Things to Do at Ben Thanh Market
Complete Guide to Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City
About Ben Thanh Market
What to See & Do
Food Court Section
The market's beating heart - a cluster of stalls in the center serving pho (VND 40,000-60,000), banh xeo (VND 30,000-50,000), bun thit nuong, com tam, and fresh spring rolls. Point at what looks good. The broken rice stalls near stall 1070 are the best. Sit on a plastic stool, eat fast, and move on - the turnover keeps the food fresh
Textile and Clothing Stalls
Silk ao dai dresses (VND 500,000-1,500,000 depending on quality and bargaining), tailored shirts and suits, linen clothing, and fabric by the meter. Quality varies enormously - check seams and fabric weight before agreeing. Custom tailoring takes 24-48 hours. Compare prices at multiple stalls before committing
Spice and Coffee Vendors
The north section sells Vietnamese robusta and weasel coffee (VND 80,000-300,000 per kg), star anise, cinnamon bark, dried chili, and pho spice packs. Prices are 50-70% cheaper than airport shops. The coffee vendors will grind to order and let you smell before buying. Buy beans, not ground - they last longer
Souvenir Section
Lacquerware boxes, conical hats (non la) for VND 30,000-80,000, propaganda poster prints, silk lanterns, and carved wooden items. Quality ranges from genuine craft to mass-produced tourist tat. The lacquerware at stalls near the south entrance tends to be better quality. Start bargaining at 40% of the asking price
Night Market (Evening)
After the indoor market closes at 6:00 PM, the surrounding streets erupt with food stalls, clothing vendors, and beer hoi spots. Grilled squid VND 30,000-50,000, banh mi VND 20,000-30,000, fresh beer VND 10,000 per glass. The atmosphere is better than inside - open air, neon lights, and locals actually eating here. Runs until 11:00 PM
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Daily 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (indoor market), Night market starts around 6:00 PM and runs until late
Tickets & Pricing
Free entry to browse, but bring cash for purchases. Most vendors accept Vietnamese dong, and some take USD
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (7-9 AM) for authentic local atmosphere, or evening (6-8 PM) for the night market experience. Avoid midday if you're not fond of crowds
Suggested Duration
2-3 hours for a thorough browse, though you could easily spend half a day here if you include meals and serious shopping
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
A beautiful French colonial building just a 5-minute walk away. Even if you don't catch a show, the architecture is worth admiring from the outside.
The city's pedestrian boulevard comes alive in the evenings with street performers and food vendors. It's particularly lovely at sunset.
Another gorgeous French colonial building designed by Gustave Eiffel. You can actually still send postcards from here, which feels wonderfully old-fashioned.
The red brick cathedral is currently under renovation, but the square around it is still worth a visit for people-watching.
The city's tallest building offers panoramic views from its Skydeck. It's pricey, but gives you a great sense of Ho Chi Minh City's sprawling scale.