator, has just shared in the above article. Hopefully, it will help you have a Saigon tour to explore this ancient and vibrant market with the most complete experiences.
